After three and a half months of basketball, and a crazy trade deadline, the NBA has finally arrived at the All-Star break. I had a feeling the trade deadline was going to be big, so I opted to wait one week to write the 3rd edition of my NBA rankings. Turns out it was a good decision, as there were over 15 trades, and plenty of them included playoff/title contenders. While there was a shake-up of players, the teams at the top of the conferences have not changed. The Warriors are still red-hot, and despite losing on Wednesday to Portland, they are still a favorite/lock to make the Finals. The Nuggets are still within striking distance, but the OKC Thunder and Paul George are right on their heels for the #2 seed. The Bucks and Raptors both made huge acquisitions at the deadline and continue to battle for the top spot in the East, while Philly made a big move of their own to try and stay in the top four.

So let’s get to the candidates for MVP. As usual, I have broken down and ranked each candidate 1-10, but this time, we are starting at number 10 … add a little suspense as you scroll. I’ve also kept the “shout outs” section for the players that have been balling over the last few weeks but are not MVP candidates. I also have added some advanced stats for the MVP candidates, and I’ve explained the meaning of each at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!

Prev : Jan 24 | Jan 9

Note: MVP rankings will come out every 2 weeks until the season ends.

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Shout Outs

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Latest MVP Rankings

Stats Through: Feb 14, 2019

Honorable Mention – Anthony Davis, C

New Orleans Pelicans, 26-33, 13th in West
Prev: 3 ↓

GP	PTS	REB	BLK	STL
45	28.1	12.9	2.6	1.6

Even though the Pelicans thoroughly stink, I wanted to include AD in what will probably be his last time in the MVP rankings this season. He missed most of the last three weeks with a finger injury, and now that the deadline has passed, the Pels management team wants nothing more than to shut Davis down for the rest of the year. AD has come back and played, but just injured his shoulder on Thursday, and who knows how long he is out for, or if he can even play in the All-Star game.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
30.54	28.8	53.1	59.5	+4.7

The situation in New Orleans is near the boiling point, and it will take a God-like performance from AD to pull the Pelicans from the depths of the Western Conference. AD’s time as a Pelican is about to be over, but hopefully, he can leave a couple more lasting memories on the court for the New Orleans faithful.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 4 games – 2 Win, 2 Losses, 7 DNP (2-5)

Stats: 15.8 pts, 8.8 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.3 blk, 24.7 min

Shooting: 21-42 FG (50%), 1-4 3PT (25%), 20-26 FT (76.9%)

Extra: 1 double-double, +4.5 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	BLK
2/14 OKC, W	14	4	1
2/12 Orl, L	3	6	3
2/9 at Mem, L	14	16	2
2/8 Min, W	32	9	3
2/6 at Chi, W	DNP
2/4 Ind, L	DNP
2/2 at SA, L	DNP
1/30 Den, L	DNP
1/29 at Hou, W	DNP
1/26 SA, L	DNP
1/24 at OKC, L	DNP

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10. Russell Westbrook, PG

Oklahoma City Thunder, 37-20, 3rd in West
Prev: NR ↑

GP	PTS	REB	AST	STL
48	21.2	11.1	11.2	2.2

The former MVP is having one of his better statistical seasons to date, but his efficiency has really fallen off, which is why he has been absent from this list … until now. Enter Russell Westbrook, one of the most energetic and athletic forces in the NBA. Even after multiple surgeries, Westbrook continues to just attack. This season has been no different, he is averaging a triple-double for the third consecutive year (remember when that used to be a big deal), and has allowed Paul George to blossom while still putting up insane numbers.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
20.14	30.0	44.0	47.8	8.0

Over the last few weeks, Westbrook is not just averaging a triple-double, he is averaging an insane triple-double — almost 14 rebounds and 14 assists a game! Say what you want about his stat padding, or whatever it is, but goodness gracious, have you ever tried to grab 14 rebounds in an NBA game? Try grabbing 14 rebounds in NBA 2K, or at your local park. IT AINT EASY! While Westbrook’s offensive efficiency is missing, his defense is as good as ever. Russy’s won’t win the MVP this year, but let’s not take anything away from the amazing season he is having.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 8 Wins, 2 Losses

