2019-2020 Player of the Year Discussion Thread

[WarriorGM]

Surely you understand that it’s not exactly the same circumstances when Steph had by far the most talented supporting cast in the league in 2017 and 2018 right? That can’t be discounted in why they won and you can’t chalk that all up to “Curry impact.” He’s a better offensive player than KD for sure, I’ll give you that.

The thing that is notably different in 2017 and 2018 is Durant's presence.

In 2017 Durant got injured. After a couple of false starts the Warriors went back to winning at a 67-win clip without him beating several MVP candidates along the way.

In 2018 Curry got injured. Before he did the Warriors were projected to win 65 games. They finished the regular season with 58 wins, third in the league. Despite missing 30+ games only a handful of Rockets players on their league leading 65-win team finished ahead of Curry in terms of +/-. Curry also missed the first round of the playoffs. Nonetheless by the end of the finals Curry led the league in +/- for the combined regular and post seasons—again despite missing a third of the season.

Yes I can chalk it up to "Curry impact".

[yoyoboy]

Surely you understand that it’s not exactly the same circumstances when Steph had by far the most talented supporting cast in the league in 2017 and 2018 right? That can’t be discounted in why they won and you can’t chalk that all up to “Curry impact.” He’s a better offensive player than KD for sure, I’ll give you that.

The thing that is notably different in 2017 and 2018 is Durant's presence.

In 2017 Durant got injured. After a couple of false starts the Warriors went back to winning at a 67-win clip without him beating several MVP candidates along the way.

In 2018 Curry got injured. Before he did the Warriors were projected to win 65 games. They finished the regular season with 58 wins, third in the league. Despite missing 30+ games only a handful of Rockets players on their league leading 65-win team finished ahead of Curry in terms of +/-. Curry also missed the first round of the playoffs. Nonetheless by the end of the finals Curry led the league in +/- for the combined regular and post seasons—again despite missing a third of the season.

Yes I can chalk it up to "Curry impact".

In 2018 the Warriors beat the Spurs 4-1 in Round 1 without Steph playing a single minute. They beat a 2.9 SRS Spurs team by a point differential of +9.5. And then proceeded to beat the Pelicans by 22 points in Game 1 of the 2nd round before Steph returned.

In 2016, the pre-Durant Warriors without Steph went 5-2 against Houston and Portland in R1 and R2 with an average MOV of +11.2.

I know Curry fans like to push the narrative that Steph is the entire reason they were so great and without him it's an average cast that he pushes to all-time great level but it's just not true. The Warriors were a rare combination of playmaking, high basketball IQ, switchable defenders, and shooting even beyond what Steph brought to the table as the leader of their success.

[WarriorGM]

Surely you understand that it’s not exactly the same circumstances when Steph had by far the most talented supporting cast in the league in 2017 and 2018 right? That can’t be discounted in why they won and you can’t chalk that all up to “Curry impact.” He’s a better offensive player than KD for sure, I’ll give you that.

The thing that is notably different in 2017 and 2018 is Durant's presence.

In 2017 Durant got injured. After a couple of false starts the Warriors went back to winning at a 67-win clip without him beating several MVP candidates along the way.

In 2018 Curry got injured. Before he did the Warriors were projected to win 65 games. They finished the regular season with 58 wins, third in the league. Despite missing 30+ games only a handful of Rockets players on their league leading 65-win team finished ahead of Curry in terms of +/-. Curry also missed the first round of the playoffs. Nonetheless by the end of the finals Curry led the league in +/- for the combined regular and post seasons—again despite missing a third of the season.

Yes I can chalk it up to "Curry impact".

In 2018 the Warriors beat the Spurs 4-1 in Round 1 without Steph playing a single minute. They beat a 2.9 SRS Spurs team by a point differential of +9.5. And then proceeded to beat the Pelicans by 22 points in Game 1 of the 2nd round before Steph returned.

In 2016, the pre-Durant Warriors without Steph went 5-2 against Houston and Portland in R1 and R2 with an average MOV of +11.2.

I know Curry fans like to push the narrative that Steph is the entire reason they were so great and without him it's an average cast that he pushes to all-time great level but it's just not true. The Warriors were a rare combination of playmaking, high basketball IQ, switchable defenders, and shooting even beyond what Steph brought to the table as the leader of their success.

So? The 1994 Chicago Bulls had 55 wins without Jordan. Having a great team does not seem to be hindering his reputation. Curry like Jordan showed he could turn a franchise around. Curry has done that in a more convincing manner than any of his contemporaries.

[MyUniBroDavis]

The thing that is notably different in 2017 and 2018 is Durant's presence.

In 2017 Durant got injured. After a couple of false starts the Warriors went back to winning at a 67-win clip without him beating several MVP candidates along the way.

In 2018 Curry got injured. Before he did the Warriors were projected to win 65 games. They finished the regular season with 58 wins, third in the league. Despite missing 30+ games only a handful of Rockets players on their league leading 65-win team finished ahead of Curry in terms of +/-. Curry also missed the first round of the playoffs. Nonetheless by the end of the finals Curry led the league in +/- for the combined regular and post seasons—again despite missing a third of the season.

