Before this year most people believed it would be a two man race between LeBron James and Kevin Durant for the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Given Durant's injuries and LeBron's adjustment to Cleveland the MVP throne is now open. LeBron has played well this year, but he is on the outside of the MVP conversation. Here are a couple guys that I think are the frontrunners to take home the MVP this year.
3rd Place: James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets:
James Harden could be the best pure scorer in the NBA. He can take it to the rim and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Ever since he was traded to the Houston Rockets Harden has taken on the role of being the best player on his team. This year the burden has been even greater on him because powerhouse center Dwight Howard has missed quite a few games for Houston. Harden has responded greatly to the larger work load. This season he has averaged just about 27 points. Something that impresses me more about Harden this year is that he is averaging 7 assists and 5 rebounds. For a guy that is considered to be a scorer and a guy who takes a lot of shots, it is amazing that Harden can average 7 assists. He is leading the Rockets To the playoffs and having a career year and that is why James Harden is a huge candidate for MVP.
2nd Place: Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors:
The past few years Stephen Curry proved he could play, but this year he has gone above and beyond is one of the frontrunners to win the MVP. Curry is known for his incredible shooting especially from three point range. So far this season Curry has lived up to his reputation shooting 48% from the field and 41% from three. Curry has also developed great point guard skills. He can score at will, but he will often look to dish it to his teammates as well. This year Curry is averaging close to 24 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. It is amazing that Curry is able to keep up these numbers on such a talented team. Possibly the most impressive thing about Curry is his effectiveness as a leader on the court. He is always keeping the game in control and he has lead this Warriors team to the best record in the extremely tough Western Conference. Curry has turned the Warriors franchise around and could very well being having the best season in the NBA.
1st Place: Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder:
I know that many people may disagree with me, but I believe that Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder deserves this year's MVP. For my argument I'll start off with the numbers. During this historic run he is putting up, Westbrook has taken over as the NBA's leading scorer with 27 points, trailed by James Harden with 26.9. People take shots at Westbrook for being a ball hog, but the guy averages 8 assists per night. Westbrook is also aggressive on the glass averaging 7 rebounds. Westbrook is also currently on a four game triple-double streak which has only recently been done by Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. That is some nice company to say the least. The statistics are MVP caliber, but what is even more impressive is how his performance is effecting his team. When Kevin Durant went down again people were unsure if the Thunder could make it to the playoffs. Westbrook doesn't care if he has to do it without Durant or with an indented face he is going to lead this team to the playoffs. Much like Harden, Westbrook has responded to the greater burden and the masked man deserves to be rewarded for his hard work.
Honorable Mentions:
LeBron James, SF, Cle
Chris Paul, PG, LAC
Anthony Davis, PF, NO
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