NBA MVP Candidates

As the NBA season progresses, fans wonder who will win the coveted MVP Award. A similar mix of players from last year are in contention again for the prestigious award. Below are a few worthy candidates for the NBA’s highest individual award.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets is once again in contention for MVP. Harden is having another great season, averaging 28.7 PPG, 7.0 APG and 6.4 RPG along with 1.7 SPG. Harden is the backbone of the Rockets franchise which is dangerous on offense. Harden has a great shot as well as an ability to drive to the paint and score. Harden makes it difficult for any defender to guard him.

Another candidate for MVP is a familiar face, LeBron James. James, as always, is playing great. However, he is not having one of the best seasons of his career. James is averaging 24.2 PPG, 6.6 APG, and 7.3 RPG. Remarkably, James is an MVP contender despite having the lowest scoring and assist averages in his career. His lower production, however, is expected due the fact that he is 31 years old. Despite his age, it looks like James has at least four bright years ahead of him.

Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is having an outstanding season. Fans feel that Westbrook was robbed last year of the MVP award. Despite Westbrook’s solid stats last season, he failed to lead the Thunder to the playoffs, hurting his prospects for MVP. However, the Thunder are the third seed in the Western Conference, so Westbrook is in a better position this year. Westbrook is averaging 24.3 PPG, an astounding 10.2 APG, and 7.5 RPG. For a point guard, averaging 7.5 RPG is unheard of. But after watching Westbrook play, anyone can understand the reason for his achievement. Westbrook is one of the most athletic players in the NBA who is fast and can jump high to grab rebounds. Westbrook uses his speed and elusiveness to blow by defenders and get to the rim.

Last year’s MVP winner, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, is one of the favorites for MVP. Curry has been playing crazy this year, with his three-point shot even better this year. Curry has already broken the record for made three pointers in the season, and the season is not even over! The previous owner of this record was himself when he broke it last year! Curry is averaging 30.7 PPG, 6.6 APG and 5.3 RPG along with 2.1 SPG. He is the obvious MVP candidate as he is leading his team to NBA history. The Golden State Warriors have the potential of winning the most games in a season, a record currently held by the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls.