2017: MVP will be a three man race

[Spurtacular]

Russell Westbrook
Kawhi Leonard
Paul George

TBH

[313]

Paul George :lol

[Dex]

:lmao Even if PG had a career year, the Pacers would have to actually be good for him to even sniff a 1st place vote.

[SnakeBoy]

It's already has Lebron's name on it tbh.

[apalisoc_9]

Paul George :lol

Paul Geroge has a legit chance of making noise. He's nowhere near the 1st tier of players, but he can put up stats and with a potebtially better team..it's possible.

Russell Westbrook is you average casual fan vote but they probaby wont even sniff top 5 in the west so thats not going to happen. Plus, Westbrooks Assist will struggle now that he has to pass the ball to oladipo instead of Durant.

I have my money on Leonard but Lebron is the clear cut favourite. Last year he rested and coasted some games but he still played a total of 76 games. He really only needs to play 70+ games. They've also secured a top 2 seed.

Leonard is second on ny list because there's a tiny cloud of uncertainy about the spurs. If LA finishes above San Antonio, Lebron is tying Jordan.

Its

Lebron


Leonard.


Nobday cares.

[egtonecity]

We're really going to be sad we traded him now.

[spurs10]

We're really going to be sad we traded him now. :lol Why!!!?? :bang

[Spurtacular]

People forget that PG was still ultimately recovering from his injury last season. He'll be at 25-29 ppg this season. If the Pacers suck, it could go even higher if he's allowed to just ballhog the sh** out of the ball.

[Spurtacular]

It's already has Lebron's name on it tbh.

He'd have to put in the work, day in and day out and not coast like he has been the last two or three seasons. Perhaps, he wants one more for the mantle before he absolutely leaves his prime. I just didn't put him b/c I don't know if he'll do that or not.

[NameLess Scrub]

I don't know why Curry isn't mentioned.

It's always Lebron + flavor of the year at the top. If he just formed a superteam or the other guy actually proves to the MVP above all doubt, it's the other guy.

Else is Lebron.

Kawhi most probably won't be MVP.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Lebron and Curry are both on superteams

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Get real. It's going to LeBron, Curry or (distant) Leonard.

[TheGreatYacht]

Lebron

Westbrook

Curry (the FANS hate him, not the media. The media loves him and they'll start the slurping if GS breaks reg season win record again)

[NameLess Scrub]

Lebron and Curry are both on superteams

That might hurt Curry this year. Not Lebron, it only hurts the first year.
After that everybody forgets they got a lot of help and they're back in the race again :lol

[UNT Eagles 2016]

That might hurt Curry this year. Not Lebron, it only hurts the first year.
After that everybody forgets they got a lot of help and they're back in the race again :lol

Curry isn't with any certainly the best player on his own team, while Lebron is indisputedly better than Irvinge, even though Irvindge is elite in his own right and made the biggest shot of the year.

[NameLess Scrub]

Curry isn't with any certainly the best player on his own team, while Lebron is indisputedly better than Irvinge, even though Irvindge is elite in his own right and made the biggest shot of the year.

Agreed.

[gambit1990]

it's going to westbrook. i said it earlier this summer.

[Horse]

We're really going to be sad we traded him now.

Rahahahahahaha!

[Brazil]

:lol OP

[T Park]

Westbrook Leonard will be the top ones, others challenging but seriously, Harden, George, Cousins, and maybe Al Horford

[houston spurs fan]

It's Westbrook's to lose. The MVP award is always a story and the narrative has been written if WB takes it.

[Spurtacular]

Lebron

Westbrook

Curry (the FANS hate him, not the media. The media loves him and they'll start the slurping if GS breaks reg season win record again)

Curry and KD will cancel each other out if it comes to it.

[spurs10]

Durant is going to cry and get a tattoo of Vanilla Ice if he doesn't get mentioned.

[Spurtacular]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVSwNT-Y8h0

[ECOV]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jevbzRJWk

[gambit1990]

if the spurs land cp3 next summer... 2018 will be when kawhi wins it.

[NameLess Scrub]

It's Westbrook's to lose. The MVP award is always a story and the narrative has been written if WB takes it.

If they get a high seed I could see it, probably 4 up.

[NameLess Scrub]

Durant is going to cry and get a tattoo of Vanilla Ice if he doesn't get mentioned.

