The All-Star Game is just four days away and we are poised to witness the world’s best basketball talent take the court in what is predicted to be an entertaining, back-and-forth contest. From LeBron James to Kevin Durant to Chris Paul, there is no shortage of stars to see. Either the Eastern Conference or Western Conference will emerge victorious and only one player can earn the prestigious Most Valuable Player honor. Who will it be?
Check out the top five candidates below:
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5. Kyrie Irving
All-Star Selections: 2013, 2014
Though the Cleveland Cavaliers are enduring a dysfunctional season and while some of the blame should certainly be placed on their young star, Kyrie Irving is still a talented point guard who was voted as an All-Star starter–and for good reason. He is a wizard with the basketball in his hands, constantly dribbling and driving past defenders, making them look straight up silly in the process. In case you forgot what he did to Brandon Knight in last year’s Rising Stars Challenge, check it out:
Irving’s style of play fits the All-Star Game, which is an up-and-down, fast-paced atmosphere. At just 21 years of age, he still has his best years ahead of him as he continues to adjust and work on his game. Currently, the former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 21.4 points and 6.3 assists per game and has gone off in a few of his games, including an explosion of 40 points, nine assists and four steals against the Atlanta Hawks on December 26.
4. Paul George
All-Star Selections: 2013, 2014
Paul George has led the Indiana Pacers to the second-best record in the league and the one seed in the Eastern Conference–and is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. His ability to soar toward the rim and punish the basket, combined with his shooting talent, makes him a lethal offensive weapon. The 23-year-old is also participating in Saturday night’s Slam Dunk Contest, which almost guarantees jaw-dropping jams. Check out his top 15 dunks, by fellow Dime Writer Dan Ingham.
3. Stephen Curry
All-Star Selections: 2014
Stephen Curry’s capability to shoot the ball from virtually any spot on the court at any given time allows him opportunities to rack up points in a short span. In a game that regularly lacks stellar defense (last season’s contest totaled 281 points), the Golden State Warriors star may be able to flourish on basketball’s biggest stage.
In 49 games this season, the 25-year-old has drained 167 three-pointers, which leads the league by 17. Below is Curry’s season shot chart from beyond the arc.
2. LeBron James
All-Star Selections: 2005-2014
One of the most gifted athletes to ever step on a basketball court, LeBron James already has two All-Star Game MVP awards to his name (2006 and 2008) and is also one of the most competitive players in the league–even in more light-hearted environments like the All-Star Game. James possesses the physical tools to get to the basket whenever he pleases and has the outside talent to score farther away from the bucket as well.
At 29, James is in the prime of his Hall of Fame career and is shooting 57.2 percent from the field, good for fourth in the league and best among all non-centers and power forwards. James also shoots 75.9 percent on all transition plays this season, which accounts for 67.6 percent of the Miami Heat’s points during these quick possessions (according to mySynergySports). This is something the Miami Heat have thrived on in recent seasons. In the upcoming game, there will be turnovers and chances to run the fast break, where James is unstoppable–not to mention he will have teammate Dwyane Wade playing right beside him.
1. Kevin Durant
All-Star Selections: 2010-2014
The league’s leading regular season MVP candidate also has the best chance to take home All-Star Game MVP honors for the second time in the last three years. Kevin Durant has evolved into the NBA’s purest scorer, with the ability to score in a variety of ways while sinking tough shots and making it look simple. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is averaging a league-best 31.2 points per game, while also shooting 51.3 percent from the field.
In a recent span of 13 games, Durant dropped at least 40 points four times–a milestone reached more than any other player throughout the entire season. On January 17 in a 127-121 win over the Golden State Warriors, he scored a season-high 54 points to lead his team, adding six assists, two steals and one block.
The Western Conference is attempting to win its fourth straight All-Star Game, and seems to consistently contain the right formula to best the East. With KD acting as the catalyst once again, look for him to take home the hardware.
Who do you think will win MVP?
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