NBA Power Rankings: Each team’s Most Valuable Player

Steph Curry: Last year’s MVP is putting up even better numbers in 2015-16. With the Warriors poised to set the NBA record for most wins in a season, Curry is a lock to repeat as MVP.

Kawhi Leonard: The Spurs added superstar LaMarcus Aldridge, but Leonard is still their most valuable piece. From his efficient offence to lockdown defence, the 24-year-old is as complete a player as they come.

LeBron James: Always in the league MVP race, LeBron is the Cavs’ leader on the court (and maybe on the sidelines, too). Cleveland goes as he goes.

Russell Westbrook: Westbrook has always been the second name you think of when someone mentions the Thunder, but he’s changed that this year thanks to his seemingly nightly triple-doubles. Sorry, Kevin Durant.

Kyle Lowry: Honourable mention to DeMar DeRozan, but Lowry’s combination of scoring and playmaking is what makes the Raptors tick. It’s no coincidence Toronto is 0-3 when he is out of the lineup.

Chris Paul: With Blake Griffin missing a massive chunk of the year, it fell mainly on Paul to keep the Clippers in the upper echelon of the Western Conference. The point guard responded to the task, and has posted his third straight 19+-point, 10+-assist season.

Paul Millsap: As steady as they come up front, Millsap shines on both ends of the floor. The Hawks are looking dangerous entering the playoffs and Millsap will be a load for opposing teams to deal with.

Kemba Walker: The Hornets are still in the hunt for the Eastern Conference’s third seed, and it’s mainly due to Walker. The former UConn star has taken his game to the next level, averaging better than 21 points and five assists per game. He’s also improved his three-point stroke considerably.

Isaiah Thomas: The youthful Celtics are going to be a force to be reckoned with down the road. Thomas is currently their most dynamic player, earning his first all-star berth this season.

Damian Lillard: One of the best stories of the season, Portland has been able to stay competitive out West because of Lillard. He’s embraced being ‘The Guy’ and you never know when he’s going to go off for 50 points.

Dwyane Wade: Miami was dealt a big blow when Chris Bosh was sidelined with blood clots for the second consecutive year. An aging Wade has stepped up and is hungry for another run at the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Andre Drummond: Drummond has appeared in every game for the Pistons thus far, averaging 16.5 points and a league-best 14.9 rebounds per game. Now, about that free-throw percentage…

Paul George: After injury forced him out of all but six games a year ago, George came back stronger than ever, more than likely making the Pacers a playoff team in the East.

Dirk Nowitzki: At the age of 37, Dirk is still getting buckets. Unfortunately the supporting cast has not lived up to expectations and the Mavericks will have to scratch and claw to keep their spot in the playoffs.

Gordon Hayward: Hayward has been an ironman for the Jazz this season, leading the team in scoring and hitting some timely shots. He also has Utah firmly in the playoff hunt, which could help accelerate the team’s contending window.

Marc Gasol: Gasol only managed to suit up for 52 games this season before undergoing foot surgery. The Grizzlies miss his stout defence, strong offensive interior presence, and passing out of the post. Losers of six straight, Memphis will be hard-pressed to find playoff success without its anchor.

James Harden: On the whole, the Rockets have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. The same can’t be said for Harden, who’s putting up career-highs in minutes, points, rebounds and assists per game.

Jimmy Butler: Arguably the best two-way wing player in the league, Butler is turning in another spectacular season for the injury-plagued Bulls.

John Wall: Wall is one of only four players that dishes out at least 10 assists per night. He’s also an elite scorer, but it doesn’t look like it’ll be enough to carry the Wizards into the post-season.

Nikola Vucevic: Vucevic has seen his minutes per game drop by three this season, which is strange for a team like the Magic, who are trying to give their youngsters as much burn as possible. He’s still putting up big numbers and remains the best player in Orlando.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak has thrived since Jason Kidd gave him the reins to the offence and made him a point forward. The Bucks plan to use Antetokounmpo as their starting point guard next season, so he could be poised for even bigger things. Scary.

Danilo Gallinari: Injuries have consistently bothered him throughout his career, and that has been the case this year as well. When he was able to take the court, he was good for 20 points per game.

DeMarcus Cousins: Cousins is still known for the drama that seems to surround him at every turn, but he’s been a beast for the Kings this year. He’s developed a decent three-point touch and has upped his scoring to 27 points per game. Not bad, Boogie.

Anthony Davis: Things didn’t work out as planned for the Pelicans this year, but they still have Davis, the best overall big man in the game, under contract for the foreseeable future.

Kristaps Porzingis: Carmelo Anthony is still New York’s best player, but Porzingis gets the nod here. The rookie burst on the scene after getting booed on draft night, and has now become a pop culture icon. On the court, he’s averaging 18.1 points and 9.3 boards per 36 minutes. The Knicks can truly be excited for the future with this kid leading the way.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns has managed to exceed the lofty expectations placed on him after being drafted first overall. He’s already a load for opposing bigs to handle, and he’s the reigning Skills Competition champion.

Brook Lopez: Lopez has been shut down for the remainder of the season, but put together a strong campaign in which he averaged 20.6 points and 7.8 rebounds a night.

Eric Bledsoe: Bledsoe’s 20.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game are all the highest of any Suns player. The problem? He only managed to dress for 31 games.

Jordan Clarkson: There probably isn’t anyone deserving of the title ‘Team MVP’ on the hapless Lakers, but we’ll reluctantly give it to Clarkson. He logs the most minutes on the roster and scores more than anyone not named Kobe Bryant.

*crickets