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5 Reasons Why Damian Lillard Should Be 2015 NBA MVP Front-runner

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By @b2brennan

5 Reasons Why Damian Lillard Should Be 2015 NBA MVP Front-runner

Trail Blazers Media Day
Sam Forencich - Getty Images

We are reaching the halfway point of the 2014-15 NBA season, and the MVP race is starting to heat up. With a number of superstars in the discussion, here are the top five reasons why Damian Lillard should be the front-runner to win the award.

5. Individual Statistics

Damian Lillard Steph Curry Portland Trail Blazers Golden State Warriors
Rocky Widner - Getty Images

5. Individual Statistics

Damian Lillard Steph Curry Portland Trail Blazers Golden State Warriors
Rocky Widner - Getty Images

Now he might not have as good of statistics as Stephen Curry or Russell Westbrook, but averaging 22.2 PPG, 6.3 APG and 4.8 RPG is not far from MVP numbers. He is also near the top in almost every efficiency category and averages less turnovers than both Curry and Westbrook. Keep in mind that Lillard's numbers would be substantially higher if he didn't have another superstar talent as a teammate.

4. All-Around Talent

Atlanta Hawks v Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Forencich - Getty Images

4. All-Around Talent

Atlanta Hawks v Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Forencich - Getty Images

Lillard might be the most all-around talented scoring point guard in the league. He scores from anywhere on the court where other guards are limited to just in or outside the three-point line. His unique blend of scoring makes him an MVP-caliber offensive player and an MVP-caliber teammate.

3. Leadership

Los Angeles Clippers v Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Forencich - NBA Getty Images

3. Leadership

Los Angeles Clippers v Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Forencich - NBA Getty Images

Not only is Lillard the captain for the Blazers, he is the player everyone turns to when a basket is necessary. He may not be the floor general that Chris Paul is, but his on-court awareness controls the Blazers' offense and propels his teammates to new heights. He is the textbook definition of the term "leader."

2. Blazers' Performance

Portland Trail Blazers v Chicago Bulls
Gary Dineen - Getty Images

2. Blazers' Performance

Portland Trail Blazers v Chicago Bulls
Gary Dineen - Getty Images

The Blazers have the second-best record in the NBA and look like they will be in contention for best NBA team this season. I've always felt the MVP should be the best player on one of the best teams, and so far Lillard is exactly that.

1. The Most Clutch Player

Houston Rockets v Portland Trailblazers Ð Game Six
Steve Dykes - Getty Images

1. The Most Clutch Player

Houston Rockets v Portland Trailblazers Ð Game Six
Steve Dykes - Getty Images

The "most valuable player" usually can be defined by the best and most clutch player. Lillard is that guy right now. He leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring and has had numerous buzzer-beaters. With the game on the line, Lillard takes the shot, and when that happens you can almost guarantee the Blazers will win.

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