Leading NBA MVP candidates heading into the new season?

[insidehoops]

Who do you say are the 5-7 leading NBA MVP candidates heading into the new NBA season?

[Nowitness]

Giannis: Defending MVP, as is always the case will be the player most expected to pick up where he left off
Luka: The young stud looking to improve upon one of the best sophomore seasons ever. Could become one of the few players to be an MVP before their fourth season if he could someone lead the Mavs to a top 4 seed playing as he did last year
LeBron: Best player in the league still, with every season that passes the possibilities it could be his last great season grow, playing alongside AD limits his chances greatly but he was close last year
Curry: Bounce back season with as little help as he has had since his breakout, if he were to play like he did 3 years ago and lead this team to a top 4 seed he to has high chances
Kawhi: Needed for his historical legacy, if he were to avoid serious load management and play 70+ games he has a real shot
Durant: Candidate every year he is healthy, with fans relishing the chance to see him again outside of the Warriors if he could have an Adrian Peterson type season he is a front runner
Davis: Depending on how many games he plays/LeBron misses and LeBrons impact, it will be hard narrative wise for him to win playing with James

After that you can probably throw a bunch of names in as dark horses like Lillard, Chris Paul, Jokic, Tatum, Embid and Butler. But I think because of the off-season, regardless of if he is traded or stays put Harden won't be a true contender.

[insidehoops]

Some of the top NBA MVP candidate names just emailed to me from a large betting website

THE FIRST 10 PLAYERS, IN RANDOM ORDER

Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, James Harden, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard

THE SECOND 10 PLAYERS, IN RANDOM ORDER

Zion Williamson, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, Nikoka Jokic, Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook, Donovan Mitchell

A FEW OTHER PLAYERS MENTIONED

Trae Young, Paul George, Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Chris Paul, Bam Adebayo

[insidehoops]

Paul George was MVP of... the first day of the season.