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Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard among favourites to win NBA MVP

By Paul Taylor

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks for a pass while under pressure from LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks for a pass while under pressure from LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Despite never being named NBA MVP during his seven-year career, the Toronto Raptors’ recent acquisition Kawhi Leonard is among the favourites to win the award in 2018-19.

The Toronto Raptors are unsurprisingly expecting a lot from Kawhi Leonard. However, they’re not the only ones.

As reported by Sportsnet, Leonard is among the favourites to claim this season’s NBA MVP. While he has never won the award during his seven-year career, this is entirely understandable.

On his day, the 27-year-old is arguably one of the top three players in the NBA. In addition, no one in the league is better equipped to contain LeBron James.

This was perfectly illustrated during the 2014 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, when Leonard shut the King down. When it was all said and done, the Spurs were champions and Leonard was named MVP of the Finals.

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The 2011 15th overall draft pick has an impressive resume in general, since coming to the NBA. Other accolades include being a two-time All-Star, a couple of All-NBA First Team nominations and winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

With all the negative publicity Leonard received last season, winning the MVP award would be the ideal response to his critics. And the Raptors would be the beneficiaries, as they look to finally make their first ever NBA Finals appearance.

Of course, the 2014-15 steals leader will face stiff competition, if he is to win one of the highest individual honours in professional basketball. Bovada Official have him as sixth-favourite, with James the most likely to win what would be his fifth NBA MVP award. (As has been said on many occasions, you could theoretically give the King the award every single season.)

Anthony Davis is second favourite, while last season’s winner James Harden, is fourth. Here is a list of all the odds, courtesy of Odds Shark:

Interestingly, prominent former Raptor DeMar DeRozan is joint-13th favourite to win the award. In this respect, he has improved every season since entering the NBA.

Combine this with DeRozan’s anger after being traded by the Raptors, and he will be supremely motivated to prove Masai Ujiri wrong. Certainly, he will be worth keeping an eye on during the 2018-19 campaign.

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What’s your take on the latest NBA MVP odds? Do you believe Leonard has been fairly placed, or should he be higher or lower? More generally speaking, what kind of impact are you predicting he will have for the Toronto Raptors this coming season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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