Who is Your MVP?

The regular season for the NBA is dwindling down to the end. There’s been many arguments as to who is the MVP, and frankly, there are many deserving candidates in my opinion. Players such as Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Isaiah Thomas and many more have had breakout seasons, but who’s stands out the most?

I mean of course there is always Lebron James in the mix. I’m not the biggest LeBron fan, but no one can deny his dominance. But let’s be honest, having someone else win is more fun.

Let’s look at Isaiah Thomas of the Celtics. Personally as a Bostonian I love him and definitely think that he deserves the most improved player. I mean he was the 60th pick of the 2011 draft…and now he’s an NBA All Star leading a team who’s been struggling in past years to the number 2 seed in the playoffs; that deserves recognition. But being unbiased; this is his first time being a standout player, and the Celtics still struggle against the top teams and have a hard time finishing out close games. So for now, Isaiah isn’t the MVP; but watch out because he’s coming for it eventually.

The Spurs have been a dominant force in the west since David Robinson was there. Tim Duncan retired, and they still are at their peek. Why? 2 words..Kawhi Leonard. I dare you to find something wrong with his game. You won’t. His is a silent star, not to mention his tenacious defense.  Let’s make his case; and it’s a good one. Best record of all contenders for MVP, 7-2 record against James Harden and Russell Westbrook, efficient on both ends, and many more. He’s nothing flashy, he is just a solid machine. I would have no problem with him winning MVP but unfortunately, I believe he won’t.

James Harden…MVP? If you ask someone in Houston it’s a hands down yes. To them the debate is over. If you are looking at the most wins to pick your MVP, then Harden is your guy. I can’t be negative here, Harden has been outstanding this year…but let’s be honest; can we really deny that Russell Westbrook’s history stamped season doesn’t earn him the MVP? Also it’s kind of funny, once they separated themselves from Kevin Durant, they are the ones fighting for the MVP, not Durant.

42 triple doubles in a season…42!

That is more than half the season, then don’t forget the playoffs where great players prove their worth. Oh and by the way I’m talking about Russell Westbrook, if you couldn’t tell from every news channel in the nation currently talking about his record breaking season. I’m sorry but if you are able to break the legendary Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple doubles in a season, then I think it’s safe to say you have the MVP in your hands. I made cases for other deserving candidates, but I can’t deny that Westbrook isn’t the most deserving. He makes it look easy, averaging 31.9 points, 10.4 assists and 10.7 rebounds per game. That’s unbelievable, no one can deny that.

Yeah sure, James Harden has more wins, but let’s not forget how it is more difficult to compete in the West coast compared to the East coast. In my opinion the MVP belongs to Westbrook.

“Thirty years ago, that’s me” from the mouth of the GOAT; Michael Jordan talking about Westbrook. Those words alone should earn him the award.

The NBA playoffs are almost here, and it looks the Harden is going to face off against Westbrook in one hell of a series, then we’ll see who really does deserves it more.

Written by Kristen Connors