The general manager’s survey was released by the NBA, and LeBron James was voted as the favorite to win MVP. This would be his fifth time winning the award.
LeBron James, who had a historically great season last year, was left off the final ballot for MVP. Russell Westbrook eventually won with his triple-double average. Entering his 15th season, even if most fans don’t have faith in LBJ’s MVP chances, the general managers do.
50% of general managers predicted the King to win his fifth MVP, according to NBA.com. He also was voted the highest in the category “Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?” He won this contest with 48% of the GM’s vote. He also won the NBA’s best small forward, the NBA’s most intelligent player, the NBA’s best passer, the NBA’s most versatile player, and NBA’s best leader. If James was in the category, there was a strong chance he was beating out anybody else.
James’ placed in the following: what player would you want to take the final shot, the NBA’s most athletic player, and the NBA’s best power forward. Needless to say, the general managers value LeBron and his once-in-a-generation skill set.
As for the Finals, this season the GMs have the Warriors as a 93% favorite and the Cavaliers as a 7% favorite without any other team making an appearance. This seems accurate as both of those teams steamrolled through their respective conference’s in the postseason last year.
But, in the end, it will be all about the King.
LeBron James, who will be turning 33 this season, has been a force for the Cavaliers since returning following the 2013-2014 season. The King averaged his most assists per game and rebounds per game of his career last season. His age has only increased his intelligence and has evolved his already flawless game.
Without as much star power in past years, LeBron James will be asked to do more for this Cavaliers’ team in order to succeed. That said, there is a strong chance that he ends up with his fifth MVP especially with the other two MVP candidates, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, seeing significant additions to their team, theoretically reducing their usage.
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This is LeBron’s year, and it might also be the year that the Cavaliers seek and complete their revenge on the Golden State Warriors.