Denver Nuggets: 3 threats to Nikola Jokic’s MVP title

Denver Nuggets: 3 threats to Nikola Jokic’s MVP title – 3. Steph Curry

Stephen Curry had a tough 2020-21 season. Playing only 5 games throughout the 2019-20 season, Curry came back to a Klay Thompson-less Golden State Warriors team. Despite the Warriors adding talented rookie James Wiseman, the Warriors struggled to dominate opponents the way they did during their prime.

Even though the Warriors struggled, Curry was still his incredible self – ending the season averaging 32 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Of course, the league’s best sharpshooter was as efficient as usual from deep too, Curry averaged 42.1 percent from deep on 5 attempts per game.

Unfortunately, winning the MVP has as much to do with impacting winning as it does with individual exploits. While Curry was undoubtedly one of the league’s better offensive performers last season, and it’s clear the Warriors would have been in the Western Conference doldrums should he have sat out the season, he did not guide them to a high seeded finish.

And this is why Curry could be a man on a mission this year. The Warriors championship core isn’t getting any younger, and there’s a youthful new rotation slowly coming through the doors. Guys like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman could eventually become the next big three in the Bay Area. But for now, this is still Steph Curry’s team, and with Klay Thompson back in the rotation alongside Draymond Green, Curry will be out for blood.

"“For a second there we were the hunters, then we turned into the hunted for five, six years. And now, we’re hunting again.” – Draymond Green said, per NBC Sports."

With the Warriors championship core back in place, and an influx of highly-skilled young talent, Curry will be hoping this is the year he adds another ring and another MVP trophy to his cabinet.