NBA MVP Race: 3 Candidates And Winner's Prediction
The 2016/17 NBA season is remembered for Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double season. The only player to average a triple-double in a season since Oscar Robertson in 1962, Westbrook surpassed James Harden for MVP even though some questioned the effectiveness of Westbrook’s figures.
Also read: Ranking the Greatest MVP Seasons ever
This season, however, after Westbrook has averaged yet another triple-double, the tide has turned as Westbrook is barely in the conversation for the most prestigious award. With Westbrook out of the picture, Harden has carried his terrific play from last season into this campaign and has taken the lead in the running for this year’s award. However, he is far from a lone ranger with none other than LeBron James and Anthony ‘The Brow’ Davis on his tail.
Let’s take a look at the three contenders individually and work out who deserves the best individual award in basketball.
Also read: Ranking the 10 Greatest MVP seasons EVER
James Harden
James ‘The Beard’ Harden’s style of play could best be described as lulling his opponent into a false sense of security, hypnotizing the defender by rocking the ball back and forth before delivering the damage. His play this season has culminated in averaging a league-high 30.4 points per game, third in assists per game and leading the Rockets to the best record in the NBA (65-17).
When Harden’s Rockets went 25-5 through the first 30 games this season, it was clear he was once again playing MVP-calibre basketball. Since then, the Rockets have held the best record in the league and he has carried that over into this postseason as Houston have taken a 2-0 lead against the Timberwolves. Their style of play combined with the cohesion of their two superstars in Harden and Chris Paul has confirmed their adequacy to contend with the Warriors and challenge for the Larry O’Brien trophy. As a spearhead in this devastating team, Harden is at the forefront of the MVP conversation.