Yes I can chalk it up to "Curry impact".

In 2018 the Warriors beat the Spurs 4-1 in Round 1 without Steph playing a single minute. They beat a 2.9 SRS Spurs team by a point differential of +9.5. And then proceeded to beat the Pelicans by 22 points in Game 1 of the 2nd round before Steph returned.

In 2016, the pre-Durant Warriors without Steph went 5-2 against Houston and Portland in R1 and R2 with an average MOV of +11.2.

I know Curry fans like to push the narrative that Steph is the entire reason they were so great and without him it's an average cast that he pushes to all-time great level but it's just not true. The Warriors were a rare combination of playmaking, high basketball IQ, switchable defenders, and shooting even beyond what Steph brought to the table as the leader of their success.

So? The 1994 Chicago Bulls had 55 wins without Jordan. Having a great team does not seem to be hindering his reputation. Curry like Jordan showed he could turn a franchise around. Curry has done that in a more convincing manner than any of his contemporaries.

*laughs in lebron james

[WarriorGM]

In 2018 the Warriors beat the Spurs 4-1 in Round 1 without Steph playing a single minute. They beat a 2.9 SRS Spurs team by a point differential of +9.5. And then proceeded to beat the Pelicans by 22 points in Game 1 of the 2nd round before Steph returned.

In 2016, the pre-Durant Warriors without Steph went 5-2 against Houston and Portland in R1 and R2 with an average MOV of +11.2.

I know Curry fans like to push the narrative that Steph is the entire reason they were so great and without him it's an average cast that he pushes to all-time great level but it's just not true. The Warriors were a rare combination of playmaking, high basketball IQ, switchable defenders, and shooting even beyond what Steph brought to the table as the leader of their success.

So? The 1994 Chicago Bulls had 55 wins without Jordan. Having a great team does not seem to be hindering his reputation. Curry like Jordan showed he could turn a franchise around. Curry has done that in a more convincing manner than any of his contemporaries.

*laughs in lebron james

Remind me how long it took James to win a championship with the Cavaliers. Or simply to win his first.

Curry was the first player to be born in Akron to lead a team to an NBA championship in Cleveland. LOL.

[MyUniBroDavis]

So? The 1994 Chicago Bulls had 55 wins without Jordan. Having a great team does not seem to be hindering his reputation. Curry like Jordan showed he could turn a franchise around. Curry has done that in a more convincing manner than any of his contemporaries.

*laughs in lebron james

Remind me how long it took James to win a championship with the Cavaliers. Or simply to win his first.

Curry was the first player to be born in Akron to lead a team to an NBA championship in Cleveland. LOL.

Today I learned all the warriors GMing, drafting almost their entire core, and getting durant who was better in the finals anyw, and getting a top 5 coach was because curry graced them with his presence

Curry didnt tell them to draft everyone and tell them to hire kerr lol.

You put curry on that cavs team bron wss drafted to and they dont make the playoffs till he leaves

[WarriorGM]

*laughs in lebron james

Remind me how long it took James to win a championship with the Cavaliers. Or simply to win his first.

Curry was the first player to be born in Akron to lead a team to an NBA championship in Cleveland. LOL.

Today I learned all the warriors GMing, drafting almost their entire core, and getting durant who was better in the finals anyw, and getting a top 5 coach was because curry graced them with his presence

Curry didnt tell them to draft everyone and tell them to hire kerr lol.

You put curry on that cavs team bron wss drafted to and they dont make the playoffs till he leaves

In all of NBA history there is only one 73-win team and Curry was on it. In all of NBA history there was only one season that elicited a unanimous MVP—it was Curry's. But sure go ahead keep telling yourself it was mainly because of everyone else that Curry was able to turn around his franchise whereas with James it was only because of everyone else that it took him so long.

[eminence]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

[MisterHibachi]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

AD is a front-runner for that 5th spot.

[Dutchball97]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

I feel like it's between Luka, Jokic, Dame and AD. Guys like Mitchell, Tatum or even FVV could make a push with how well they've started in the play-offs but they have a long way to go, probably too long unless they shock the world and win the title or make the finals at least. With Luka, Jokic and Dame all currently looking at 1st round exits, I'd say the best bet for that #5 spot would be AD. Could easily change again in a game or two, play-offs are great.

[limbo]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

Yes, Anthony Davis.

He had a Top 10 level RS and i expect the Lakers to get far in the Playoffs (at least WCF, but also possibly all the way) and Davis is going to be absolutely key on both ends.

He's already off to a blazing start against Portland (no pun intended) and i don't see them slowing him down. His ability to play the 5 will be crucial for Lakers success. Also, if the Lakers go all the way, they'll probably have to defeat POR, HOU, LAC and then either MIL or TOR... which would undoubtedly be the hardest road (in terms of opponents strength) any other player faces this year...

