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NBA Player Power Rankings: Has Stephen Curry Won MVP Yet?

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after being called for a foul against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after being called for a foul against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles around Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Miami 101-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles around Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Miami 101-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

20. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .442/.321/.844

Season Averages: 36.5 MPG, 23.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.1 APG,

The No. 20 spot came down to four potential candidates: Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors, Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, C.J. McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Rajon Rondo of the Sacramento Kings. All five make compelling cases.

After denying him entry for most of 2015-16, DeRozan deserves to be honored at No. 20.

DeRozan has evolved from an athletic midrange scorer into a genuine star on a team that’s won 66.7 percent of its first 45 games. Points aren’t everything, but DeRozan is No. 9 in the NBA in scoring average with improved fundamentals playing a key role.

Having dramatically improved his jump shot, court vision, and defensive consistency, DeRozan has earned a Top 20 spot.

The other four candidates may have a better long-term case, but in the short-term, DeRozan is here. The 26-year-old is on pace for a second career All-Star Game appearance, and regardless of how polarizing he may be, it’s hard to argue against his deservedness.

DeRozan has earned the No. 20 spot.

Next: The Driving Force