OKC Thunder Preseason Previsions: How a perfect storm could result in Paul George winning MVP

Examining Other MVP candidates

Before determining how likely, or unlikely George’s chance at MVP is, it’s vital to examine his fellow most valuable player contenders, starting with the award front-runner: LeBron James.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

LBJ took his talents to the Western Conference this summer. Shortly after the narrative quickly began to build that LeBron could win his 5th MVP. Yet, outside of when Westbrook won the award in 2017, seeding has historically mattered when determining the leagues most valuable player.

Not including Westbrook, the last time a player won MVP on a team placing lower than the two seed, was Michael Jordan in 1988, his Bulls were the three seed. LBJ could compete for the award, but unless voters look the other way as they did for Westbrook it is unlikely LeBron actually wins the award.

Another popular MVP candidate is Durant. Yet, it’s feasible KD will continue suffering from the same effect he did while he was in OKC with Westbrook. Playing alongside a fellow super star Steph Curry and fellow All-Stars Klay Thompson & Draymond Green takes away from individual shine.

As for Harden, it is incredibly difficult to win back-to-back MVP’s. Along with the additions of Carmelo Anthony, Marquese Chriss, and Brandon Knight, coupled with the subtractions of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute the Rockets are primed for some regression.

Other MVP contenders include Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. At this point, it is uncertain that Davis and his Pelicans will compete for a playoff spot in the stacked west. It remains to be seen whether Antetokounmpo and his Bucks are ready to take the next step in a LeBron free Eastern Conference.

Each MVP contender holds a list of pros and cons including George. Once the season begins the candidates will officially embark on their season-long MVP quests.

In conclusion, when George first arrived in Oklahoma City behind a fence at the airport a group of fans started to chant ‘PG OKC’. During the 2018 NBA playoffs after George dubbed himself ‘Playoff P’ fans inside the Peake would chant the nickname while George would shoot free throws.

Assuming that George puts together a season worthy of being named the leagues most valuable player, chants of ‘PG MVP’ will surely fill the Peake in the spring of 2019.