Other honorable mentions are:

Jokic (not playing well now, being exposed defensively, likely bounced if not 1st then in 2nd round)

Luka (likely getting bounced 1st round, potential injury limiting his remaining impact)

Lillard (getting bounced in 1st round)

Gobert (playing well so far, but probably getting bounced 2nd round)

Tatum (playing well so far, but has lots of help and likely getting bounced in 2nd round)

Why x will miss the cut:

George (despite potentially going all the way, he's not had anywhere close to a Top 10 season, much less Top 5, and continues to play poorly in PS)

Westbrook (played half the RS like crap, now injured and the Rockets arguably look sharper on offense without his shooting inability/hogging tendencies)

CP3 (old and passive, won't get through the 1st round)

Middleton (Top 15 level RS, but looks vulnerable in PS against the Magic... so i don't expect him to be popping off against the best teams)

Butler (There's lots of potential for Butler in getting spots from 5-10 for me, but i can't see him being Top 5. He would need to put on some historic performances. Also Miami overall as a team is super good around him)

Mitchell (this dude is here just because he's having a historically good PS so far [3 games lol], but the chances of that lasting and morphing into something more meaningful than a 1st/2nd round exit is slim... still, he is someone to look out for right now in terms of making ground)

Embiid (lol Sixers)

Toronto (can't really pinpoint even who the most impactful people on this team are... Sometimes it's Lowry, sometimes Siakam, right now is FVV, next game it will be the bench with Normal Powell and someone else popping off, vs. Milwuakee it will be Gasol/Ibaka... all while Nurse is arguably the best coach in the league)

[eminence]

Seems like AD is the consensus, probably my first pick for that slot as well. Tatum the other guy I'm really watching right now, I think there's a pretty decent chance Boston gets by Toronto and that should look great for him as a lead guy on a conference finalist. Agreed with most that it seems like most of the other contenders are 1st/2nd round outs that'll have a tough time proving themselves superior to AD. I'd probably take the field against AD, I kind of expect one of the big 3 squads (LAx2,MIL) to get upset in the 2nd round and the leader of the squad doing the upsetting to move up (or if it's LAL getting beat then AD just dropping out - don't get to be the #2 guy on a 2nd round team in most years).

And super happy with how my Jazz have looked so far, I'm excited to see what they can do going forward

[MyUniBroDavis]

Remind me how long it took James to win a championship with the Cavaliers. Or simply to win his first.

Curry was the first player to be born in Akron to lead a team to an NBA championship in Cleveland. LOL.

Today I learned all the warriors GMing, drafting almost their entire core, and getting durant who was better in the finals anyw, and getting a top 5 coach was because curry graced them with his presence

Curry didnt tell them to draft everyone and tell them to hire kerr lol.

You put curry on that cavs team bron wss drafted to and they dont make the playoffs till he leaves

In all of NBA history there is only one 73-win team and Curry was on it. In all of NBA history there was only one season that elicited a unanimous MVP—it was Curry's. But sure go ahead keep telling yourself it was mainly because of everyone else that Curry was able to turn around his franchise whereas with James it was only because of everyone else that it took him so long.

Who won the title that year lmfao. Im a curry fan but if you dont understand what GMing is when its in ur user u a joke. Fact is in every situation you switch curryr and bron one team wins the other team doesnt make the playoffs

But yeah weong place for the convo you can make a thread if you want to continue defending a position that no agrees with you then do it, but uve proven ur a stubborn troll for awhile now so idc

On topic, I think its really early to decide but considering hes playing out of position and that it looks like hes gonna be really good this playoffs id put davis first.

[Bidofo]

Looking at the on-off data and lineups, it seems to me that Siakam is Toronto's indisputable best/most important player. Interesting because I guess I just assumed it was Lowry. Can any Raptors viewers weigh in?

[HeartBreakKid]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

Luka.

[eminence]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

Luka.

He's making his case that's for sure, crazy good game today.

[HeartBreakKid]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

Luka.

He's making his case that's for sure, crazy good game today.

dramatic game winner right on time

[MisterHibachi]

C'mon y'all, there's plenty of places for Curry discussion, the '19-'20 POY thread doesn't seem like one of them.

Anybody have any favorites for that 5th spot right now? LeBron/Giannis/Harden/Kawhi seem like near locks barring injury imo.

AD is a front-runner for that 5th spot.

Yeah maybe I didn't give Luka enough consideration... This was his "Game 5 in Detroit" performance. Just incredible. Best player in a series with prime Kawhi and Paul George.

@TexasChuck: you're so lucky you get to root for this guy for the next decade.

[MisterHibachi]

Man, this 21 year old just went toe to toe with peak KAWHI LEONARD and took the game from him in the clutch. I honestly have goosebumps.

[MO12msu]

I was at Cavs-Pistons game 6 in 2007. Man, it's much more fun to watch a young generational talent have a transcendent performance when you don't have a rooting interest.