Stephen A. Smith on NBA MVP "James Harden or Greek Freak"

I may come off as unobjective when it comes to Harden but that’s far from the case.

He’s absolutely a close second, but up to this point all things considered Giannis should be the leader in the clubhouse.

 

The MVP is the most valuable to his team …. not necessarily the best player.

Where would the two teams be relative to now without their stars playing at a high level.

Before Harden's usage rate went to~40% the last 10 games , the Rockets were dead in the water.

I don't think its even debatable who is more valuable to his team …. without Harden this team is as bad as PXH and Cleveland. Without the Alphabet , the Bucks are still probably in the top 8 in the east.

 

Even GSW nut huggers admit that Harden is at a whole other level than any other player in NBA right now. And after last nights game, only blind fool haters are picking against Harden.

Jordann, you an NBA ref?

 

The Bucks’s record is inflated. These eastern conference teams play the Knicks, the Bulls, the Cavaliers, and the Hawks for at least three times!

We have had the third toughest schedule in the league, while the Bucks is at No.17...

https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other

 

I dunno. They are only about 4 games ahead of the Rockets while playing in as always a worse Eastern Conference. The 7th and 8th place teams are under .500

And as someone stated Giannas is not top 5 in any category. While Harden is lapping the league in scoring putting up stats only Jordan and Kobe have had in the modern NBA, and also top 5 in steals and assists. Winning 11 out of 12 with a $40 dollar player on the bench.

But sure Mr. Greek Freak is great, but I don't see how Harden is firmly ahead at the moment.

 

but since when does winning effect the mvp? #eastbroke

 

Giannis will likely end up getting it, because the East is pointless. This is what Lebron is learning right now. The East's improvement has barely made a dent in the gap between the two conferences.

Anyways, I don't care about MVP. This is the year Harden should be focused on getting Finals MVP.

 

The only year that that tracker was off was the year Westbrook won over Harden. TEAM WINS mean a lot. To "overcome" team wins, you need a BIG NARRATIVE for the media to chew on (see Westbrook triple double season). Harden has that edge now, but it is a long season.

I absolutely agree the Rockets need to pile up A LOT more wins. AND hopefully the Bucks come back to the pack a bit in the East.

 

It is still super early. The 2 front runners are obvious but a lot of factors can swing the vote either way by April. It may come down to the last couple weeks. MVP has historically been to a player on a great team, except for when Westbrook got a pass, and that trend should continue. Rockets need to keep winning.