LeBron James picked to win MVP by NBA GMs in annual survey

The annual survey of the NBA’s General Managers has been released, and it’s no surprise that LeBron James headlines much of the voting. The most prestigious list he heads, however, is the MVP vote:

Who will win the 2017-18 MVP?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 50%

2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –29%

3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 11%

4. James Harden, Houston – 7%

5. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 4%

Last year: LeBron James – 47%

James is an easy pick to win his fifth MVP, given the narrative momentum heading into this season with Kyrie Irving dealt to Boston and Isaiah Thomas out until January. It’s also worth noting that every other candidate has somebody on their team to eat into their production.

Russell Westbrook will not be able to maintain his insane usage from last year with Paul George and Carmelo Anthony on his team. James Harden will ceded touches and production to Chris Paul. Kevin Durant is a very legitimate threat, given that he’s a year past the backlash that typically accompanies star players joining super teams.

As of now, however, James should be considered the favorite. It’ll just be a matter of figuring out whether he and the Cavaliers care about the regular season this year.

LeBron headlined several other categories in the survey this season:

• Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
• Who is the best small forward in the NBA? (He also finished second in the power forward voting)
• Which player is the best passer?
• Which player is the best leader?
• Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
• Which player has the best basketball IQ?

So yeah, he’s pretty good.