16 players who could take home the NBA MVP, ranked

Get the Full StoryJae C. Hong AP

The 2019-20 NBA season is here.

After a wild summer of player movement, the MVP race feels wide open, as the circumstances have changed for many of the league's best players.

We took a look at 16 players who can take home the MVP, based on their odds, projected seasons, and narratives.

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The NBA season is upon us and it feels like, more than ever, this is something of a fresh start for the league.

After a wild summer of player movement and trades, there are many familiar faces in new places and fewer teams that stayed the same. Along with a seemingly wide-open title race, one of the more interesting races should be who takes home 2019-20 MVP.

We ranked 16 candidates to win MVP based on their odds, projected years, and, narrative, because let's face it it plays a part in the MVP race every year.

Here are 16 stars who could take home the league's Most Valuable Players trophy.16. Ben Simmons, F

Matt Rourke AP

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

2018-19 stats: 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 56.3 FG

Vegas odds: 50 1

How he could win MVP: The keys to the 76ers offense have essentially been handed over to Ben Simmons this year. The third-year point-forward figures to primarily handle the ball, and he'll have to do so effectively in a loaded Sixers lineup that's a little light on shooting. Simmons could improve their offense if the jumper he showed off over the summer is a real thing. If Joel Embiid misses time or rests more often this season, and if the Sixers compete for the No. 1 seed in the East, Simmons has a shot at MVP, so long as he makes the leap expected of a franchise star.

15. Russell Westbrook, G

Jae C. Hong AP

Team: Houston Rockets

2018-19 stats: 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.9 steals, 42.8 FG

Vegas odds: 12 1

How he could win MVP: Westbrook averaged a triple-double for a third straight year and finished 10th in MVP voting last year. This year, he figures to put up lesser stats alongside James Harden, making his MVP path a little more cloudy. But if Westbrook puts together the kind of all-around, efficient season many in the NBA world have wanted to see from him by moving off the ball, shooting a solid three-point percentage, and defending vigorously, he could end up surprising voters. Perhaps it's even Harden who sacrifices more for Westbrook. The 2016-17 MVP is too talented to leave off this list, though the odds are still stacked against him.

14. Donovan Mitchell, G

Rick Bowmer AP

Team: Utah Jazz

2018-19 stats: 23.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 43.2 FG, 36.2 3FG

Vegas odds: 50 1

How he could win MVP: The additions of Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic should make life easier on Donovan Mitchell this year. Mitchell should be able to focus more on scoring, spreading the floor, and acting as a secondary ball-handler. He's also coming off a strong showing with Team USA at the World Cup despite the team's early exit from the tournament , which in years past has led to breakout seasons for young players. The Jazz will be competing for a top-four seed in the West, and if Mitchell is their best player, he'll receive some buzz.

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