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NBA: 5 Early Darkhorse MVP Candidates

By Evan Massey

November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol may not be a name that most people think of when they are talking about potential MVP’s, but he definitely has a chance to make some noise if he continues his early season performance. At 29 years of age, Gasol is in the prime of his career and is beginning to take over as the most dominant big on the Grizzlies’ roster with Zach Randolph getting a bit older.

So far this season, Gasol has averaged 21.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, and has led the Grizzlies to a 5-0 start. He’ll need to improve his numbers a bit all the way around to win the award, but he is certainly off to a hot start. Memphis will continue going to him as their number one scorer, and he will continue producing at a high level.

There are plenty of reasons to believe that Gasol can pick his production up to the level that he will need in order to be considered for the award. It appears that the Grizzlies are once again going to be legitimate contenders in the Western Conference this season, but they will need Gasol to come up big for them.

Next: 3. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

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