As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the MVP conversation is already well underway. While the usual contenders, Nikola Jokić, Luka Doncicand Giannis Antetokounmpo, dominate the odds, Bleacher Report has recently highlighted several “dormant” candidates, including The Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard has been voted Finals MVP twice, but has never won the regular season MVP award. This season, however, he could make a serious run at that title. Leonard’s odds are +10,000, which puts him tied for 14th with the Cleveland Cavaliers guard. David Bowie.
Health remains a crucial factor 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 top talents, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season despite playing alongside three other future Hall of Fame talents. With Paul George departing as a free agent to the Philadelphia 76ers, Leonard should have a heavier load for the Clippers.
Kawhi was on a mission, scoring 32 points and leading the @LAClippers ahead of the Timberwolves, first in the standings! pic.twitter.com/ZUgUAhFsnL
— NBA (@NBA) March 3, 2024
The Clippers’ success will be crucial to Leonard’s MVP chances. FanDuel estimates their win total at 40.5, down from 51 last season. If Leonard can keep the Clippers in the playoff race and get close to 50 wins, his MVP odds will increase. However, the stacked landscape in the Western Conference will make that difficult.
James Harden’s retention at point guard should also benefit Leonard. With Harden as the distributor, Leonard should be able to put the ball in his favorite spots, maximizing his scoring efficiency without facing too much pressure from the defense despite George’s departure.
At 33, Leonard’s health remains a concern, but if he can stay on the court, his inclusion as a surprise player would seem like a good fit. A strong season could finally add a regular-season MVP to Leonard’s likely Hall of Fame resume.
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