:lol

[ElNono]

Don't forget Tony Parker....

/SpursDynasty

[dabom]

Don't forget MVParker....

/tgy

[UNT Eagles 2016]

Surprised at OP for not mentioning Fredette, tbh.

[TD 21]

It'll be between Westbrook, Leonard and James.

Westbrook wins if: Thunder get the 4th seed. He'll already have the narrative and counting/advanced stats.

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).

James wins if: He scales back the coasting, which is highly unlikely. If anything, he'll probably slightly increase it.


Harden is the dark horse. His reputation and team aren't good enough to win it, but expect a bounce back season from him. If they get the 4th seed, he'll be in the discussion.

George is neither a good enough player nor plays for a good enough team to have a realistic chance to win it, but he could generate some buzz if they hang around the top 4.

[gambit1990]

It'll be between Westbrook, Leonard and James.

Westbrook wins if: Thunder get the 4th seed. He'll already have the narrative and counting/advanced stats.

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).

James wins if: He scales back the coasting, which is highly unlikely. If anything, he'll probably slightly increase it.


yep. pretty much what i had to say on the topic:

i don't see someone from golden state getting it because they have too much help.

then there's lebron. i won't make an argument against him but some voters will (undeserving so) give too much credit to irving.

then there's kawhi & westbrook. westbrook is carrying the load. unless the spurs have the #1 overall seed voters will think "he has aldridge, he has parker (:lol), manu, pop."

the thunder will be the 4 seed.

[SAGirl]

It'll be between Westbrook, Leonard and James.

Westbrook wins if: Thunder get the 4th seed. He'll already have the narrative and counting/advanced stats.

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).

James wins if: He scales back the coasting, which is highly unlikely. If anything, he'll probably slightly increase it.


Harden is the dark horse. His reputation and team aren't good enough to win it, but expect a bounce back season from him. If they get the 4th seed, he'll be in the discussion.

George is neither a good enough player nor plays for a good enough team to have a realistic chance to win it, but he could generate some buzz if they hang around the top 4.
I would rather see Kawhi increase his playmaking and assists instead of PPG. That's really the only part of his game missing or rather, not dominant. If he doesn't improve in that area this season the team will not be good enough with so much having to rely on Tony. That's a knock on him. Second, there will always be the system player/system scorer themes among some douches.

[Spurtacular]

Surprised at OP for not mentioning Fredette, tbh.

He'll win the China League MVP, tbh.

[Spurtacular]

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).


It's not antiquated or proven antiquated, anyways. A guy would have a very difficult time winning MVP at 21 ppg.

[james evans]

Curry isn't winning another mvp. I don't even know why some of you mentioned him

[james evans]

It'll be between Westbrook, Leonard and James.

Westbrook wins if: Thunder get the 4th seed. He'll already have the narrative and counting/advanced stats.

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).

James wins if: He scales back the coasting, which is highly unlikely. If anything, he'll probably slightly increase it.


Harden is the dark horse. His reputation and team aren't good enough to win it, but expect a bounce back season from him. If they get the 4th seed, he'll be in the discussion.

George is neither a good enough player nor plays for a good enough team to have a realistic chance to win it, but he could generate some buzz if they hang around the top 4.
Houston will struggle to even make the playoffs, if they make it..

[Captivus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jevbzRJWk

[UNT Eagles 2016]

He'll win the China League MVP, tbh.

Does mormonism allow him to fuck a Chinese woman, tbh? Even if they don't believe in God or wear the secret underwear?

[Spurtacular]

Does mormonism allow him to fuck a Chinese woman, tbh? Even if they don't believe in God or wear the secret underwear?

Why would he want to f* that nas, tbh.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DQ80hBXfdE

[Spur|n|Austin]

:lol OP is such an artard

[lefty20]

It's already has Lebron's name on it tbh.

I can't imagine why LBJ would even care about winning another one of these. The only thing that matters to him is playing his best in the the PO's. Considering the miles on him and his age I fully expect him to coast during reg season, as he did last season. Winning another MVP would basically do next to nothing for his legacy, tbh.

[TD 21]

I would rather see Kawhi increase his playmaking and assists instead of PPG. That's really the only part of his game missing or rather, not dominant. If he doesn't improve in that area this season the team will not be good enough with so much having to rely on Tony. That's a knock on him. Second, there will always be the system player/system scorer themes among some douches.

