NBA All-Star Game 2015: Top Contenders for Game's Most Valuable Player
Although it is technically just an exhibition, NBA players take the All-Star Game seriously.
Not only is pride on the line as the two conferences fight hard to earn a victory but just about everyone on the court dreams of taking home the Most Valuable Player award. Although not as prestigious as the season-long MVP, the trophy indicates that for at least one game, you were the best of the best.
With players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal taking home multiple MVP awards in recent years, it makes sense young players would like to join this group.
The question is: Which players have the talent as well as the drive to win it this time around? Here is a look at the top candidates to have a huge performance Sunday night.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Few people are going to argue against Kevin Durant's talent. The league's reigning MVP has been one of the best two players in the league over the past few years and can score as well as anyone out there.
However, that hasn't stopped people from questioning whether the forward deserves a spot on the All-Star roster after missing much of the first half of the season due to injury. Between his time off and his reduced numbers compared to what we are used to seeing, you could easily make an argument on behalf of others who will be watching at home.
The problem is Durant doesn't care what you think and believes he deserves to be playing in New York City. He recently challenged all those who doubt him, via Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman:
This shows how much he really cares about representing his team at the All-Star Game. If you were questioning whether he can still score like he used to, he answered that as well with 40 points Monday night on 13-of-19 from the floor.
A player with his talent competing with a chip on his shoulder is a scary thing.
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
This certainly qualifies as a sleeper, especially considering many around the league don't even know who Kyle Lowry is. After eight years in the league, however, he is finally showing the world what he can do.
The veteran point guard has transformed himself from an energy player off the bench into a legitimate star for one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. He has the ability to rack up points and assists in any game, especially while getting starter's minutes in this one.
Considering the Raptors don't get too many nationally televised games, this will be a great chance for Lowry to truly announce himself to the world.
Additionally, the point guard has excelled by going hard every single game. Kevin Rashidi of Canada.com believes this will continue in the All-Star Game:
The East team definitely has bigger stars in LeBron James and John Wall, but don't forget about the Toronto star looking to show he belongs.
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
As long as Anthony Davis plays, it's hard to bet against him taking home this prestigious award.
Although there was some concern a recent shoulder injury would keep him out for the weekend, Ben Golliver of SI.com reports the big man will play:
This is a good thing because when healthy, Davis is truly one of the best players in the NBA. The 21-year-old forward was the star attraction in a loaded roster at the FIBA World Cup and kept the momentum going during the year as he averages 24.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.
Magic Johnson recently had some high praise for the youngster:
Considering all he does for a team that otherwise lacks elite talent, he should be able to succeed even more in an All-Star environment. He will show off his full game in front of the nation and be a top contender for the game's MVP.
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