Stats: 21.2 pts, 13.6 reb, 13.5 ast, 1.5 stl, 5.0 tov, 36.3 mpg

Shooting: 76-180 FG (42.2%), 12-43 3PT (27.9%), 48-73 FT (65.8%)

Extra: 10 Triple-Doubles, +2.1 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/14 at NO, L	44	14	11
2/11 Por, W	21	14	11
2/9 at Hou, W	21	12	11
2/7 Mem, W	15	13	15
2/5 Orl, W	16	15	16
2/3 at Bos, L	22	12	16
2/1 at Mia, W	14	12	14
1/29 at Orl, W	23	14	14
1/27 Mil, W	13	13	11
1/24 NO, W	23	17	16

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9. Nikola Jokic, C

Denver Nuggets, 39-18, 2nd in West
Prev: 8 ↓

GP	PTS	REB	AST	STL
56	20.4	10.6	7.7	1.4

Nikola Jokic is quietly having one of the best all-around seasons a big man has ever had, well a big man not named Kareem or Wilt. The Joker has been balling all season long and has the Nuggets within 2 games of the Warriors at the break. Jokic has done a little bit of everything this season, and he has 12 triple-doubles on the year. He is essentially the Nuggets point guard, runs the show offensively, and is extremely efficient, especially for a player of his size.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
27.06	27.1	54.1	59.1	+7.3

Over the past few weeks, Jokic has turned the scoring up a notch, pushing his total over 23 a game, all while still grabbing over 12 boards a night and dishing out 8 assists. Jokic topped off the Nuggets first half by getting a triple-double and tipping in the game-winner on Wednesday night. The hill on MVP-mountain is a steep climb for Jokic, but he has a slim chance, especially if the Nuggets can catch the Warriors (doubtful) and if Jokic keeps up his awesome play (likely).

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 7 Wins, 3 Losses, 1 DNP (1-0)

Stats: 23.1 pts, 12.2 reb, 8.1 ast, 1.7 stl, 3.4 tov, 33.4 min

Shooting: 61-120 FG (51%), 9-33 3PT (27%), 32-37 FT (87%)

Extra: 7 Double-Doubles, 5 Triple-Doubles, +6.0 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/13 Sac, W	20	18	11
2/11 Mia, W	23	12	4
2/8 at Phi, L	27	10	10
2/6 at Bkn, L	25	14	10
2/4 at Det, L	16	3	4
2/2 at Min, W	13	16	10
2/1 Hou, W	31	13	9
1/30 at NO, W	20	13	10
1/28 at Mem, W	24	5	3
1/26 Phi, W	32	18	10
1/25 Phx, W	DNP

DATE	OPP	SCORE	MIN	PTS	REB	AST
2/13	Sac	W 120-118	36	20	18	11
2/11	Mia	W 103-87	36	23	12	4
2/8	at Phi	L 110-117	35	27	10	10
2/6	at Bkn	L 130-135	34	25	14	10
2/4	at Det	L 103-129	26	16	3	4
2/2	at Min	W 107-106	29	13	16	10
2/1	Hou	W 136-122	31	31	13	9
1/30	at NO	W 105-99	37	20	13	10
1/28	at Mem	W 95-92	35	24	5	3
1/26	Phi	W 126-110	34	32	18	10
1/25	Phx	W 132-95	DNP

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8. LeBron James, SF

Los Angeles Lakers, 28-29, 10th in West
Prev: 10 ↑

GP	PTS	REB	AST	STL
39	26.8	8.6	7.6	1.3

Perhaps I have LeBron James too high on this list, or maybe I don’t have him high enough, but at the moment, he lands at number eight. LeBron has played five games after missing almost a month of action, and the Lakers went from a top-five team in the West, to being in 10th place and one game under .500. While LeBron’s advanced stats aren’t as impressive as some of the other/younger candidates, the inability of the Lakers roster to win in his absence is more telling than any advanced stat.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
25.80	29.3	54.0	60.7	+5.5

