NBA: I am the card dealer

Fifth is Leonard of the Spurs.

Here, the deviation of historical trajectory is even greater. It turns out that after Leonard was blocked, the Spurs immediately withdrew from the championship race.

And now, they are still one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference. The double D combination is enough to make them absolutely competitive in the league. In addition, they have also made reinforcements during the offseason, so they even surpassed the Warriors and ranked second in the Western Conference.

Currently, the Rockets, Warriors, and Spurs are in the first tier in the Western Conference, and there is no doubt about how strong they are.

Leonard's current averages of 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game have earned him a place on this list.

Fourth place is James of the Knicks.

This result was both expected and unexpected.

First of all, it is expected that although James has shown strong competitiveness, considering that the Knicks' lineup is actually not bad, after Oladipo and PJ Tucker left, they added Darren Collison, Hardaway Jr., Korver, plus Crowder, Jeff Green, Ilyavaso, Rooney, Tyler Johnson and other strong players are still there, plus the All-Star level inside Lopez, their paper strength is still far ahead in the East.

In addition, the Knicks' current record is surpassed by the Celtics and they do not occupy the leading position in the Eastern Conference, so James can only be in this position.

The unexpected reason is Oladipo's departure, which is absolutely huge damage to the Knicks. Under this circumstance, James can still keep the Knicks in the championship race, which is not easy.

So many people feel sorry for James on this point.

But here's the thing.

Among the first three, which one can James shake?

First is the third place Xue Liancheng.

This season, the team rebounded immediately after a four-game losing streak at the start of the season, and after a nine-game winning streak, they moved up to third place in the Eastern Conference.

But this is not the reason why he ranks third on the MVP list.

Xue Liancheng can firmly occupy the top three positions because his data is very dominant.

新赛季截至目前，他场均能够拿到了37.8分14.7助攻7.1篮板的顶级数据，37+14+7，简直就是逆天。

This is one of the most luxurious data in recent years.

While averaging 37.8 points per game, he also provides nearly 15 assists, which means that three-fifths of the team's points are related to him. With this data, wouldn't he be the strongest contender for MVP no matter which season he is in?

What's more, Xue Liancheng's personal efficiency is also very incredible. His overall shooting percentage is as high as 55.4%, his three-point shooting percentage is an incredible 51%, and his free throw shooting percentage is as high as 97.8%.

This is the data of a defender!

There is no doubt that Xue Liancheng's data is absolutely dominant, and his advanced data is also far ahead of others, which makes him even more powerful.

Unfortunately, the Nets' record was only 9 wins and 4 losses, which seriously hindered Xue Liancheng and forced him to finish third.

But considering the Nets' lineup, there is nothing we can do about it.

On the other hand, this is also a plus for Xue Liancheng. He was able to achieve nine consecutive wins with such a bad lineup, which really demonstrated his dominance.

So, although James' averages of 28.8 points, 8.6 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game are very domineering, can he compete with Xue Liancheng?

There is a huge gap!

If James competes with Xue Liancheng in terms of statistics, he will be far behind.

As for the two in front, James is even more unable to compete with them.

Second place: Westbrook of the Thunder.

Last season, he averaged a triple-double of 31.6 points, 10.4 assists and 10.7 rebounds per game, but the Thunder's record was seriously lagging behind, ranking only seventh in the Western Conference. He was defeated by Harden and lost the chance to be crowned MVP.

In the new season, Westbrook is even more violent. So far, he can contribute 31.3 points, 10.6 assists and 10.5 rebounds per game. It is another season with a triple-double.

This data is the same as Xue Liancheng's, both are shocking and extremely dominant.

But that is not a reason to surpass Xue Liancheng.

After all, 37.8+14.7+7.1 means he is both the scoring champion and the assist champion at the same time. In addition, Xue Liancheng's efficiency beats Westbrook. If it comes to statistics, Westbrook obviously cannot compete with Xue Liancheng.

Therefore, a second battlefield has to be opened here.

If Westbrook lost the MVP award last season due to the team's poor performance, then in the new season, their performance has made great progress.

