NBA MVP Power Rankings: Mavs' Luka Doncic climbs the ladder during All-Star weekend

4. Kawhi Leonard

Last rank: 6

Kawhi Leonard has quietly risen up the MVP Rankings over the last month. Despite his team's struggles entering the All-Star break, Kawhi has positioned the Clippers very nicely for a late postseason run.

Leonard has been a huge part of the Clippers 36-17 season. A huge question leading up to the beginning of the season has always been health and availability for Leonard. Barring any major setback, Leonard is set to make an All-NBA team under the 65-game threshold.

A lot of NBA media figures wrote off the Clippers as potential title contenders after they fell short due to health for the past four seasons. They have not only eliminated those claims but after an early season trade for James Harden, the Clippers are looking like true title contenders.

Leonard's stats may not wow any fans, But when on the floor, the Clippers have a clear edge over any other team. The push for MVP for Leonard has only begun just recently, which is why some fans may be surprised when they see his name this high on the list.

Without Leonard, the Clippers would likely be in the same place they were last season. With a very dim future, the time is now in Clipper land.

Leonard still has a lot to prove if he wishes to win the MVP award, but he has risen up the odds over the last two months. The Clippers first game out of the break will be against the OKC Thunder.