So would I; ppg is mostly about context and mindset and is therefore mostly irrelevant or at least should be, but unfortunately it's not to most of the voters.

Even if Leonard takes a step in terms of play making, no matter how much they win or how good his advanced stats are, if he's not at least approaching mid 20's ppg, he's not winning it.



It's not antiquated or proven antiquated, anyways. A guy would have a very difficult time winning MVP at 21 ppg.

The mindset of the voters is. So long as his stellar advanced stats more or less maintain and their elite record does, Leonard should be just as legit a contender at 21 ppg as at 24 ppg, but that's not how it works.



Houston will struggle to even make the playoffs, if they make it..

I'm not predicting them finishing 4th, but it is wide open and they should be in the mix with the Grizzlies, Thunder, Trail Blazers and Jazz.

[Spurtacular]

I can't imagine why LBJ would even care about winning another one of these. The only thing that matters to him is playing his best in the the PO's. Considering the miles on him and his age I fully expect him to coast during reg season, as he did last season. Winning another MVP would basically do next to nothing for his legacy, tbh.

Of course he has a reason. He's Jordan chasing like Kobe thought he was. He's even admitted that.

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8jevbzRJWk

Russ has a good chance if OKC gets a Top 3 seed in the west, but as I see that unlikely, i"d probably go with LeBron with Kawhi as a dark horse candidate.

[lefty20]

Of course he has a reason. He's Jordan chasing like Kobe thought he was. He's even admitted that.

Agreed that he's chasing MJ. But it seems like he values Rings over MVPs, seeing how he's started coasting in reg season last couple years. That being said, a coasting LBJ is still gonna be an MVP candidate, just not an obvious favorite.

[BillMc]

I would rather see Kawhi increase his playmaking and assists instead of PPG. That's really the only part of his game missing or rather, not dominant. If he doesn't improve in that area this season the team will not be good enough with so much having to rely on Tony

Excellent post. Agree. Kawhi becoming a complete playmaker would take the whole team to another level.

[Spurtacular]

Agreed that he's chasing MJ. But it seems like he values Rings over MVPs, seeing how he's started coasting in reg season last couple years. That being said, a coasting LBJ is still gonna be an MVP candidate, just not an obvious favorite.

He has to coast, imo. Too many miles on those legs. Still, he might be seduced to playing harder if midway through the season there is no clear MVP front runner.

[Ginobili3]

Robert Sacre is my pick tbh

[rastaspur]

Westbrook wins imo.

[G-Dawgg]

I'm going to put Paul George into the MVP race... I think he's in for a big year.

[spursistan]

Hand it to LBJ already :wakeup

791083330812964864


32-year-old Lebron :wow. 17 pts/12 asts /8rebs after 3 Quarters

[Obstructed_View]

I'm gonna need to see Kawhi play MVP-caliber ball for a month or two before I think he's in the race. I love him, but I'm still not quite believing my eyes when I watch him.

[Russ]

Kawhi would have to get to 25 points/game to be in the hunt.

Then he'd have to add some sizzle.

I don't see it.

[spursistan]

19/14/11 in 32 minutes for Lebron..

[sasaint]

He'll win the China League MVP, tbh.

That's probably a pretty good take on your guy. :wow

[sasaint]

It'll be between Westbrook, Leonard and James.

Westbrook wins if: Thunder get the 4th seed. He'll already have the narrative and counting/advanced stats.

Leonard wins if: Spurs push Warriors for top record and he ups his points per game by a few (should be irrelevant, but there's still a lot of antiquated fools voting on these awards).

James wins if: He scales back the coasting, which is highly unlikely. If anything, he'll probably slightly increase it.


Harden is the dark horse. His reputation and team aren't good enough to win it, but expect a bounce back season from him. If they get the 4th seed, he'll be in the discussion.

George is neither a good enough player nor plays for a good enough team to have a realistic chance to win it, but he could generate some buzz if they hang around the top 4.

I expect OKC to exceed most folks' expectations, boosting Westbrook's chances. I expect him to have a monster of a statistical season.

Rarely do you see a team change styles so radically and abruptly as the Rockets will between last season and this season. That makes Houston kind of intriguing to me. Depending on the success that team attains, Harden is, indeed, a dark horse.