With the addition of Marc Gasol and Will Barton, Westbrook has been completely released and his influence on the court has increased exponentially. So far, they have achieved a record of 10 wins and 4 losses, firmly occupying the fourth place in the Western Conference and hoping to compete for the third and second place.

And this second battlefield is the battle record.

The Nets where Xue Liancheng is located lost to the Thunder led by Westbrook in the record. Although the statistics are comparable, or even slightly lower, people have a sense of indebtedness considering that Westbrook lost the MVP last season, so putting Westbrook in the second position is also a kind of compensation.

But no matter what, there is not much controversy about Westbrook being ranked in this position.

The biggest controversy comes from the first place, James Harden.

Logically speaking, there is nothing wrong with ranking the best player from the best team in the league first, but Xue Liancheng and Westbrook's statistics are too amazing, and Harden was the MVP last season, and he has been the MVP for consecutive years.

You cannot have an absolute breakthrough in your performance or statistics. Theoretically, it is not easy to win consecutive championships.

First of all, in terms of performance, we have indeed made a great breakthrough. We have only lost one game in the new season. We are the strongest team in the league and occupy the top spot in the league. Compared with last season, this is indeed a huge leap forward.

But the problem is that they welcomed top point guard Chris Paul this season!

With the joining of a superstar of this level, it is foreseeable that the team's performance will improve by leaps and bounds, so there is a lot of controversy as to how much credit Harden deserves.

In terms of statistics, Harden averaged 30.2 points, 9.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game in the new season, which is a slight decrease compared to last season!

But Harden was ranked first, which is why people are talking about it so hotly.

"This MVP list really has no credibility."

"No. 1 in the league and ranked first in the standings? Then don't choose it!"

"Last season, Westbrook averaged a triple-double, which was amazing, but the MVP was given to Harden, and now it's Harden's again? Are you kidding me?"

"The Nets and Thunder have good records, but Xue Liancheng and Westbrook simply crush Harden in terms of statistics. I just want to ask Harden why?"

“Has the star-making movement begun?”

"In terms of dominance, Xue Liancheng should undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Last season, he led the Lakers, who were at the bottom of the league, to a comeback and created a miracle. This season, he led the tattered Nets to the top three. If this isn't dominance, what is it?"

Even James' fans think this is an unfair ranking. James' stats are not worse than Harden's. If Harden can rank first, why can't their thirty-year-old man?

"Harden is ranked first? Then James should have a chance as well."

"That's right! After losing a top guard, James was able to lead the team back to form. Isn't this better than Harden?"

"This may be the best James in recent years."

"The MVP list is not kind to James."

Such remarks are still very active.

But he was soon met with angry attacks from other fans.

"The Rockets led by Harden are at least the best in the league. What do you have, James? You can only be second in the Eastern Conference. Xue Liancheng and Westbrook are far better than you in statistics."

"You really ignored Xue Liancheng and Westbrook!"

"You are just imagining things. It will never be your turn to take the first place, James!"

"With such a top-notch lineup, you actually think it's not good? Why don't you try leading the Nets?"

"Without the Big Three and the big players, will James not be able to play basketball?"

"Hahaha! One of the Big Three is missing, and everyone immediately jumps out to talk about how strong James is."

"Harden and Paul are also a two-star combination. What's the difference between you and Lopez? Why aren't you the best in the league?"

All kinds of mocking voices came crashing in, triggering a new round of verbal battles.

But James is no longer the James he used to be. His influence has seriously declined, and countless fans have left him.

Especially after the loss in the finals last season, I don’t know how many fans have completely given up hope.

In this situation, how could James's fans possibly win the scolding?

It's just to be rubbed.

But after Xue Liancheng flew back to New York, his focus was not here at all.

He had already arrived at Sean Marks' office, ready to discuss the trade of Lonjoe Jefferson with the general manager.

When he knocked on the door and came in, he found Atkinson was there too.

Get it right.

This would save him from having to talk to Atkinson in private again.

Sean Marks: "Xue! Why are you here? Come and sit down..."

