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3 Dark Horse NBA MVP Candidates

By Brandon Carney

Jan 27, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates a basket in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates a basket in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Celtics won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Celtics won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Thomas, PG, Boston Celtics

Isaiah Thomas has never let anyone tell him he can’t do something. The 5’9″ Boston Celtics guard has beaten all the odds for someone his size by not only being an NBA player, but an exceptional one at that.

Despite being Mr. Irrelevant in 2011, Thomas has been anything but since his arrival to the league. Last year he set career highs in nearly every major statistical category, including points (22.2), assists (6.2), and rebounds (3.0).

On top of that, Thomas emerged as the clear leader of the Celtics, putting the team on his back and carrying them to the playoffs. Despite their first-round exit, Boston fans were given plenty of hope with Thomas at the helm.

They also have reason to believe he can ascend to the next tier and become an MVP candidate.

No one expected him to become a mainstay on an NBA team. No one expected him to become one of the better point guards in the league. And absolutely no one expected him to become an NBA All-Star.

Yet Thomas continually proves that he can’t be written off in any discussion of the league’s best players. Considering his great stats, impressive leadership, and presence on a team that figures to be at least decent next season, Thomas has the ideal combination for a potential MVP candidate.

Next: No. 2