So Who's the MVP?

Through a little over a month, the usual suspects are in the MVP conversation. While it's way too early to hand out any hardware, here are the top five MVP candidates so far this season.

1) Kevin Durant
His scoring is down compared to the last three years, but Durant's all-around game has improved. Rebounds, assists and blocks are all career-highs and Durant's Thunder look formidable once again after a bumpy start to the season. The consensus second-best basketball player on earth will win an MVP eventually, so why not this year? His summer training with LeBron may be the reason for his well-rounded game this season.

2) Carmelo Anthony
Under constant scrutiny in New York, it has to feel good for Carmelo to be the best player on what looks to be the second-best team in the East. As expected, he is thriving under Mike Woodson's isolation offense, but now Melo has also taken on an increased leadership role. He is third in scoring, but that talent of his has never been in question. At this point in his career, Melo's goal is to string a playoff run together. He looks to be off to a good start this year.

3) LeBron James
The phrase "second-best" has been used in the first two sections, but no need to use it here. LeBron is the best player in the league, so third may seem too far down on the list for him. As usual, he has added more to his game this season. Shooting at the best clip of his career and closing out games with his tremendous play-making ability, it would be no surprise at all to see LeBron at the top of this list at some point. The expectations are higher for LeBron than anyone else, so it will be a great feat if he can win a fourth MVP.

4) Rudy Gay
Memphis has the best record in the West and Gay is their best player. He is the leader of a tough and balanced Grizzlies team. Gay's numbers have always been good when he's healthy, but never has he played this well for such a good team. A supreme athlete, Gay is on his way to an All-Star appearance and the Grizzlies look to be onto much more. 

5) Kobe Bryant
The only guy on the list who's not a small forward is none other than the Black Mamba. Kobe's Lakers have disappointed, but he has not. Leading the NBA in scoring and shooting the highest percentage of his career, Kobe truly looks ageless. The Lakers will form into a contender with time this year, and Kobe will be in any MVP conversation if he keeps playing at this level.