As we steadily inch towards the NBA All Star Break, and thus the midpoint of the NBA season, there are many things that are starting to become clear about the association. For starters, it seems as though the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are on an inevitable crash course for the NBA finals, resulting in a trilogy for the ages. Another thing that seems to be a prevailing trend in the league is the resurgence or re-emergence of the NBA big man, even though the skill sets and ways these big men are used may not be the exact same as it was in the past. Including and among the above trends, there are a plethora of other tidbits and interesting developments that have been made up until this point in the season, but in all honesty, there may not be another as entertaining as the race for the League MVP.

When thinking about this season’s race for MVP, there are quite a few names that come to mind. Some would throw out Anthony Davis, but I would say that he has been nicked up a bit too much and that his team hasn’t exactly been stellar, to put it nicely. Others would also put Demarcus Cousins into that category, to which I would respond that he isn’t that far off and has all the potential to get there, but he isn’t there yet. The main reasoning behind the notion that he is not yet ready is that along with the dominant performances and numbers that the MVP must display, which “Boogie” does on a nightly basis, the MVP must be “THE” or “A” main reason that his team succeeds while Cousins often times finds himself as one of the main reasons that the Kings do not. Some would even throw out the Kawhi Leonard’s, Jimmy Butler’s, and Kemba Walker’s of the world, who are having nice seasons, but not MVP types. Lastly, and simply to address it for the jaded, there is no possible way a member of Golden State could win it because the vote could literally be split between 4 of their starting 5 players, as they all have their big nights along with specific values to the team.

When thinking about the players in the association that are not only invaluable to their teams every night, but who also change the complexion, physical, and mental makeup of their perspective clubs by being on the court, there are only a few that this season are worthy of bearing the crown: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and The King himself, LeBron James.

The Beard

James Harden is a man who has a Eurostep that will leave you in as thick a situation as the beard is on his face. He is a ball-dominating two guard, with the distribution skills of a polished floor general, and the strength of a power forward who specializes in “bully ball”. On top of a yo-yo like handle that allows him to get to the rim at will, Harden comes equip with a deadly jump shot that can be fired at any time off of pull ups, step backs, or set shots. Aside from his game itself, his numbers also help to further his case. This season through 38 games, James Harden is averaging about 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists, almost a triple double. Harden also finds himself in the top 5 of the scoring leaders list and leading the league in assists. With production like this, Harden is definitely making a case for himself for this years MVP award, but will it be enough?

Brodie

Have you ever met anyone who seemed as though they would do anything to win at whatever they were doing? This person would do the most dastardly and diabolical things that exist to come out on top, like trip their own mother up to win a race? Well Russell Westbrook seems like that type of guy. This isn’t a bad thing, and not that he would actually trip his own mother (or would he, if it meant losing?), but this all means that this guy really hates losing and would seemingly go to all odds to avoid experiencing it. Even more amazing, is the fact that the only thing that can come close to rivaling the depths of his disdain for losing and mere passion for the game itself, is his athletic explosiveness when it comes to what he is capable of on the basketball court. Think Magic Johnson with ten times the athleticism or even Charles Barkley with 10 times the fast twitch and quickness. These comparisons are about the only ones that can be thought of when it comes to thinking about the way that Westbrook can snatch the rebound off the glass, take the ball the length of the court with power, quickness, grace, or all three at the same time, and finish the play as well. This makes for a lighting quick one man fast break, with the boom of a wrecking ball. Westbrook is averaging a whopping 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists a game himself, which would also put him in elite company, as if he weren’t already as he currently leads the league in scoring. Like James Harden, Russell Westbrook has been a walking triple double this year and is also doing his best to throw his name into the hat for the League MVP, but will either of them come out on top?

The King

Whether Harden or Westbrook can stay atop the leaderboard for the MVP remains to be seen, however there is one player who plans to help make things a bit clearer for everyone, and that player of course is one LeBron James. Although it seems as though LeBron is a candidate for MVP every year, this year is no different, and may in fact be one of the most applicable years in a few. Not only has LeBron been the most consistent of the “Big 3” for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it seems as though aside for “maintenance days” that they all have received, LeBron has been the one the most consistently on the court. His value to the team itself goes without saying, but it is the little things that he makes happen or happens a result of him that really emphasizes it. These things mainly include the cultivation of maturation within other players such as Kyrie and Kevin Love, the dedication that oozes out of him that is now exhibited through the game of someone like J.R. Smith, and more importantly the open shots, created shots, and spacing available on the floor that is a direct result of him being there or playing the game the way he does. His numbers may not pop as much as Westbrook’s or Harden’s, at 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, but his impact on the game is as great if not greater.

The Verdict?

When it comes to the leader in the clubhouse at the moment — one has to go with “The King”. This is a subjective thing, however the facts are objective. These facts include the fact that not only do the Cavaliers get the best shot of each and every opponent every night because LeBron is “The King”, but also because they are reigning champions. This alone doesn’t solidify it, but the fact that he still manages to keep his team at the top of his conference while taking every other team’s best shot goes a long way towards doing so. This fact is only further confirmed by the facts that while still maintaining conference supremacy, unlike Harden and/or Westbrook, James still manages to put up very close and similar numbers.

There is undoubtedly a lot of basketball left to be played in this NBA season, which means that the answers to all of our questions will be revealed. However, there is one thing that is for certain and that is if things continue the way that they have begun thus far, it would be beyond shocking to not see “The Chosen One” as the one chosen for League MVP.

Stats and References via www.basketball-reference.com