2017: MVP will be a three man race

[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 bull 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 ty 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 ty 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.

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. 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..

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)..

[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)..

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.

[lefty]

Is Parker one of the 3 candidates?

[Ice009]

Should have 4 MVPs in his career now.

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?

[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.