There is always a discussion on who is the MVP. The question becomes who is having the best individual season or making the most impact on their team as their most valuable player, but also it can go just go to the best player in the league like LeBron James or during those years Michael Jordan played.
This year is the closest race in years with James Harden, Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. LeBron is always in the discussion for being the best player in the league but his Cavs team have two other All Stars on it and can in a weak Eastern Conference make the playoffs without him, but at the same time the two recent trades the Cavs have made has energized him and his team has gone on a tear.
“It is between Curry, Harden, and Westbrook, said Matt Bray. “Westbrook’s been out of this world, but so has Harden on a far less talented team in the Rockets. Curry’s an (almost) better Gilbert Arenas with his accuracy; it’s scary good, because of the term “Most Valuable Player, I’d give the nod to Harden probably, but if the Thunder can make any kind of postseason noise, then Westbrook wins it,” said Bray.
You can make a case for Westbrook of the Thunder for tearing it up post All Star break with his scoring and triple doubles without Kevin Durant, but they are barely a playoff team this season. He has had Serge Ibaka or Enes Kanter for most of the season to help him. The other case is for Curry of the Warriors who plays on this year’s best team and is the best player on that team leading them in scoring and being an elite three point shooter. The Warriors would still be a playoff team since Klay Thompson has emerged as an All Star and David Lee, Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala have been All Stars before. They also have a competent point guard in Shaun Livingston to play that position along with Draymond Green who has emerged as a key player as well.
Harden should be the MVP for the 2014-2015 season. Where would the Rockets be with roster changes and a slew of injures including a major injury to their second best player for most of the season in center Dwight Howard.
The Rockets with Harden are the third most efficient team but when he’s not there they are behind the 25th ranked Sacramento Kings. Harden also has a mix of scoring and playmaking that only a couple of players in the NBA can come close to matching.
Harden’s ability to beat you off the dribble, with his shot, with the pass and at the free-throw line makes him unique. No player makes a living at the free throw line like he does with 10.1 free throw attempts per game.
Most people when asked who should win the MVP it comes down to two candidates, Curry and Harden. “I’m giving more favor towards James Harden for doing more with less in a tough Western Conference,” said Chris Jefferson.
With the MVP being the closest race in years it will come down to the end of the season and maybe the playoffs to see who wins it even though the MVP is only for the regular season. In the end for me it will be Harden who has the inferior talent on his team as compared to the rest of the league coupled with his second best player out for most of the season.