Fans and writers try to determine what value is on the field of play, oftentimes ignoring the things that can't be measured in statistics or wins, and overvaluing everything that happens in a nationally-televised game.I'm here to save you the trouble. The NBA's Most Valuable Player award is voted on by select media members. So when the debates begin appearing on every ESPN article and show, the voters are actively telling you who will receive their vote.
The award doesn't always go to the league's "best" player, and there have been few years recently where there has been a legitimate debate. This award comes down to narrative. Naturally, writers gravitate towards the candidate with the most compelling story throughout the season (see Barkley in '93 or Rose in '11). So in many cases, the best player in the league is forgotten during the MVP voting process. LeBron has made it easy on voters during his career, but Jordan had a few trophies taken from him in the 90's. Shaq and Kobe each have one MVP, but somehow Steve Nash made out with two in the mid 2000's.
This year's MVP race has actually been interesting. With LeBron and Kevin Durant missing some time, new candidates have made a strong cases for coronation as the league's top dog. Let's take a look at the leaders with about 25 games remaining in the season:
Steph Curry - He's the best player on what appears to be the West's top seed. He plays in constant heat check mode but actually maintains efficiency and has found a way to improve his team defense. Curry's elite shooting, dribbling, and passing drive this team, but the roster surrounding him may be the most stacked in the league. Can this award be given to a player who can be confused for the icing as opposed to the cake?
LeBron James - The annual favorite. It is his award to lose until he shows signs of being human (he's started this year). Cleveland's slow start and his two-week break made people forget that James is still the best in the league. The only difference is that the gap between he and his peers is closing. While he seems to be behind in the hunt now, another winning streak down the stretch could earn him another MVP. He still dominates.
Russell Westbrook - Russ is throwing out video game numbers on a nightly basis now. He's received the most support over the last week. But can we give this award to a player scrapping for the seventh or eight seed? While his play has been exceptional, I think we're unintentionally building a case for Durant's importance (and value) to this Thunder team. When the tables were turned last season, Durant played a similar role. He may've even played it better.
Anthony Davis - Stop laughing.This guy may already be the best big in the league, but we don't know because of his lackluster teammates, and New Orleans' questionable placement in the Western Conference. Check the standings, New Orleans has hovered about one game behind Oklahoma City. With no star teammate in sight, Davis has the Pelicans scrapping for a playoff spot in the rugged West. If Westbrook is getting votes for ridiculous box scores, Davis should get the same. His numbers are beginning to mirror Kevin Garnett in his prime.
James Harden - The Rockets (foolishly) lost Chandler Parsons. They lost the opportunity to bring in Chris Bosh.They've also lost Dwight Howard for significant time this season. But they haven't lost a lot of games, and that can be attributed to the play of James Harden. His scoring and play-making have been so vital for that squad that they've managed to stay among the West's top 4 all season long. With just about every other key member of the rotation missing time, Harden is the only constant. Of everyone in the league he's done the most with the least. If that persists over the next 25 games, I can't think of any player more valuable to their team this season.
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