The end of the regular season is quickly approaching. The playoffs are nearly two weeks away. In the past, the regular season awards were given throughout the playoffs. However, the NBA decided to shake things up. Last year, the NBA held their first annual NBA awards. The awards ceremony took place after the playoffs ended. The ceremony featured awards such as the Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year award, Sixth Man of the Year award, and the Most Valuable Player award.
Russell Westbrook was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award. Westbrook had a historic season where he tallied 42 triple-doubles. He broke NBA legend Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple-doubles in a single season. Westbrook also averaged a triple-double with 31.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, and 10.4 assists per game.
This year, Russell Westbrook is averaging 25.4 points per game, 10.2 assists per game, and 9.7 rebounds per game. He is on the verge of averaging a triple-double for two consecutive seasons. Westbrook’s 2017-2018 stats are arguable MVP caliber numbers. However, his chances of getting the MVP award are slim. The MVP race is tougher this season.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden is a potential candidate for MVP. Harden is averaging 30.7 points per game, 8.7 assists per game, and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Houston Rockets also have the best record in the NBA with 61 wins and 14 losses. James Harden has a legitimate chance of winning the MVP award, but there is another candidate.
LeBron James is another potential MVP candidate. James averages 27.4 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds on 55 percent shooting. Last night, he had 41 points, had 10 rebounds and 8 assists against the Charlotte Hornets. LeBron James has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for four weeks this season. His most recent Player of the Week was his second consecutive Player of the Week award. James praised his fellow MVP candidates, but he has a different pick for MVP.
“I would vote for me,” James told The Associated Press. “The body of work, how I’m doing it, what’s been happening with our team all year long, how we’ve got so many injuries and things of that nature, guys in and out, to be able to still keep this thing afloat, I definitely would vote me.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a season full of highs and lows. They are currently third in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs have gone through chemistry issues, trades, and injuries. Despite their setbacks, LeBron James has played through it all. He even considers it his best season.
“I’ve said it,” James said. “Obviously, I’ve had some unbelievable seasons before, but I’ve said it: This is the best I can go, just from a complete basketball player standpoint.”
The MVP race is an exciting one. The award is up for grabs. Each player has a legitimate chance at the MVP award. I didn’t even include New Orleans Pelicans Forward Anthony Davis, who has helped the Pelicans turn their season around. Davis should also be considered for the MVP award.
At this point, I would give the award to James Harden. But then again….
I could change my mind within the next week.