In today’s NBA, great players are abundant, but only a few elite players are considered for MVP. Some players are always in the conversation every year, and others blossom to surprise the league and become those elite MVP players. These players can uplift their teams and carry them to exceed expectations while playing at an elite level.

Jalen Brunson

After a successful 2022-23 NBA season that saw Jalen Brunson lead the Knicks to a playoff berth and exceed expectations, he is primed for another great season, where he can build upon what he did last year and become an MVP-caliber player for the Knicks. Last season Brunson averaged 24 points per game and six assists per game. He helped the Knicks improve their record from the previous season and conquer the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, he stepped up his scoring average a bit, reaching 28 points per game and six assists per game while leading the Knicks to the second round. His playoff performance showed everyone glimpses that he can be an MVP-caliber player in this league. When the ball was in his hands last season, the Knicks were very successful. Seeing as he is most likely the clear number-one option in the Knicks' offense this upcoming season, you can expect his production to increase even more. If the Knicks are one of the top teams in the league and his production increases, then Brunson could very well be considered in the MVP conversation.

De’Aaron Fox

Last season De’Aaron Fox had his breakout season as he was selected to be an All-Star and to the All-NBA Third Team. Fox also aided the Kings in their first playoff berth in 16 seasons as they captured the third seed in the Western Conference. Being the King’s first option on offense paid dividends since he averaged 25 points per game and six assists per game. Even though the Kings got eliminated in the first round, Fox played very well in his playoff debut against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. He averaged 27 points per game, eight assists per game, and two steals per game throughout the seven-game playoff series. After a very successful season, I believe that Fox can improve from last season and make another leap but this time into the MVP conversation.

Anthony Edwards

One of the best young players in the NBA today is Anthony Edwards. During the regular season, he averaged 25 points per game and six rebounds per game. He was arguably the best player on the Timberwolves in their quest to the NBA playoffs. The Timberwolves were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets, but Edwards showed the league that he is a superstar ready to break out as he gave the Nuggets all they could handle. He averaged 32 points per game with five rebounds per game and five assists per game. This season could very well be his breakout season where he progresses into the MVP discussion. With the way Edwards ended his season, he is primed to have an even better season than the last.