Since coming back, LeBron said he is not 100%, and at times he looks rusty, but he is averaging a triple-double in his last five, so he is getting closer and closer. The Lakers need LeBron and full strength to make the postseason, and the Lakers need to make the postseason to make a serious run at MVP. Getting Lonzo back healthy will help, but the Lakers and LeBron have some work to do.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 5 games, 2 Wins, 3 Losses, 4 DNP (1-3)

Stats: 23.2 pts, 10.8 reb, 11.0 ast, 1.6 stl, 3.8 tov, 36.9 min

Shooting: 43-91 FG (47.1%), 13-37 3PT (35%), 17-26 FT (65.4%)

Extra: 4 Double-Doubles, 2 Triple-Doubles, -0.8 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/12 at Atl, L	28	11	16
2/10 at Phi, L	18	10	9
2/7 at Bos, W	28	12	12
2/5 at Ind, L	18	7	9
2/2 at GSW, L	DNP
1/31 at LAC, W	24	14	9
1/29 Phi, L	DNP
1/27 Phx, W	DNP
1/24 Min, L	DNP

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7. Kawhi Leonard, SF

Toronto Raptors, 43-16, 2nd in East
Prev: 4 ↓

GP	PTS	REB	STL	AST
43	27.0	7.7	1.9	3.3

Kawhi Leonard has played in 73% of the games for the Raptors, but somehow it seems like way less than that. I think we can chalk that one up to the “load management” because the former Finals-MVP is still putting up crazy good numbers. Kawhi is averaging 27 a game, which is a career-high and is still a very efficient offensive player while continuing to be an elite defender. The real issue is the Raptors are just too good. The Raptors are 13-3 in games Kawhi doesn’t play, which is a weird stat, but a testament to how good the Raps are.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
26.12	29.3	54.0	60.7	+5.5

Over the past few weeks, Kawhi has still put up impressive numbers, though his scoring and shooting has dipped slightly. After shooting close to 50% most of the season, Kawhi’s shooting has dipped in February to 40%, but that was due to a couple of poor performances. Kawhi did bounce back nicely against the Nets, including hitting the game-winner, but I think the Kawhi-for-MVP train has been decommissioned for the 2019 season.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 7 games – 5 Wins, 2 Losses, 2 DNP (2-0)

Stats: 23.4 pts, 6.3 reb, 4.1 ast, 1.4 stl, 2.4 tov, 33.7 min

Shooting: 51-120 FG (42.5%), 13-38 3PT (34.2%), 49-53 FT (92.5%)

Extra: 1 double-double, +0.3 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/13 Was, W	DNP
2/11 Bkn, W	30	2	8
2/9 at NY, W	11	5	6
2/7 at Atl, W a	DNP
2/5 at Phi, W	24	7	3
2/3 LAC, W	18	5	2
1/31 Mil, L	16	8	2
1/27 at Dal, W	33	10	3
1/25 at Hou, L	32	7	5

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6. Joel Embiid, C

Philadelphia 76ers, 37-21, 5th in East
Prev: 7 ↑

GP	PTS	REB	AST	BLK
54	27.3	13.5	3.5	1.9

It’s always been said, a healthy Joel Embiid is one of the best players in the league. Lucky for us, Embiid has been healthy and he’s been able to show us his whole bag of tricks. Embiid might be one of the most gifted big men since Arvydas Sabonis, and for those that don’t know Sabonis, google him. He was an absolute monster. Anyways, Embiid has played in 93% of the 76ers game this season, which is truly remarkable, and Embiid has been balling, averaging 27 a game, 13 rebounds a game and almost 2 blocks. The 76ers have slipped to 5th in the East, but it’s not because of Joel.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
25.54	32.1	51.4	59.3	+8.2

