The 2017 MVP race is still intriguing with a couple of months left in the regular season. There is no clear-cut candidate that can be anointed by analysts and pundits at the moment. Russell Westbrook is performing at an MVP level all while breaking NBA records, James Harden is having a great statistical season and has the Houston Rockets third in the western conference standings.
Lebron James is always in the MVP conversation, his averages on the season are great, however, the Cavaliers have struggled at times throughout the season. Kawhi Leonard has been clutch all season and is the most valuable player on the San Antonio Spurs. Isaiah Thomas is performing at a high level and has been able to restore some balance in the eastern conference.
But first have a quick vote on who you think deserves the MVP honours, you will get a chance to vote at the end as we might persuade you to pick another player worthy of the award:
1) JAMES HARDEN (SG) – HOUSTON ROCKETS
Over the past two seasons, James Harden has been the effective ball handler for the Rockets, even though it is not his natural position, the team has handed the ball over to Harden and he has made the best of it. “The Beard” is averaging 28.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG with 11.3 APG proving that he can create for his teammates.
Harden’s amazing play this season has positioned the Rockets in third place in the western conference at 44-19, with his performances thrusting him into the frontrunner for MVP.
2) RUSSELL WESTBROOK (PG) – OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The uber-athletic point guard is averaging 31 PPG, 10.0 APG and 10.6 RPG. His quest to average a triple-double on the season is still possible, which would make him the only player to do so since NBA legend Oscar Robertson, who achieved the feat in the 1961-62 season. Despite Westbrook’s heroic performances, the Thunder are sitting at a mediocre 35-28, 7th place in the western conference standings.
Westbrook does not have enough talent around him for the Thunder to be a contender, his energy and tenacity help on defense, but the Thunder as a whole are allowing 106.2 PPG by the opponent. Team record aside, if Westbrook is able to average a triple-double by the end of the season, it will be difficult to deny him the MVP.
3) LEBRON JAMES (SF) – CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Often referred to as the “best player on the planet”, the reigning NBA champion is having another great season statistically. Recording 25.9 PPG and 8.9 APG, coupled with eight rebounds a game, has Lebron in the conversation for MVP once again. His mid-season complaints that the Cavaliers need more help to defend their title have been dealt with by management, the additions of Andrew Bogut and Deron Williams will surely have ” The King of Akron” satisfied.
The Cavaliers have no clear threat in the east, the Celtics are the only team that can offer some resistance, but it is clear that Cleveland is preparing for a clash with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals. Even with his stellar play, it is difficult to see James surpassing Westbrook and Harden for MVP but it is a possibility none the less.
4) KAWHI LEONARD (SF) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The elite two-way forward is having a stellar season for the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard has been a consistent scorer and comes through in clutch moments. His averages this season are 26.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG and is a lock down defender who offers great help defense as well.
Leonard has assumed the reigns as the Spur’s best player after the retirement of their Hall of fame worthy power forward Tim Duncan. Kawhi has helped the Spurs achieve the second best record in the west at 48-13 and now have a great chance of passing the Warriors for first place, after Kevin Durant’s injury that will keep him out indefinitely.
5) ISAIAH THOMAS (PG) – BOSTON CELTICS
In a league of giants, the 5 foot 9-inch scoring point guard has been on a tear this season. Thomas has averaged 29.5 PPG and 6.2 APG. The small statured point guard is not afraid of attacking the rim despite his size, his pick and roll excellence makes him very hard to cover because defenders must respect his shooting and passing ability.
His position in the MVP race has been earned and the Celtics are the second seed in the east sitting at 40-23 and could challenge the Cavaliers deep into the playoffs if the two teams meet.
HONORABLE MENTION:
KEVIN DURANT (SF) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The injury to Durant has certainly caused shockwaves in Golden State, their best player will miss the next four weeks and will be re-evaluated once again. Durant has been stellar this season, the offensive-minded forward also became a game-changer on defense.
Blocking shots and grabbing rebounds as he attempted to compensate for the Warriors lack of size in the post. Durant’s averages before the injury were 25.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG while shooting .537% from the field.
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