NBA MVP 2021: Can Stephen Curry Lead the Race to the Ultimate Individual Award?

For many NBA players, it remains a distant dream to win an MVP award at least once in their lifetime. But for the legends in the game, the numbers have no limits. The world has already seen Kareem Abdul-Jabbar winning it a record six times. Can Warriors’ Stephen Curry also relish the trophy once more?

The odds favor him. Steph has suffered two major scares in his career. The first one came in 2011 when his already vulnerable right ankle had to undergo surgery. It was a time that raised serious concerns over his career. Nevertheless, the three-time champion rose with his killer spirit and won back-to-back MVP awards in 2015 and ‘16.

Can Stephen Curry repeat history?

The last season limited him to just 5 games. He was last seen shooting a basketball in February this year. Perhaps, he has been far from the court for the longest time ever in his career.

He did not even join the GSW mini-camp under coach Steve Kerr’s observation. So it might take him some time to get back into the old rhythm. But this gap has surely given the 32-YO a chance to take enough rest.

One positive for him can be hidden in the stats. He had shown tremendous improvement coming out of his first injury.

The year 2013 was the first time he averaged 22+ ppg and then never went below that until last season. His figures have always been MVP-worthy ever since 2013.

Credited as the leading face behind changing the game of basketball, this golden boy has done enough damage to his competition with his three-pointers. He had three insane seasons where he managed the north of 45% accuracy from the downtown.

Who all are his closest competitors in the race?

Stating the obvious, Giannis Antetokounmpo will still remain a contender. He can also become the only player to make an MVP hat-trick if he again has an insane 30-point, double-figure boards, season. 

One can’t ignore the Lakers duo because LeBron very minutely missed the cut from winning it this year. Also, Anthony Davis has found a new self with the Lakers and he can be a different force if his playoff form remains intact.

The other names in the race would be Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, or a James Harden. But Stephen Curry makes a strong case, given the kind of uplift he gets when playing alongside Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Even if Curry goes past his career average of 47.6% I 43.5% I 90.6% with 25ppg+ average to take GSW back into the playoffs, his chances will be very strong.