Sunday Discussion: Likelihood of Anthony Davis Winning the MVP

Yesterday, in a Sports Illustrated interview, Anthony Davis stated that his mid-season MVP would be either Stephen Curry or James Harden.

"Both of them guys are doing tremendous things and winning."

When asked if he would put himself into that conversation, Davis said that he doesn't like to talk about himself, as he's more of a team guy, and the media can have that honor. Obviously, everyone has already gone ahead and done that, but what are AD's realistic chances on bringing home the top individual honor at season's end?

Over New Orleans remaining 29 game schedule, most, if not all, sportscasters and writers with a vote will closely be monitoring the Pelicans W/L record. As gleamed from above, MVP's are universally tied team success.

The apparent question is just how much success is necessary. Many have alluded to the fact the Pelicans will need to make the playoffs. With New Orleans only 1.5 games behind such an occurance, most authors have put Davis right in the thick of the race. While that's great news, it appears to be rather optimistic.

In just looking at the data since the turn of the millennium, it's not preferred that a player's team finish in the top 2 within their conference, it's been mandatory.

There is no doubt Anthony Davis is having a historically fantastic season: a 31.8 PER and a .291 WS/48. However, it's not leaps and bounds better than anything we've seen the last 15 years, so unless the Pelicans somehow manage to go a ridiculous 27-2 after the All-Star break (to get to 54 wins, the lowest team win total from the list above), Davis' first MVP will have to wait for now.

As a sidenote, I would have to urge that the Rockets get in gear and finish stronger up the standings. They are currently in fourth, and if history is any indicator, Harden is just as much on the outside looking in as as the Brow.