The 2015 NBA MVP race has boiled down to only a select few players. Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook have dominated throughout the regular season, unfortunately, only one player will raise the coveted trophy. Former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson shocked many after he endorsed James Harden for the MVP over his former player Curry. The Sports Unbiased NBA staff was asked which player they endorsed as the 2015 MVP, here’s what they had to say.
Keith Rivas (Sports Unbiased Writer): From what I’ve seen so far this season, my pick for the league MVP is none other than Oklahoma City standout Russell Westbrook. Without Kevin Durant (who’s quickly gone from the Batman role to the Robin with Russell’s latest explosions), Westbrook has managed to give his team just enough to sneak into the playoffs as a potential eight seed.
He’s also achieved something we’ve not seen since Michael Jordan.
Four straight triple-doubles was the hottest Westbrook got this year. His focus has been phenomenal and his encouragement and leadership in the locker room goes without saying. Knowing that they’ll have an intense match up (most likely Golden State) in the first round, Westbrook & Co. are more than ready to show they love to be the dark horses.
Because any of the doubters out there are now guaranteed they’ve got another thing coming.
Courtesy NBA.com
Steve Turner (Sports Unbiased Writer): I have Stephen Curry winning the 2015 NBA MVP because he has been doing it all this season.Curry has led his team to the number one seed in an extremely competitive Western Conference. Although, James Harden has been having an insane season, I’m still going with Stephen Curry. Curry leads the league in three-pointers made (43.6 percent), and also leads the league in free throw percentage (91.8 percent). I believe Stephen Curry already has this MVP award locked up and it’s hard to say he’s not having an incredible season. He has a montage on highlights, including one that involves him putting elite point guard Chris Paul on the ground, due to a crossover. Stephen Curry deserves the 2015 NBA MVP award.
Sauping R. Arguello (NBA Contributor): I feel the MVP race this season has come down to four players. It may be one of the closest votes ever. I took into account the success of the player’s team as winning should be rewarded (record), the impact they have on their team (offensively and defensively) and their statistical numbers.
LeBron James is my fourth selection. After getting much needed rest, LeBron has had a solid second half of a season as he looked gased in the first half and lacking that explosion we’ve seen from him his whole career. The Cavs are second in the east with a 49-27 record. James is averaging 25.6 ppg., 5.9 rpg. and 7.3 apg.
Russell Westbrook is a close third. Westbrook has also had a historic second half of a season. He has recorded ten triple-doubles with most coming in succession. Westbrook has willed OKC back to the playoff picture (42-34) after their horrendous start without their two best players (Kevin Durant). Had he not missed games earlier in the season, Russell would most likely be MVP. He’s averaging 27.5 ppg.,8.6 apg. and 7.2 rpg.
James Harden is my runner-up. Harden has proven he can carry a team and at a high level. The Rockets (52-24) are currently in the mix for the second seed in the superior Western Conference. There is very little “the Beard” can’t do offensively as his numbers attest (27.5 ppg., 7 rpg. 5.7apg.), but can he continue to improve defensively and display the commitment to claim himself “the best player alive”?
Steph Curry is my choice for MVP. Curry has improved in every facet of his game and seems to keep getting better (23.8ppg.,4.3rpg., 7.8 apg.). He is the catalyst that runs Golden State’s highly potent offense. Curry doesn’t seem to have a weakness to his game as he can shoot from anywhere on the floor, get to the basket at will, run a masterful pick-and-roll and allow the rest of his teammates to flourish without drama or turmoil. The Warriors have the best record in basketball (62-13) and will have home court throughout the playoffs. A deep playoff run, finals appearance or even a championship will solidify Curry as the MVP in this highly contested race.
Image Courtesy of Houston Rockets
Jeb Taylor (NBA Contributor): To me, the MVP award is clear as day. It’s the most valuable player award, not the ‘best player on the best team’ award. That’s why James Harden needs to be the league’s most valuable player. Harden’s value to the Rockets is unmeasurable – he single handedly has them at the two-seed in the west. His scoring outbursts and ability to take a mediocre team this far are simply amazing. Whereas Curry has a myriad of other scoring options on his team, Harden is a key component to scoring on every possession. Even though Dwight Howard missed the majority of this season, the Rockets haven’t missed a beat.
Harden (and his stellar beard) is clearly the most valuable player this season.
Jr. Williams (NBA Editor): Stephen Curry is playing exceptional basketball this season, leading his team atop of the Western Conference standings, however, James Harden has basically carried the Houston Rockets on his back the entire season, not to mention his supporting cast is not as stacked as the Warriors roster. The Warriors have a commanding lead in the west standings, but the Rockets are not far behind them as they are currently ranked No.2 in the West.
As Jeb Taylor mentioned earlier, James Harden is the most important player on the team, he leads the NBA in scoring and his ability penetrate to the basket and draw fouls makes him a multidimensional player. There seems to be way too much hype around Stephen Curry when in fact James Harden has done more with a lot less. The MVP award is based on player impact, if it were a team award Stephen Curry would be the winner, but this season I endorse James Harden as the 2015 NBA Most Valuable Player.
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