Key Storylines: The three young stars who could lead Kia’s MVP race

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We’re counting down 24 key storylines for the 2024-25 NBA season. Our senior analysts will analyze a new topic each day as we help you prepare for opening night on October 22nd.

Here’s the plot No. 2:

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Three young stars — Luke DonCICShai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards — should make MVP noise.

It‘Now it’s their turn. It‘It’s their time. And possibly before any of them ever lift the biggest trophy — the Larry O‘Brien — You could raise someone else first.

It won’t surprise anyone if the 2025 Michael Jordan Trophy for Kia MVP goes to Luka, Shai or Ant next spring. Their growth, their ability to lead teams to leadership positions, and their impact all point in that direction. Who are you picking for the MVP award right now? — Luka-Ant-Shai or the field?

Luka could lead the league in scoring and assists and finish among the Mavericks’ top two rebounders in the same season. Remember, he’s only 25, although it seems like he’s been this dominant for a lot longer — five times All-NBA First Team.

Edwards is poised to make his first All-NBA First Team. He does it‘I don’t own Luka‘He’s a masterpiece, but he’s only just turned 23 years old. Notable improvements on both sides of the ball will give Edwards a leg up on the competition. And with Karl-Anthony Towns now in New York, Edwards could take on an even larger scoring role.

Shai is coming off an MVP finalist season and his second straight All-NBA First Team honor. He‘He’s the oldest of the three at 26, so he may be due for experience reasons. Shai will challenge Luka for the top scorer crown (among others), and most importantlyOklahoma City could finish with the league‘s best record, which always has a positive impact on MVP candidates.

The award has been dominated by big men lately and perhaps the time has come for someone with a high usage rate to have the ball in his hands and the game on the line.

Coincidentally, all three are in the Western Conference, so team record could be a deciding factor. While OKC would seemingly have an advantage, Don‘It cannot be overlooked that the Mavericks or Timberwolves will finish close behind, thus minimizing the win-loss factor.

Could anyone else pull off an epic season and pull off a semi-surprise for the price? Possibly. Jayson Tatum is the most likely candidate as the Celtics have an eventful regular season ahead.

These sneak attacks are‘However, this is not very common. If it‘As for the MVP, you can imagine. Here too, the preseason odds particularly favor three players. She‘We’re all under 27. And her‘ready again.

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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for more than 25 years. You can send him an email Herefind his archive here And Follow him on X.

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