NBA MVP Power Rankings: Top 5 early season leaders

#4 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie has a point to prove for the lost time and bad decisions.

In Kevin Durant's season-long absence, the reins of the Brooklyn Nets franchise have been duly handed over to Kyrie Irving for the coming year. Uncle Drew has been playing with a grit that is reflecting his desperation to make up for the lost time. His impatience to restore his name amongst the elite point guards in the league who can also lead a side, is clearly showing through his clutch plays down the stretch.

So far, Irving has taken most (if not all) of the Nets' crunch shots and is averaging a career-high 30.5 points per game (second highest in the league), playing over 33 minutes per contest. The 6-time All-Star is yet to lead a winning campaign in Brooklyn as his team has now lost four of their first six matches to start the season.

Along with his offensive prowess, Kyrie has put together impressive numbers in 6.5 rebounds and 7.5 dimes per game as well, shooting over 90% from the FT line.

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#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is on course for a personal title repeat.

Coming off a career-high scoring season with the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard is brimming with confidence to begin this one. His initial impressions in a Los Angeles Clippers' uniform have been truly majestic. The 28-year-old is averaging 30.5 points, in over 22 field goal attempts per game.

Playing almost 30 minutes per matchup, the 2-time champion is looking sharp and comfortable even in Paul George's absence. With numbers like 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.2 steals (4th best in the league) per game, his two-way game is as laudable as it can be.

If the Clippers franchise effectively implement load management through the year as well as include Paul George in the rotation successfully, it can open up a higher ceiling for Leonard to reach out for this year.