Xue Liancheng sat down and got straight to the point: "Recent news has it that we are going to trade Lonjo Jefferson?"

Both of them were shocked.

Sean Marks reacted even more strongly and stood up directly: "Xue! Things are not what you think. We just had a problem with his early contract renewal negotiations. We have absolutely no intention of trading him. Even if we want to make a trade, we will definitely inform you as soon as possible and ask for your opinion."

Lonjoe Jefferson has played really well during this period and has made a great contribution to the team's victory.

So when he saw Xue Liancheng coming, he thought Xue Liancheng was here to question him, and he quickly explained.

Xue Liancheng just waved his hand: "Since we can't reach an agreement, let's not talk about it anymore."

The two were shocked again and their eyes widened at the same time.

Sean Marks: "You mean... put him on the shelf?"

Xue Liancheng: "He doesn't have a three-point shot and his defense is getting more and more perfunctory. It's obvious that he is not part of our long-term plan."

talking.

He turned to look at Atkinson: "Really? Sir."

Atkinson opened his mouth, then suddenly paused. He pondered for a moment and said, "If our goal is to get out of the East, his position does have a big loophole."

Sean Marks frowned and said, "If that's the case, then let's not talk about it."

Atkinson: "But given the value of Lonjo Jefferson, what player can he get in return? It's really hard to say."

After all, Lonjoe Jefferson's shortcomings are too obvious, and he is not a fool. It is difficult for an outside player without three-point shooting to make a living now. You can only make up for it with better physical talents.

And Lonjoe Jefferson's physical talent is average, not outstanding, but not bad either.

Even if someone is optimistic about Lonjo Jefferson's future and recognizes his value, they are certainly unwilling to give him such a big contract. After all, it is too risky.

Xue Liancheng was just wondering how to start the conversation, but when he heard Atkinson's words, his eyes lit up: "Then we can add Carol."

Sean Marks and Atkinson were shocked again and asked in unison: "Huh?"

Carroll's statistics in the new season make people feel like they are back to the dark horse Hawks three years ago. He averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 46.2% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.5%, which is still a very big contribution.

Moreover, Carroll is usually the defender who guards the opponent's top stars. He shows outstanding performance on both offense and defense. It is no exaggeration to say that he is one of the best 3D players in the league.

Trade Carroll?

Is this a joke?

Xue Liancheng said seriously: "I am definitely not joking."

Atkinson was puzzled: "Why?"

But how could Xue Liancheng come clean and point out that Carroll was passive and lazy after being passed, and had no strong willingness to assist in defense!

He could only emphasize this: "I hope the lineup will be upgraded."

At this point, Atkinson was speechless.

Sean Marks was very smart and took the initiative to ask: "So Xue, do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

Xue Liancheng blurted out: "We can try Wiggins."

This statement came out.

Sean Marks and Atkinson were shocked again and again: "What? Wiggins?"

Wiggins was the No. 14 pick in 23.6! He averaged points per game last season. He has the physical talent to build a team. It is almost certain that he will be selected into the All-Star team.

Xue Liancheng actually proposed to exchange two role players for such a player. How is this possible?

Xue Liancheng: "Nothing is impossible. You have to try everything before you know it."

of course.

This is the most ideal state.

The Timberwolves are off to a good start, with 8 wins and 4 losses, and are very competitive in the Western Conference.

But soon, they will suffer a Waterloo, and Wiggins' continued slump has become the main factor. If he remembers correctly, Wiggins' average points per game at the end of this season is only 17+, which is a far cry from last season's 23.6 points.

Moreover, Wiggins' shooting percentage has also dropped, and he is simply unable to integrate into the offensive system created by Thibodeau.

Give it a try, maybe you will succeed?

Even if it costs two draft picks, it is not impossible. After all, Wiggins' physical talent is too enviable.

Sean Marks smiled helplessly: "Okay, I'll contact him, but Xue, I don't think we should hold out too much hope. He's Wiggins! The most physically gifted player in your rookie class. So we can discuss the backup candidates first."