NBA Awards Watch: James Harden vs. Stephen Curry For MVP

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Mar 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 102-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Anthony Davis

59 games, 36.3 MPG, 24.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.9 BPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, .541/—/.812 shooting, 31.1 PER

Last week: 4 (⇔‡”)

Trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 2.5 games for the West’s final playoff spot, the New Orleans Pelicans have a very slim shot at making the postseason. By extension, that means Anthony Davis is going to have a hard time getting votes over guys that will actually be in the playoffs, even with his ridiculous 31.1 Player Efficiency Rating.

Is that the Brow’s fault? No. But it isÂ the reality. Even a historic season like this has to take team success into account. When your team isn’t one of 16 teams to make the playoffs in a 30-team league, it’s hard to say you had the best season out of anybody in the NBA.

That being said, it’d be hard to vote against the Brow if his team were a playoff contender. He’s only 22 years old and will get his MVP recognition eventually, but it’s scary that this guy is already so unbelievably effective. Can you imagine when he adds a three-point shot? Or when the Pellies get him some help? Stat lines like his 24-9-6 against the Kings last week are just the beginning.

Next: No. 3 - Russ