This year's MVP race has more candidates then usual. There are about 5 or 6 players that are in the conversation. At the same time, I would say there are only 2 or 3 players that have a serious chance. After taking a look at all the factors that go into an MVP season, I don't think it's even close. James Harden is head, shoulders, and beard above everyone else. The ingredients that go into an MVP season are stats, team record, schedule difficulty, and durability. Let's take a look at those ingredients and you be the judge.
Stats- When looking strictly at stats, all of the candidates have insane numbers. If you want to split hairs, you have to look at Anthony Davis, Westbrook, and Harden having the best stat line this season. Davis has the highest PER which is a rating of a players per-minute productivity. You can easily make a case that the just-turned 22 year old Davis, has been the most dominant player, when healthy. Westbrook's triple double streak wasn't quite the streak Jordan put together years ago, but it was pretty damn impressive. His averages of 27 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds per game is the most impressive stat line of all the candidates. Harden is right behind Westbrook, putting together averages of 27 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds a game which is a better line than both Steph Curry and LeBron James.
Team Record- This is where Steph Curry joins the debate. Steph Curry has lead the Warriors to a 59-13 record in the West, basically guaranteeing a #1 seed. How much would they drop if they didn't have Curry? I'm not trying to say they don't need him, but they have Kentucky Wildcat-like depth. They are a ten deep team with a backup in Shaun Livingston who could start on most teams. The most impressive team record of all the candidates has to be James Harden. He's played without his starting center (D Howard), and starting power forward (Terrence Jones), most of the year. He has put the team on his back and brought them to an incredible 49-23, a half game behind Memphis for 2nd in the West.
Schedule Difficulty- This category piggybacks off of Team Record. It is something to consider when you look at a team's record. Since LeBron plays in the East he gets the least credibility when you look at a team's record. If you take a closer look at who the Rockets play, James Harden again runs away with this category. Ever look at Houston's division? Grizzlies, Spurs, Mavericks, and Pelicans, are you kidding me? Golden State plays in a division with the Lakers, Kings, and Suns. All three of those teams would be in last if they played in the Southwest. Considering the team around Harden you should be asking yourself, "How the hell are they 49-23!?" You can't even reward LeBron for leading the Cavs to a 47-27 record, considering they play in a division with the Bucks, Pacers, and Pistons, all teams that would also be in last if they were in Houston's division.
Durability- This is where the MVP race gets interesting. You're not valuable to your team if you're injured and on the bench. You prove your value, yes, but you are not valuable watching. Russell Westbrook has missed 15 games this year due to injury. That could cost them a first round matchup with the Warriors, or cost them a playoff spot. How are you an MVP if your team may not even make the playoffs? You're not. LeBron James took time off to rest his knee and although he has looked great since, those 11 games could cost them home court advantage if they were to meet the Hawks in the ECF. James Harden, on the other hand, has played every single game but one. He's carrying a load that would be much too heavy for most. Just ask Russell Westbrook. Harden and Curry both separate themselves from the pack when considering durability.
In Review-
(underneath are the rankings of each category)
Stats- 1. Westbrook 2. Harden 3. Davis 4. LeBron 5. Curry
Team Record- 1. Harden 2. Curry 3. LeBron 4. Westbrook 5. Davis
Schedule Difficulty- 1. Davis 2. Harden 3. Curry 4. Westbrook 5. LeBron
Durability- 1. Harden 2. Curry 3. LeBron 4. Westbrook 5. Davis
Now add the numbers above for each candidate and you have a scoring system for the MVP candidates. Results are below ( low number being the best).
1. James Harden- 6
2. Steph Curry- 12
3. Russell Westbrook- 13
4. Anthony Davis- 14
5. LeBron James- 15
All things considered James Harden is the lead dog and I don't see it changing. There are about ten games left in the NBA regular season, but I got Harden as the clear-cut favorite. Who is your MVP?