I think Westbrook takes it.

[spursistan]

Bump.

Looks like The Clippers are going after the regular season Championship, so you have to wonder if Chris Paul/Blake have chance here..

Kawhi has kinda cooled off after the first 6 games and i think he has fallen behind Harden in the MVP race after 10 games..Rockets will win more games than OKC and the media corps could make it up for Harden when he was voted the players' MVP in 2015 after carrying an average and oft-injured team to a third seed...Meanwhile, Lebron is coasting until further notice..

[apalisoc_9]

Bump.

Looks like The Clippers are going after the regular season Championship, so you have to wonder if Chris Paul/Blake have chance here..

Kawhi has kinda cooled off after the first 6 games and i think he has fallen behind Harden in the MVP race after 10 games..Rockets will win more games than OKC and the media corps could make it up for Harden when he was voted the players' MVP in 2015 after carrying an average and oft-injured team to a third seed...Meanwhile, Lebron is coasting until further notice..

Both Blake and Paul will get votes, but they won't win.

Rockets won't win enough games. They're not that good...And the thunder fill eventually finish below 7th seed...

Lebron has been scary good the last two games. If Atlanta can't grab that first seed, he's going to win it.

[gambit1990]

it's going to westbrook. i said it earlier this summer.

[Spurtacular]

Got to admit I was pretty f'ing off on PG. He's apparently not as good as I gave him credit for (though tbf, he is dealing with ballhogs right now). At this point, PG is not even on pace to be top ten.

[Spurtacular]

Hand it to LBJ already :wakeup

791083330812964864


32-year-old Lebron :wow. 17 pts/12 asts /8rebs after 3 Quarters


Cancerny running out of the picture. Larry Bird wouldn't be caught dead doing that sh**.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Harden averaging close to a triple double will be hard for the voters not elect should Houston manage a top five seed in the West. He's got the gaudy numbers the voters like.

[spursistan]

802559172701278208
802559354587254785
802560297462624256
802560692977106945

[apalisoc_9]

802559172701278208
802559354587254785
802560297462624256
802560692977106945

Told you lebron is the only real competition this year if Spurs manage second seed.

Only way he doesbt win it is if he misses 10+ games. ..Everyone else will have an awful record and Durant or curry wont win.

[Kawhitstorm]

Harden averaging close to a triple double will be hard for the voters not elect should Houston manage a top five seed in the West. He's got the gaudy numbers the voters like.

Despite carrying the team to a #2 seed, Harden lost out to Curry who was putting up inferior numbers so gaudy records are weighed heavily. The Cavs are going to blow away the Leastern conference just like the Duds did in '14-'15 so LeBron is going to win it as long as he doesn't take a 2 week vacation.

[spursistan]

818512810590269440
818519027043672064

More like a clear two-man race with Harden just ahead of Russ..

Rockets are on pace for +60-win..+55-win and 3rd seed are just about enough for him to get it , IMO..

[Robz4000]

If Westchimp averages a triple double he gets it.

[TD 21]

Yeah, probably because the media seemingly decided this before the season began and like him more than Harden.

I wouldn't even consider him. Whether right or wrong and fair or not, being on an elite team has almost always been a significant part of it and he's on probably the 7th best team in the conference. More than that though, it's him desperately seeking out a triple double every game. I have no respect for players who seek out specific stats.

[BillMc]

Did I read somewhere that they've changed when the MVP will be announced? Instead, I think it said, the award will be revealed at a ceremony in June post the finals.

[Robz4000]

Did I read somewhere that they've changed when the MVP will be announced? Instead, I think it said, the award will be revealed at a ceremony in June post the finals.

Yep, June 26th along with all the other awards.

[BillMc]

Yep, June 26th along with all the other awards.

Thanks.

Wish they hadn't done that. It's more fun to see the awards trickle in during the playoffs and all the controversy/player motivation it engenders. By June 26 no one is thinking about last season. It's all about free agent chess....:lol

[Robz4000]

Thanks.

Wish they hadn't done that. It's more fun to see the awards trickle in during the playoffs and all the controversy/player motivation it engenders. By June 26 no one is thinking about last season. It's all about free agent chess....:lol

They did it so they can televise it and gain more money tbh, but yeah I'm not a fan either.

