A dark horse, Nikola Jokic, won the MVP award last season, and here are five more dark horses to consider for the hardware in 2021-22. 

Nikola Jokic would have been thought of a darkish horse candidate for the NBA MVP Award previous to the start of final season. But the Serbian large man took house the {hardware} that so many within the league try to win 12 months after 12 months.

In 2021-22, your typical candidates are Jokic, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Steph Curry, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. After that group, any leaguewide All-Star of their prime may find yourself being awarded the MVP award if they’ve profession years.

Listed here are my 5 darkish horse candidates to win the KIA NBA MVP Award within the 2021-22 NBA season.

#5 Paul George

Paul George goes to have to hold the Los Angeles Clippers by way of Kawhi Leonard’s absence this upcoming season. George has acquired an amazing quantity of ridicule the previous few seasons, regardless of often performing nicely in each the playoffs and the common season.

Most individuals appear to be prepared for the Clippers to take a notable step again in Kawhi’s absence. If Paul George can stay constant all through the season and carry the Clippers to the highest three seeds within the Western Convention, he may discover himself garnering MVP consideration.

It is easy to overlook that in 2018-19 George completed third in MVP voting behind James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. When wholesome and at peak efficiency, Paul George deserves to be talked about with one of the best within the recreation.

#4 Chris Paul

It is stunning that Chris Paul’s identify wasn’t talked about within the MVP dialog extra usually final season. The Phoenix Suns have been often on the backside of the Western Convention previous to Paul’s arrival and he was a serious facet of their Finals run.

With that playoff marketing campaign nonetheless contemporary in folks’s minds, Paul may garner consideration if Phoenix finishes close to the highest of the Western Convention. Whereas wholesome, it might be argued that Paul is one of the best level guard in basketball, and his averages final season have been definitely nothing to scoff at.

The 6’0″ veteran tallied 16.4 factors, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per recreation final season. He did so whereas taking pictures 49.9 % from the sphere, 39.5 % from three, and a league-leading 93.4 % from the free-throw line.

If Paul stays wholesome, is a league-leader in assists, and captains the Suns to a formidable file, then he may discover himself in consideration for MVP.