The NBA season is winding down, and one of the best stories to follow has been the MVP race.
For the first time in a while, this race feels truly wide open.
LeBron James is still the best player in the league, but it took him a while (and a strange two-week midseason vacation) to get going. Plus, the Cavaliers are just now starting to look like the team we thought they’d be.
Kevin Durant has battled injuries all year, and has no chance at defending his MVP trophy.
So that opens it up to a few guys who, while deserving, would definitely be battling for third place votes is James and Durant were 100%.
There are a few ways to define the MVP, which is why picking just one choice this year is so fun. Let’s break down the contenders and pick a winner:
The best guy on the best team: Stephen Curry
This is usually the MVP every season. If you’re a lazy voter, you can look at the standings and pick the best player from either of the two 1-seeds (Eastern or Western Conference). You’ll get a defensible pick and probably the winner.
This year is no different.
Curry has carried the Golden State Warriors to a relatively easy top-seed in the West; a feat that no one predicted before the season. He’s orchestrating the league’s second best offense by efficiency. He’s leading the league in three-pointers made and steals.
Simply put…he’s arguably the best point guard in the league on a team that will win about 65 games this season. Plus, he can go for 50 points on a given night. AND, he can do this:
https://vine.co/v/OEp5gOw3tBX
The best story: Russell Westbrook
If the Oklahoma City Thunder makes the playoffs this season, it will be because of Westbrook. Period.
A story like that is (and should be) enough for MVP consideration.
Westbrook has pushed his game to a higher level in the absence of Kevin Durant at exactly the right time. The Thunder are in a tight playoff race, and Westbrook isn’t just playing well…he’s leading the league in scoring and has five triple doubles in his last six games.
The last few weeks have been like a Paul Bunyan tall tale. Remember when he took over the All-Star Game? Remember when he took one game off after facial surgery and came back with a triple double?! Remember when he started a one-man fast break after a make and dunked on an entire team?!
https://vine.co/v/O0U2q0FKmPa
Westbrook is playing like a basketball machine. A mix of Michael Jordan and RoboCop. Dr. J and an avatar. Have to at least consider him for MVP, right?
The dictionary definition of most “valuable:” James Harden
In a normal year, the Thunder are fine without Westbrook because they have Kevin Durant. The Warriors can survive without Curry because they have the best team, top to bottom, in the West.
What do the Houston Rockets do without Harden?
Probably draft in the lottery. Instead they are headed to the playoffs, currently sitting 3rd in the West.
On top of that, he’s a model of offensive efficiency, getting to the basket at will and sitting in the top 5 of three pointers made.
Houston would need, like, 2.9 players to replace everything Harden does for them on offense. That is the definition of value. And something that has him on the short list of MVP candidates.
The best player (unless we’re tired of him): LeBron James
Still true. Always an MVP candidate when he’s healthy.
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So who’s the MVP? I’d cast my fictitious ballot for Harden. He has been the most consistently excellent all season. Despite his reputation on defense, he’s been at least average on that side of the ball.
I wouldn’t be mad at any of these guys winning. But Harden gets the slight edge.
What about you? Who should be the MVP this season?
Hit the comments and let me know!
This isn’t dating or relationship… lol
That’s what the left side of the homepage is for. We talk about it all on the right side, lol.
My vote goes for Russell. Yeah Steph Curry is a living cheat code. But what Russell has done in these last few games and how he’s completely taken over the Thunder is beyond impressive. That whole “he shoots too much” is dissipating because his assists are up as well. Curry and Russ’s stats are nearly identical, aside from rebounds per game. But something tells me Steph will win it though simply based on the Warriors’ record.
My vote is Harden. He hasn’t missed any games (well aside from the suspension) he is the sole reason the Rockets are not a lottery team, and he’s at least worked on his defense.
Russell is playing out his mind but its not translating into wins, Curry is a close second, and well not only are people tired of LeBron but he took 2 weeks off when things got rocky which shouldn’t be lauded
Gota go with curry, he’s been playing lights out and the warriors have 60 wins which is the MOST they’ve had in my lifetime (I’m in my 30’s) imagine if he improved his defense. Unlike harden who is a prolific scorer doesn’t jack up shots. And to think his career was in doubt because of his ankle.
opinionatedmale.com
If OKC makes the playoffs though I’m tugging the award away from curry to hand to westbrook. What he’s done without ibaka and durant is nothing short of impressive