[gambit1990]

MVP will be announced after the finals? wtf... it should be announced before the playoffs even start.

[BillMc]

They did it so they can televise it and gain more money tbh, but yeah I'm not a fan either.


MVP will be announced after the finals? wtf... it should be announced before the playoffs even start.

Yeah, half the fun is watching to see if the MVP can lead his team to the title, while all his snubbed competitors try and stop him.. After the season is just, meh. Like in 2007 when Dirk got his after the Mavs had been eliminated. Having it announced after the season, it goes from a tool to create drama and high theater, to just an award. Same to a lesser degree to DPOY.

Silver's first major bad call of his commissionership.

[SpursforSix]

MVP will be announced after the finals? wtf... it should be announced before the playoffs even start.

100%

[GSH]

Thanks.

Wish they hadn't done that. It's more fun to see the awards trickle in during the playoffs and all the controversy/player motivation it engenders. By June 26 no one is thinking about last season. It's all about free agent chess....:lol


I loved it trickling in like that. I especially loved watching Dray playing after getting snubbed for DPOY. :D

You know they can't just run a story on NBA.com with all the winners. So what are they going to do, have a whole show dedicated to the awards, with "color" stories in between each one? Maybe have the top 3 players in each category present, to add some drama? Give the winners time for a short speech? Gag me.

[Ice009]

I think it's a good thing. It doesn't distract from the playoffs. You won't hear bitching from players who thought they should have won certain awards.

[BillMc]

I loved it trickling in like that. I especially loved watching Dray playing after getting snubbed for DPOY. :D

You know they can't just run a story on NBA.com with all the winners. So what are they going to do, have a whole show dedicated to the awards, with "color" stories in between each one? Maybe have the top 3 players in each category present, to add some drama? Give the winners time for a short speech? Gag me.

100% agree. Hope its not some big Oscar-like production with the Top 5 waiting for their name to be called. Ugh.

[UZER]

Players today don't want to deal with the criticism and hurt ego if they get the award, then lose a series.

[gambit1990]

Yeah, half the fun is watching to see if the MVP can lead his team to the title, while all his snubbed competitors try and stop him.. After the season is just, meh. Like in 2007 when Dirk got his after the Mavs had been eliminated. Having it announced after the season, it goes from a tool to create drama and high theater, to just an award. Same to a lesser degree to DPOY.

Silver's first major bad call of his commissionership.
yeah, you hit the nail on the head.

[100%duncan]

I hope it stops being a regular season award then if that is the case

[Ice009]

Players today don't want to deal with the criticism and hurt ego if they get the award, then lose a series.

Yeah, that's another angle. Imagine how D-Rob felt after that '95 series. I was devastated back then, so I can't imagine how he felt. From what I read, he put that trophy away in the back of the closet and doesn't even want to look at it.

Another thing to consider is the effects on the NBA's image. They give the MVP award to someone, and as has happened before, that player's team loses the next series.

[spursistan]

It is Harden's to lose at this point with Houston locked in no worse than 3rd seed in the West.

Westbrook efficiency is starting to get ugly along with Thunder record (ridiculous tough schedule for next month). They will end up as 7th seed, IMO...I could see Dominoes/Kawhi vault themselves back into the MVP discussion if they keep up their current torrid play and GSW/Spurs put a gap in the standings..

For Lebron, it doesn't look like The Finals narrative will be enough, so the Cavs need to go on a massive winning streak and finish in 60s win total for James to get it..

[gambit1990]

harden has played great. i didn't factor him into the MVP race over the summer because i forgot the rockets hired dantoni and i didn't know harden would step up so much. averaging 11.6 assists :wow

[Spurtacular]

Despite carrying the team to a #2 seed, Harden lost out to Curry who was putting up inferior numbers so gaudy records are weighed heavily. The Cavs are going to blow away the Leastern conference just like the Duds did in '14-'15 so LeBron is going to win it as long as he doesn't take a 2 week vacation.

There was a "legitimate" perception that Harden was stat padding, whereas Curry was putting up his numbers within the team framework. I've said that if Curry's MVP seasons were inversed, he would not have the second MVP. It's easier not to give a former MVP such leeway. Same thing goes for Nash's 2 MVPs.

