Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, the MVP discussion is already in full swing. While the usual contenders, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, dominate the odds, Bleacher Report recently highlighted several “sleeper candidates,” including Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard is a two-time Finals MVP but has never won the regular season MVP award. However, he could be in serious contention for the award this season. Leonard’s odds are +10,000, which puts him in a tie for 14th place with the Cleveland Cavaliers guard. Donovan Mitchell.
Health remains crucial for Leonard, who played 68 games last season and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. When healthy, he remains one of the NBA’s best talents, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season despite playing alongside three other future Hall of Fame talents. Following Paul George’s free agent move to the Philadelphia 76ers, Leonard is expected to carry a larger load for the Clippers.
Kawhi was on a mission, scoring 32 PTS and leading the @LAClippers past the Timberwolves in first place! pic.twitter.com/ZUgUAhFsnL
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2024
The Clippers’ success will be crucial to Leonard’s MVP chances. FanDuel projects their win total to be 40.5, up from 51 last season. If Leonard can keep the Clippers in the playoff race and reach 50 wins, his MVP value will increase. However, the stacked Western Conference will make this difficult.
The fact that James Harden will remain the team’s point guard should also benefit Leonard. Harden distributes the ball, so Leonard will likely get the ball in his preferred spots and be able to maximize his scoring rate despite George’s departure without putting too much pressure on the defense.
At 33, Leonard’s health is still an issue, but if he can stay on the court, his inclusion as a dark horse is a good bet. A strong season could finally add a regular-season MVP to Leonard’s likely Hall of Fame resume.
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