In the past few weeks, Embiid has been doing what he does, putting up solid numbers. Embiid is a rebounding machine, averaging almost 14½ rebounds a game over his last 10 games. The 76ers lost a tough game against Boston, where a frustrated Embiid said “the refs f***ing suck” after the game. Embiid needs to come out post-All-Star break with that same “FU” mentality if he wants to crack the top five, in the East and in the MVP race.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 8 games – 5 Wins, 3 Losses, 1 DNP (1-0)

Stats: 27.6 pts, 14.4 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.9 blk, 4.4 tov, 35.4 min

Shooting: 66-152 FG (43.4%), 9-39 3PT (23.1%), 80-93 FT (86%)

Extra: 7 double-doubles, +7.1 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	BLK
2/13 at NY, W	26	14	1
2/12 vs Bos, L	23	14	2
2/10 vs LAL, W	37	14	0
2/8 vs Den, W	15	12	4
2/5 vs Tor, L	37	13	3
2/2 at Sac, L	29	17	4
1/31 at GSW, W	26	20	0
1/29 at LAL, W	28	11	1
1/26 at Den, W	DNP

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5. Kevin Durant, SF

Golden State Warriors, 41-16, 1st in West
Prev: 6 ↑

GP	PTS	AST	REB	BLK
57	27.6	5.6	7.0	1.1

Kevin Durant has been a model of consistency all season long for the Warriors, and he is quietly averaging almost 28 a game. Well, quietly on the court. KD has been very vocal off the court, but that’s not what this is about. His play ON the court has been sensational, and his consistency is something to marvel at. KD has played in all 57 games for the Warriors while scoring 20+ in 53 of those 57 games. I know the Warriors are stacked, but KD is forcing his name to be on the MVP list, while he probably won’t get the trophy (as a Warrior).

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
25.85	29.4	56.5	62.9	+11.5

KD’s last few weeks have been a picture of what he has done through the entire season – 26/5/5 on over 50% shooting and a +/- of over 9. Credit to KD for playing in all of his teams game so far. There are so many reasons to miss a game here and there, but Durant has stuck through it. Plus, the Warriors are in a dogfight for the top spot in the West. While Durant may be a slight pain in the ass off the court (at least if you’re a media member or a Twitter troll), he is still a treat to watch on the court. On any other team, he is in the top 3/4 for MVP, but since he is on the Warriors … here we are.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 8 Wins, 2 Losses

Averages: 25.9 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.5 ast, 0.9 blk, 2.2 tov, 34.8 min

Shooting: 99-183 FG (54.1%), 13-47 3PT (27.7%), 48-58 FT (82.8%)

Extra: 1 double-double, +9.3 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/13 at Por, L	32	4	2
2/12 Uta, W	28	2	7
2/10 Mia W	39	6	4
2/8 at Phx, W	21	8	3
2/6 SA. W	23	8	9
2/2 LAL, W	21	5	11
1/31 Phi, L	25	4	4
1/28 at Ind, W	16	3	7
1/26 at Bos, W	33	9	3
1/24 at Was, W	21	2	5

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4. Stephen Curry, PG

Golden State Warriors, 41-16, 1st in West
Prev: 5 ↑

GP	PTS	AST	REB	3PT
46	28.6	5.2	5.1	236

Now that Steph Curry has healed, he is continuing to be the force he was in the first part of the season. Curry is still averaging almost 29 points a game, and in only 46 games, he’s already made 236 threes! As impressive as Durant’s net rating is, Curry’s is even higher, at 13.1. The Warriors are loaded, but Curry is the one player that makes them all go. His shooting, decision making, and deadly accuracy is a lethal combination. Curry’s True Shooting percentage (TS%) is 3rd in the league behind Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan … two dudes who live two-feet from the rim. Curry’s ability to be accurate from distance makes him one of the best offensive players in the game today.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
25.85	29.0	61.9	66.0	+13.1

Over the past few weeks, Curry has helped guide the Warriors to eight wins in their last ten games and is a couple percentage point from joining the 50/40/90 club (shoutout to Bill Simmons) … a club Curry invented and is most likely the only member (50% shooting, 40% from three, 90% from the line). Curry has now played in 81% of his games, and to me, that is more than enough to be considered for MVP. Curry seems to be healthy and is back to hoisting up over 10+ threes a game. I doubt Curry can win MVP, but he might be able to sneak into a top-three finish.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 8 Wins, 2 Losses