[Spurtacular]

I hope it stops being a regular season award then if that is the case

It didn't used to be. Bird was being asked on national TV about winning the MVP during the 84 Finals celebration. I think that may have been the last season that included postseason.

[Spurtacular]

It didn't used to be. Bird was being asked on national TV about winning the MVP during the 84 Finals celebration. I think that may have been the last season that included postseason.

:lmao Stern trying to handicap Bird.
:lmao He won three straight, anyways.

[spursistan]

830623214590054400

fans/media/coaches didn't consider any other Spur worthy of an All-Star tag to go alongside him....We're on 62-63 wins pace for the second overall record in the league, but no "triple doubles" tho :cry

[ducks]

Jeff said by far he is the best d player on the list and it is not even close
Isaiah Thomas of Boston might get it. Media loves east and his numbers in 4 are insane

[djohn2oo8]

There was a "legitimate" perception that Harden was stat padding, whereas Curry was putting up his numbers within the team framework. I've said that if Curry's MVP seasons were inversed, he would not have the second MVP. It's easier not to give a former MVP such leeway. Same thing goes for Nash's 2 MVPs.

Stat padding by carrying Terry, Smith, Brewer and the rest of that team when Dwight was hurt?

[UZER]

Paul George :lol

Kevin Durant :lol

[RD2191]

The dubs won 70+ without KD. How the hell can he be considered an MVP?

[UZER]

The dubs won 70+ without KD. How the hell can he be considered an MVP?

And has the 2x (+unanimous) MVP, and have been to the finals 2 years in a row while inning 1, and already have 3 All-stars.

I've been saying this over and over. The fact that they are adding him, while at the same time omitting Kawhi is ridiculous.

[PopTheGOAT]

Stat padding by carrying Terry, Smith, Brewer and the rest of that team when Dwight was hurt?
Yes

[djohn2oo8]

Yes

Not stat padding when the team needs all your stats to win. Stat padding is running up your totals in blowout wins and losses.

Though the actual definition is:

stat padding is an action that improves a player's statistics despite being of little benefit to his or her team or its chance of winning

[PopTheGOAT]

Not stat padding when the team needs all your stats to win. Stat padding is running up your totals in blowout wins and losses.

Though the actual definition is:

stat padding is an action that improves a player's statistics despite being of little benefit to his or her team or its chance of winning
He's nowhere near as bad as Westbrook, but I think he does to a degree. I respect that you'll defend your guy tho

[Spurtacular]

Stat padding by carrying Terry, Smith, Brewer and the rest of that team when Dwight was hurt?

By making sure he has a sh** load of ball time to get pts or the ast on damn near every possession.

[DAF86]

Harden isn't a statpadder (at least not a blatant one like Westbrook), Harden many times gives the ball up early on the possession to see if his teammates can take advantage of a crack on a non fully established defense. A stat padder doesn't do that.

[Spurtacular]

It's Westbrook's to lose. The MVP award is always a story and the narrative has been written if WB takes it.

WB has that going for him. Though, Houston's gaudy offensive stats are working for Harden right now. Right now, those are the two front runners. Some here would argue Kawhi is in a clear cut 3rd, but I'd say more realistically he's back in the pack with James, Curry, Durant, Thomas, Irving, etc.

[Spurtacular]

Harden isn't a statpadder (at least not a blatant one like Westbrook), Harden many times gives the ball up early on the possession to see if his teammates can take advantage of a crack on a non fully established defense. A stat padder doesn't do that.

Harden does that b/c he doesn't have WB's high motor. It's not like he's making cuts and generating team offense when he does that. He's sitting back and taking a breather for the next possession.

[apalisoc_9]

Harden isn't a statpadder (at least not a blatant one like Westbrook), Harden many times gives the ball up early on the possession to see if his teammates can take advantage of a crack on a non fully established defense. A stat padder doesn't do that.

Harden is a stat-padder but hes never blatant. He's a modern day NBA player. Its not like he's kobe or iverson level.

[Thomas82]

Just go on and give it to Kawhi.

[Killakobe81]

Harden does that b/c he doesn't have WB's high motor. It's not like he's making cuts and generating team offense when he does that. He's sitting back and taking a breather for the next possession.

