With just 9 days left in the regular season, the NBA MVP conversation has officially reached its boiling point. Below I make the case for each of the award's projected top 5 candidates and predict who will ultimately come away with professional basketball's top individual honor.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) (Season Averages: 31.9 PPG, 10.4 APG, 10.6 RPG)
Given the level of success he's enjoyed this season, Russell Westbrook probably wishes Kevin Durant left OKC sooner. The 28-year old point guard is 1 game away from tying Oscar Robertson's record (41) for most triple doubles in a season and 6 games away from becoming the first player since Robertson to finish a season averaging a triple double. In addition to the nightly stat-sheet stuffing, his awe-inspiring play has been enough to carry an otherwise average Thunder squad to a playoff spot in the lion's den that is the Western Conference.
James Harden (Houston Rockets) (Season Averages: 29.2 PPG, 11.2 APG, 8.1 RPG)
What a difference a year makes. After a trainwreck of a 2015-16 season that raised questions about his ability to lead a team, James Harden has spent this season reminding the world why he is one of the NBA's most electrifying talents. A position change to point guard in new coach Mike D'Antoni's uptempo system has maximized Harden's production level, which in turn has allowed the Rockets to become a dark horse title contender.
Isaiah Thomas (Boston Celtics) (Season Averages: 29.1 PPG, 5.9 APG, 2.6 RPG)
Ever since the Celtics acquired him from the Suns in February 2015, fans and pundits around the league have rattled off a seemingly endless number of reasons (height, poor defensive skills, lack of quality competition in Eastern Conference) as to why Isaiah Thomas isn't a legit superstar. His ridiculous 2016-17 campaign has successfully destroyed that narrative once and for all. Thomas' aggression, playmaking ability and knack for closing out games in the 4th quarter have served as the catalyst for the Celtics unlikely run to the top of the Eastern Conference.
LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (Season Averages: 26.3 PPG, 8.7 APG, 8.5 RPG)
It may be a tired storyline, but there's no denying that LeBron's status as one of the game's all-time greats makes people take his perennial success for granted. In a season that's been bogged down by injuries to key members of their supporting cast (Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert) and stretches of ugly, inconsistent play, LeBron's continued excellence on both ends of the floor has kept the Cavs in contention for the East's top seed.
Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs) (Season Averages: 25.9 PPG, 3.6 APG, 5.9 RPG)
Any MVP conversation wouldn't be complete without the face of the most anonymous dominant team in professional sports. Leonard has thrived in an expanded offensive role for an aging Spurs squad, putting up career-highs in points per game, free throw percentage and assists, while maintaining the level of defensive dominance that has defined his game since he entered the league in 2011.
Final Verdict:
Will Win: James Harden
Should Win: Russell Westbrook
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