Averages: 26.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.9 ast, 1.2 stl, 2.5 tov, 34.1 mpg

Shooting: 90-184 FG (48.9%), 47-109 3PT (43.1%), 36-40 FT (90%)

Extra: +5.9 +/-

OPP	PTS	AST	3PM
2/13 at Por, L	32	2	5
2/12 Uta, W	24	4	5
2/10 Mia, W	25	2	5
2/8 at Phx, W	20	7	3
2/6 SA, W	19	7	3
2/2 LAL, W	14	2	2
1/31 Phi, L	41	6	8
1/28 at Ind, W	26	3	6
1/26 at Bos, W	24	3	6
1/24 at Was, W	38	3	2

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3. Paul George, SF

Oklahoma City Thunder, 37-19, 3rd in West
Prev: 9 ↑

GP	PTS	REB	STL	3PT
56	28.7	8.0	2.3	218

MVPaul George is back with a vengeance on the league in 201. Before PG’s nasty injury in the summer of 2014, he was going toe-to-toe with LeBron James in back-to-back East finals (with the Pacers), and it seems he has finally regained that form again in 2019. PG has shown flashes of it in the past few seasons, but lately, he has turned his game up another level. George has scored 30+ eleven different times, including three times over 40 (in back-to-back games!). He is averaging a career-high 29 points a game, grabbing eight rebounds a game, and is third in the NBA in made threes with 218. PG has also flourished while remaining on the same team as Russell Westbrook, which comes as a slight surprise. Westbrook’s usage rate has dropped

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
24.98	28.7	54.6	59.8	+10.4

Over the past few weeks, PG has helped OKC achieve an 8-2 record and keep themselves within range of the 1st-place Warriors. PG has turned the scoring up lately, as he’s averaging 36 a game over his last 10, including a crazy 47-point triple-double the other night against Portland. The MVPG campaign is red-hot right now, and while he might be the people’s choice at the moment, he hasn’t done more than the top two. Still, PG is having his best season ever, and it’s a joy to watch.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 8 Wins, 2 Losses

Stats: 36.2 pts, 8.4 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.1 stl, 2.7 tov, 38.2 min

Shooting: 113-232 FG (48.7%), 60-131 3PT (45.8%), 76-92 FT (82.6%)

Extra: 4 Double-Doubles, 1 Triple-Double, +11.2 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/14 at NO, L	28	7	6
2/11 Por, W	47	12	10
2/9 at Hou, W	45	11	3
2/7 Mem, W	27	5	4
2/5 Orl, W	39	8	3
2/3 at Bos, L	37	4	4
2/1 at Mia, W	43	7	5
1/29 at Orl, W	37	6	4
1/27 Mil, W	36	13	3
1/24 NO, W	23	11	7

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2. James Harden, SG

Houston Rockets, 33-24, 5th in West
Prev: 1 ↓

GP	PTS	AST	REB	3PT
53	36.5	7.8	6.7	274

Moving James Harden to number two was a difficult decision, but here we are. In my last article, Harden had just dropped 61 points at MSG, so it was very difficult for me to move down a man that was just torching the league. Today is a different story. Harden is still having one of the best scoring seasons we’ve seen since Kobe in 2006, but the Rockets are still the 5th seed in the West, and his counterpart in the East continues to be at the top. Harden is still leading the league in scoring, made threes, and usage rate, but his efficiency has fallen a bit lately.

