From an individual standpoint, the varied nature of quality basketball this year has been a tough trail to follow. Players from all corners of the NBA landscape are putting together immaculate numbers, irrespective of their team’s apparent shortcomings as a whole.

However, the clear leaders in the long run seem to have separated themselves from the pack already. Let’s take a look at the top 5 contenders for bagging MVP hardware as we head into the fifth week of the 2019-20 campaign.

#5 Karl Anthony-Towns

While the Minnesota Timberwolves carry a 7-6 (0.538) win-loss record at the moment as the West’s 8th seed, Karl Antony-Towns is laying it all out on the floor for his team on a nightly basis. In the 11 games he has played so far, KAT is averaging a career-high 26.8 points per game, on an imposing conversion rate of 51.6% from the floor.

Moreover, his near-career-high rebounding average of 12.1 per matchup is the seventh best in the NBA right now. It’s safe to say the first pick of the 2015 draft is turning into a lethal presence in the paint.

Moreover, he is attempting the most threes (8.5 per game) he ever has in his career, and making 43% of them as well.

At the rate he is growing, Towns is projected to lead a Hall of Fame career, and punch his name amongst the elites to have ever donned a Timberwolves uniform.

#4 LeBron James

Currently playing in his 17th year in the league, LeBron James is averaging 25 points, 7.6 boards and 11.2 dimes per game (career-best). He is leading the NBA in assists, and shooting 49% from the field while doing so.

The fact that his previous career-high assist average was 9.1 (in 2017-18) tells us the King’s court-vision is aging like fine wine.

LeBron has taken over the role of an elite point guard who can facilitate the offense, average 1.2 steals per game on the defensive end, pull out highlight chase-down blocks and drive through for thunderous slams, all in a single set of 48 minutes.

#3 Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic is redefining the sophomore jump in a way that’s never been seen before. From being the Rookie of the Year last season to averaging a near-triple-double this year, the 20-year-old has cemented his legacy already.

The Slovenian sensation is averaging blazing numbers - 28.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game - while shooting over 47% from the floor on a regular basis.

Attempting 9.1 free-throws per game, Doncic’s ability to drive and draw contact is veteran-like. He is confident in his shot-making abilities even in crunch situations.

It seems like the Dallas Mavericks have found their latest franchise cornerstone for a long time to come.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks have only lost three of their 12 games so far, and one of the pivotal elements of their solid positioning is none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 24-year-old is shooting for the MVP hardware yet again, posting career-high averages of 30.1 points and 14.3 rebounds per game. His rebounding stack is only bested by Andre Drummond in the league.

Taking a team-high 18.7 shots per game, the Greek Freak is making over 58% of them from the field. His dominance on the floor reflects his intense work ethic as well as the time he puts into his body during the off-season.

#1 James Harden

James Harden is an offensive machine.

In the 13 games played so far, the Beard is posting a league-leading average of 39.5 points, along with 7.8 dimes, 5.6 boards and 1.6 steals per game. Moreover, Harden is attempting 14.8 free throws - which is another career-high - and converting on 88% of those.

Of all the players listed in this piece, the Beard is clocking the most minutes (36.9) per contest. His durability and production know no bounds, as he continues to raise the ceiling even higher this season.

His recent burst has him averaging a thunderous 44.2 points across his last five games.

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