This both are mvp candidates but based on recent history neither should win unless you make exception for Russ averaging a triple double.
Again since mid 80s all MVP'S (almost all) have been from a one or two seed in the conference and usually a top 3 record overall.

So if you factor that in (not saying it's right) Kiwi, LeBron and Durant would the guys with the best shot at winning since they are the best players on the best teams ...
I think offensively Russ and Harden are doing the most and Westbrook has the weakest cast of the 5. Kiwi as JVG said on the Saturday game is by far the superior defender even over LeBron and it's not close. Though I will say Durant increase to his rim protection probably makes him second best defender of the 5 this year (LeBron is a better defender but hardly locks in like that consistently).

Personally I hate mvp voting which has been a sham since they started robbing Jordan ...who I didn't even like.But it was bullshit and turned in to a season narrative award.

To me...
It will be fun and more interesting to see who will be the odd man out when it comes to the only legit award 90% of the time, first team All NBA.
One of LeBron, Kiwi or Durant is 2nd team along with one of Curry, Westbrook and Harden. I think Curry and LeBron should be the odd men out even if James is still the best player alive but both are stars of the teams with best conference records ...and both may turn it up as playoffs get closer ...and will the voters have the balls to leave off Durant, Steph or James? I say no...
So I expect Spur fan to be salty ...maybe OKC fans too.

But as i said ... if we go by tradition ...it's kiwi, Lebron or Durant as MVP

[BillMc]

I could actually see Harden and Westrbook splitting the vote and Kawhi or LeBron getting it even with less first place votes.

[Nathan89]

I could actually see Harden and Westrbook splitting the vote and Kawhi or LeBron getting it even with less first place votes.

If that happens the Harden and Westbrook will be taking the 1st and 2nd place votes. Which will lead to one of them winning.

[spursistan]

Cavs are 4-19 without LeBron since the Return..they are not just losing; they are getting curb-stomped at home by shitty teams like the Bulls on B2B when he's out ..(Love was missing too but they were cruising without him)Lebron covers up so much in that team, they literally have no system..

[apalisoc_9]

Cavs are 4-19 without LeBron since the Return..they are not just losing; they are getting curb-stomped at home by shitty teams like the Bulls on B2B when he's out ..(Love was missing too but they were cruising without him)Lebron covers up so much in that team, they literally have no system..

Should have 4 MVPs in his career now. :lol

However, now that he's getting older its arguable.

Goes to shows that even the greatest players can lose MVPs by way of Narrative. Coon Jordan, Lebron..

[spursistan]

Should have 4 MVPs in his career now. :lolHowever, now that he's getting older its arguable.Goes to shows that even the greatest players can lose MVPs by way of Narrative. Coon Jordan, Lebron..If Kawhi doesn't make a big statment in March in those 3 matchups vs Gsw/Cavs, it will come down to LBJ vs Harden; and Lebron should win it..He has the much bigger impact on team performance (Rox/Cavs probably finish with near identical records despite the Cavs losing two starters for significant time)..835715039097147394

[apalisoc_9]

If Kawhi doesn't make a big statment in March in those 3 matchups vs Gsw/Cavs, it will come down to LBJ vs Harden; and Lebron should win it..He has the much bigger impact on team performance (Rox/Cavs probably finish with near identical records despite the Cavs losing two starters for significant time)..835715039097147394

Lebron and Kawhi barely get any talk bro.

I've given up on this race man. Neither Kawhi or specially Lebron wins it.

He award was given half way through the season. I'm just enjoying the team. Makes it easy to watch the games.

:lol

[lefty]

Is Parker one of the 3 candidates?

[Ice009]

Should have 4 MVPs in his career now. :lol

What do you mean he should have 4 MVPs? Doesn't Lebron have 4?

[Brazil]

Is Parker one of the 3 candidates?

Nope but he is one of the 3 candidates of your mom list

[apalisoc_9]

What do you mean he should have 4 MVPs? Doesn't Lebron have 4?

He does. I meant 5.

[lefty]

Nope but he is one of the 3 candidates of your mom list

So he is done plowing yours?

[gambit1990]

So he is done plowing yours?
:lol

[gambit1990]

okc has made a couple moves, their roster is upgraded, there is no reason they shouldn't climb the standings. two losses separate them from the 4th seed.

russell with his 5th 40 point triple double over the current 4 seed.