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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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4. Damian Lillard

Is there a guy out there who would deserve the award more than Damian Lillard? A guy who, because he is playing in an era featuring some all-time point guards such as Curry, is constantly overlooked. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, constantly has his teammate’s backs, and has spoken before about his desire to stay with the smaller market Portland Trail Blazers.

Factor in all of the good he has done off the court, not to mention the fact he’s the best rapper the league has ever had as well, and an MVP is the least this guy deserves. It would be amazing to see Lillard win a championship one day, but as of now that looks a bridge too far with some of the loaded rosters in the Western Conference.

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An MVP trophy would be some consolation, and Lillard is in a position to attempt to do that this season. The Trail Blazers are now not only healthy, but they made some sneaky good offseason moves, including bringing in Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. They looked primed for a standout regular season.

The narrative is there for Lillard as well, as the Trail Blazers are not being talked about nearly as much as the Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Denver Nuggets and even the Golden State Warriors. Last year Lillard averaged just over 30 points and eight assists a game, on a scorching 40.1 percent from deep. He did this while taking over 10 shots a night from 3-point range.

Those are already MVP like numbers, and when you factor in his importance to the franchise (he is the franchise), it is clear Lillard has a chance to make a run at the award. At 29 he is bang in his prime, so if his personal numbers can rise even a small bit, combined with a top four finish out West, Lillard will be hard to look past to claim the hardware for the first time in his career.