Storyline: James Harden’s stellar play and leadership ability has resulted in TEAM success. He’s doing what past MVP winners have done. (Cover photo courtesy of YouTube)
I wanted to clear up a few things in the second part of my NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) article. First off, I think Russell Westbrook is having a phenomenal season. What he has been able to accomplish is nothing short of remarkable. You’re talking about a 40-year gap from the last time an NBA player was able to average a triple-double for an entire season.
Courtesy: nbapassion.com
With that being said, I would like to make the argument for, and a comparison to, what I believe is a “true” NBA MVP. The comparison is James Harden.
Here’s a guy who was basically a scorer throughout his professional career. Then Mike D’Antoni arrived and totally overhauled his game. I’ve witnessed coaches trying to change superstars to alter their game for the sake of team chemistry and success. Usually it doesn’t work. Either the player feels entitled or management doesn’t want to rock the boat.
But when it works, great things happen. Phil Jackson had a hard time convincing the great Michael Jordan to trust his teammates. Once he did the Chicago Bulls started to experience levels of success they hadn’t in seasons before.
James Harden took on his coach’s challenge and embraced it. Not only did he shift to the point guard position, he did it with glowing results. He now ranks second in the league in scoring and leads the league in assists per game (11.6). Simply amazing!
Like Westbrook, Harden’s has had his share of triple-doubles this season. The big difference? Harden’s team is WINNING! The Thunder have a winning record, too, but just barely, sitting in 6th place in the tough Western Conference. The Rockets are sitting comfortably in third place in the same conference–an astonishing twenty games above .500.
Courtesy: Standingosports.com
Similar to the Thunder, the Rockets added new faces in the mix during the off-season. Harden chose to embrace his new role and utilize these new weapons as he switched positions almost overnight. He transformed from scorer to lead distributor. He’s making EVERYONE around him better.
Westbrook is definitely a great player and is rounding into a better leader. Meanwhile, James Harden is already there! The Houston Rockets are on pace to win a franchise-best 60 games during this regular season.
So when I watch all the sports shows and listen to discussions about how Russell Westbrook is the clear winner in the MVP race … I have to gather my thoughts and remember that we live in a society of abundance. Russell Westbrook scores points in bunches and records triple-doubles at a breakneck pace–only to see his team perform in mediocre fashion.
Let’s not have the MVP award stand for scoring and mediocrity.
James Harden’s stellar play has resulted in TEAM success. He’s doing what past MVP winners have done. I’m talking about players like LeBron, Magic, Curry, Garnett, Jordan, Bird, and Duncan.
The NBA MVP award should not be misunderstood.
