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2016-17 NBA Awards Season: Top 5 Fringe MVP Candidates

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives in against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives in against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Awards
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kevin Durant

Had Kevin Durant stayed healthy this season, he’d probably leapfrog the next two players on this list for the No. 1 spot. But since he missed 20 games in his first season with the Golden State Warriors, even his colossally efficient numbers only get him so far.

Though his raw numbers don’t compare to his 2013-14 MVP season, KD still managed to put up 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game on impressive .537/.375/.875 shooting splits. When healthy, he also looked like an All-Defensive team candidate, leading the Dubs in blocks and using his versatility to help make up for the departure of rim protector Andrew Bogut.

Durant led the team in rebounds as well, and before his injury-related absence when Stephen Curry took over, he was the team’s leading scorer. For most of the season, he was the best player for a Dubs powerhouse that won 67 games. His floor spacing, perimeter shooting, defensive instincts and ability to create one-on-one were invaluable parts of Golden State’s success this year.

The missed time and the fact that he plays with three other top-20 players keeps him well out of the main MVP debate, but before his injury, he was more than deserving of the first spot on this list.