1. Wide-open MVP race
It was pretty clear the past two seasons that Stephen Curry would win MVP. Prior to that, it was all about LeBron James. This year is completely different. With Curry struggling to an extent in Oakland and James taking a back seat to other contenders, there will likely be a new MVP this season.
Depending on who you ask, the choice is between James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook. An argument could conceivably be made for both.
Harden has led a much improved Rockets team that heads into Tuesday’s action with a 49-22 record and boasting the No. 3 seed out west. He’s been downright dominating throughout the season, averaging 29.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and a league-best 11.2 assists per game.
He’s also remained consistent at 45 percent from the field, including a 35 percent mark from distance. Those jive well with what we have seen in recent seasons. The primary difference here is that Harden is being asked to run the offense under first-year head coach Mike D’Antoni. And while he is averaging nearly six turnovers per game, the All-Star has done a mighty fine job.
On the other hand, what Russ has done for the Kevin Durant-less Thunder is absolutely stunning. Here’s a team that has had to rebuild its supporting cast on a whim. That included acquiring Victor Oladipo from Orlando during the summer while picking up Taj Gibson in a deadline deal back in February. Despite this, Oklahoma City heads into the stretch run within an ear shot of a top-four seed out west.
Statistically speaking, Russ is having the best season since Oscar Robertson was dominating for the then Cincinnati Royals back in 1961-62. He’s averaging a league best 31.7 points to go with 10.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game. If these numbers hold, Westbrook would be the first player since the aforementioned Big O to average a triple-double during the course of a season.
While these are the two leading candidates, we would be foolish not to mention Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard as options too.
Thomas is averaging 29.2 points per game, including double-digit points in the fourth quarter for a Celtics squad that is contending for the top spot back east.
Meanwhile, Leonard continues to prove himself to be the best two-way player in the Association. He’s averaging a career-best 26.1 points and is shooting at a splendid 48 percent from the field. He also ranks in the top three of the NBA in defensive efficiency.
How the stretch run plays out here will have a huge impact on who is hoisting the MVP trophy come playoff time. Our money at this point has to be on Russ simply because he has the Thunder as a potential top-four seed a season after losing Durant to the Warriors.