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James Harden, Houston Rockets

If you predicted James Harden would welcome the move to point guard by averaging 27.8 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists, have yourself a cookie—the super-indulgent, mega-unhealthy kind.

If you say you also saw him carrying the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference's third-best record and emerging as an MVP favorite, let it be known that no one believes you.

Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

Much of the offensive zip Julius Randle enjoyed at the beginning of the season has faded. His decision-making is regressing, and he is somehow playing out of control but not especially fast.

Even when he struggles, though, it's hard not to marvel at how far he's come. The Los Angeles Lakers have turned him loose as a distributor and scorer, and he's still playing the best defense of his career.

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

After last season, it shouldn't surprise us that Kemba Walker is averaging 23.3 points on career-best shooting percentages, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals.

But then you realize he's helping the Charlotte Hornets hang around the top 10 in points scored per 100 possessions with less offensive talent than last year. And then you realize he's working his butt off on defense (most of the time).

And then it hits you: Walker has been the Eastern Conference's best point guard.

Somehow, we were simultaneously ready and unprepared for his persistent rise.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Could we have expected Russell Westbrook to average a triple-double? Of course not.

Then again, with Kevin Durant gone and the Oklahoma City Thunder tailor-made to let Westbrook run rampant, could we have expected anything less? Not really.

Thus, the dilemma: Westbrook's accolades are both surprising and not at all shocking.