Lately the MVP has been a runaway win for one player over the rest of the league. Don’t believe me? Well according to basketballreference.com The closet race we have witnessed was back in the ’06-’07 season were Dirk Nowitzki edged out Steve Nash by 125 points. For comparison last years race Steph Curry received all 1310 points. Second Place did not even get a pity vote! Then came Russell Westbrook and James harden. After over ten years thanks to Westbrook and Harden, dominating the league from wire-to-wire, we have finally got a toss-up for the award each having a case to take home the prestigious award.

The Case for Westbrook:

Russell Westbrook has taken the mantle of Oklahoma City’s Franchise Star with force. Being faced with the task of leading a very average OKC team after the departure of former MVP Kevin Durant to the rival Golden State Warriors. Westbrook has been locked in since game one. Not only did he break the great Oscar Robertson’s record of most triple-doubles in a season. He averaged a triple-double as well! Oh and by the way he is also leading the league in scoring.

Russell Westbrook’s ’16-’17 Season Stats courtesy of NBA.com:

Points: 31.9

Rebounds:10.7

Assits:10.4

Field Goal Percentage: 42.6%

3-point Percentage: 34.4%

Those are insane stats for a player that is by far the most dangerous weapon on a team. Whenever the Thunder play a game the opposing team game plans around slowing down Westbrook. Looking to force another player to beat them. Sadly, if you stop him from scoring he will setup his teammates, or out rebound all your bigs. Takeaway his teammates he will just drain three after three in your face, or send your center back to JV basketball after dunking on him.

The Case for Harden:

James Harden may not have the gaudy stats that Westbrook has, but he does have one thing Westbrook doesn’t and that is team success. You see the Thunder with Westbrook are sixth in the western conference, however, the Rockets are currently in third. The MVP usually goes to the best player nominated on the better team. If that trend holds then Harden should easily walk away with the award. One can also argue that Harden is more crucial for his team’s offensive success. Sure Westbrook can get a triple-double for days, but he still has Victor Oladipo who holds the ability to take over when Westbrook needs a break form action. Harden creates openings for his teammates. Yes, he does not get the assists numbers Westbrook does. He still opens space for guys like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon to get good looks. Unlike Oladipo who does not need Westbrook to produce. Anderson and Gordon rely heavily on Harden to be productive.

The Case for Dual Winners:

The MVP should go to the leagues best player for that season. Well as seen form above both players deserve to win the award. Maybe it is time to have two players win the award if you can not definitely say one is better.

My Prediction: Westbrook Wins the MVP Award over James Harden by 80 votes