PER	USG%	EFG	TS%	Net
30.88	39.1	54.6	62.2	+3.2

Over the past few weeks, Harden has led the Rockets to six wins in nine games, and while he isn’t scoring 40+ per game, he still averaged almost 38 a game, 7 rebounds, and almost 3 steals and over a block (shoutout to Harden for playing defense!). This race is far from over, but at the moment, the Rockets inability to get in the top four is hurting Harden. We knew that once Chris Paul returned some of Harden’s numbers would drop so that might hurt his chances if the Rockets don’t pick up the pace.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 6 Wins, 4 Losses

Stats: 38.0 pts, 7.1 reb, 5.4 ast, 2.4 stl, 1.2 blk, 4.5 tov, 37.6 min

Shooting: 118-264 (44.7%) FG | 56-150 (37.3%) 3PT | 88-97 (90.7%) FT

Extra: 3 Double-Doubles, +1.3 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/13 at Min, L	42	5	6
2/11 Dal, W	31	8	7
2/9 OKC, L	42	2	1
2/6 at Sac, W	36	6	1
2/4 at Phx, W	44	8	6
2/2 at Uta, W	43	12	5
2/1 at Den, L	30	6	9
1/29 NO, L	37	11	6
1/27 Orl, W	40	11	6
1/25 Tor, W	35	2	7

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1. Giannis Antetokoumpo, PF

Milwaukee Bucks, 43-14, 1st in East
Prev: 2 ↑

GP	PTS	REB	BLK	STL
53	27.2	12.7	1.4	1.4

Behold, our new NBA MVP (through the All-Star break, at least). Giannis has been either #1 or #2 on most rankings throughout the league, and I think he’s played well enough to be the MVP. Giannis has been putting up insane numbers all season long, and the Bucks have the best record in the league. Yes, even better than the Warriors. Giannis has pushed his ppg over 27 now, and he is still grabbing over 12 a game while playing All-NBA level defense. Simply put, Giannis is the best two-way player in the league. Giannis can dominate ball games without shooting the ball, and lately, he has figured out the three ball.

PER	USG%	eFG	TS%	Net
30.35	30.7	59.7	63.8	+13.7

Over the past few weeks, Giannis has upped his scoring to almost 30 a game, while getting almost 2 blocks and 2 steals a game. Giannis has also made 11 three’s in nine games, and he if can figure out the three ball, watch out. Giannis capped off the first half with a massive triple-double over the Pacers, and while Harden made a nice run at the MVP, it seems this is Giannis’s award to lose.

Last 3 Weeks

Record: 10 games – 9 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 DNP (0-1)

Stats: 30.2 pts, 13.2 reb, 6.2 ast, 1.7 blk, 1.5 stl, 33.5 min

Shooting: 98-164 FG (59.8%), 11-29 3PT (37.9%), 62-82 FT (75.6%)

Extra: 8 double-doubles, 1 triple-double, +12.3 +/-

OPP	PTS	REB	AST
2/13 at Ind W	33	19	11
2/11 at Chi, W	29	17	8
2/9 Orl, L	DNP
2/8 at Dal, W	29	16	5
2/6 Was, W	43	6	4
2/4 at Bkn, W	30	15	9
2/2 at Was, W	37	10	2
1/31 at Tor, W	19	9	5
1/29 at Det, W	21	8	11
1/27 at OKC, L	27	18	4
1/25 Cha, W	34	14	3

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Thank you for reading the 3rd edition of the 2019 MVP rankings. Make sure to check back in three weeks for the latest rankings!

-Brandon

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Advanced Stats

Player Efficiency Rating (PER): A measure of per-minute production standardized such that the league average is 15. (ESPN Stats)

Offensive Rating (OffRtg): Measures a team’s points scored per 100 possessions. On a player level this statistic is team points scored per 100 possessions while he is on court. (NBA Stats)

Defensive Rating (DefRtg): The number of points allowed per 100 possessions by a team. For a player, it is the number of points per 100 possessions that the team allows while that individual player is on the court. (NBA Stats)

True Shooting % (TS%): A measure of shooting efficiency that takes into account 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws. (NBA Stats)

Usage%: An estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor. (NBA Stats)

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Brandon Rosenthal is a writer, podcast host/producer, and an avid basketball fan since the early 1990s. He has been covering the NBA since 2016 for the30minutelunchbreak.com. You can view all of his posts and articles, and follow him on Twitter.