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NBA: 5 players who can win the MVP for the first time in 2020-21

By Luke Duffy

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat greets Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after the game at American Airlines Arena on February 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat greets Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after the game at American Airlines Arena on February 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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5. Ben Simmons

Really? Ben Simmons? Surely if Davis is exempt because of the fact he is on the same team as James, then the same should apply for Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers? You know, because he’s not even the guy on his own team. That would be Joel Embiid, the dominant center who has the hearts of Philadelphia fans.

But the narrative has already been put in place for Simmons before the season has even begun. Despite being an All-NBA level player last season, and among the best defenders in the entire league, while still being only 24, recently talk has swirled that the 76ers would and should move him to acquire James Harden.

Related Story. Why the Sixers shouldn't trade Simmons for Harden. light

You know, the guy who can’t report back to his own organization in the Houston Rockets on time and has cycled through co-stars like nobody else in the last five years. His former teammate and good friend Russell Westbrook, really should look this happy having been traded to the Washington Wizards and away from Harden now should he?

Simmons is already a quality player, but being involved in trade talk has a way of lighting a fire under certain guys. The 76ers have a new head coach in Doc Rivers who should be able to get the best out of him. If that’s not enough for the narrative to go his way, Simmons has also spoken about taking more long-range shots during the offseason.

Factor in the dicey injury history of Embiid, and how he has taken some time to work himself into game shape in the past, and all the ingredients are there for Simmons to swoop in and take the award. The 76ers are being overlooked after a stuttering campaign last year and the offseason moves of the organizations around him.

If Simmons can lead the team to 50 wins, while improving noticeably on his already impressive career averages of 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8 assists, then he will put himself in a great position to win the award. If he somehow ended up in Houston and did the same thing, then the narrative angle would be even stronger.