Itโs been a crazy year in the NBA, and the season isnโt finished yet. There have been a lot of amazing games, but whatโs even more astonishing is how tight the MVP race this year is. A number of guys have been playing incredible basketball, posting video game-like numbers night in and night out.
Letโs take a look at five NBA players who could win the MVP award this season.
ISAIAH THOMAS (PG, BOSTON CELTICS)
To the surprise of many, the Boston Celtics are currently the second best in the Eastern Conference this season. And thatโs mainly because of their 5โ9 guard Isaiah Thomas.
Thomas has been carrying the Celtics this season with averages of 29.2 points, 6.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds. He may be small but he plays all heart and all out. He can do damage from the outside, beyond the arc (38.3% 3FG), as well as in the paint with his nifty drives.
LEBRON JAMES (SF, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS)
It wouldnโt be an MVP list if LeBron James wasnโt in it, would it? The King is having the best statistical season in his career. This season heโs been putting up 26.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game, while shooting 54% from the field.
The Cavs are the best team in the East and are looking to win another championship with James leading the charge. LeBron is still a beast and letโs not forget that heโs already a four-time MVP.
KAWHI LEONARD (SF, SAN ANTONIO SPURS)
Nobody on this list can play better defense than Kawhi Leonard. The Spurs forward is arguably the best two-way player in the league today. He wasnโt named Defensive Player of the Year twice for nothing. Plus heโs a two-time All-Star and a Finals MVP in 2014.
This season Leonard is averaging 26.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals per outing. The Spurs has an inside track on getting the number one spot in the West, especially with the Warriors with Kevin Durantโs injury. San Antonio ending up at the top spot might just help Leonardโs case for MVP.
JAMES HARDENย (PG, HOUSTON ROCKETS)
Itโs been a while since the Houston Rockets played great basketball.ย The Rockets are having an interesting season with their new coach (Mike DโAntoni) and their free-flowing system that has definitely boosted the way James Harden plays.
The Beard has been phenomenal this year, leading the Rockets to a third seed in the West as of March 18. Harden hasnโt been short on the statistics side too as heโs averaging 29.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and a league-leading 11.2 assists per game. Many believe the MVP race will come down to him and the next guy on this list.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK (PG, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER)
When dropping a triple-double is normal for you on a nightly basis, itโs no surprise youโll make it on this list. Thatโs what Russell Westbrook brings to the table.
Based on stats through March 18, Westbrook is averaging 31.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. NBA 2K17 stats right there! He is on pace to become the first player to average a triple-double in one season since Oscar Robertson did it in 1962. He currently leads the league in triple-doubles with 34 so far.
Itโs mind-boggling how Westbrook can produce those numbers considering his teammates arenโt as good as the supporting cast of the other candidatesโ on this list. If he does end the season with a triple-double average it would be surprising if Westbrook doesnโt win the award. Iโm sure a lot of NBA fans – including me – will throw a fit if that happens.
Who do you think should win MVP this season? Tell us who your pick is in the comments section!