If Giannis didn't have the next 3 best scorers, and 2 best defenders, on his team for 15+ games this season, what would their record be? Does anyone believe that Giannis could put the team on his shoulders the way Harden has single handedly carry a team for 15 games? No one who doesn't wear a Bucks jersey or get paid by the Bucks. I agree with the comparison between Giannis and Steph. He's a great player no doubt. But how much more valuable is Harden that he did it without Paul, Capella, or Gordon for 15 games. And without Paul, the second best player, for 10 more. No contest. Anyone who is paying attention to what Harden has had to do to get us where we are, in a superior conference, has to pick Harden. EVEN if we end up the 3rd seed. That said, if it motivates Harden to deconstruct the competition the way Hakeem did the year Robinson won it, then I say good. Harden is the greatest on the planet right now and we are a scary bunch to contend with. Bring it.
Let's talk about minutes Giannis total: 2047 James total: 2348 Difference = 301 minutes = 9.1 games @ 33.0 mpg James has played the equivalent of nine games more than Giannis.
Milwaukee, led by Giannis, has the best record in the league and a ridiculous point differential. They’ve definitely been the best team this year. Yes it’s the easier conference but that doesn’t put an asterisk next to their record. Yeah they’ve had decent luck with health and Giannis has some good pieces around him but let’s not pretend Middleton is an All-NBA player. If I had a vote, I’m taking Harden. But for those saying there is no discussion or if Giannis wins it’ll be complete BS are being ridiculous homers.
Toronto’s been pretty sorry for a team so “stacked”. Don’t want to hear anyone put Leonard on hardens level again. Early in his career and already taking games off. For the rockets let’s worry about keeping that third seed first before we kill ourselves to overtake the warriors. Rockets got a tough schedule down the stretch while blazers have a complete cakewalk the rest of the way after they beat the clippers tonight.
Lebron with 8 straight finals appearances in the East! Moves to the West and doesn’t make the playoffs. First seed in the East is overrated. Period.
Been telling my coworkers all year but they don't want to hear it. I can't wait to move back to Houston. I don't even care about this award anymore. Now that Harden got his MVP last year I'm looking for championships now. Any more MVPs is just a bonus.
It adds a layer of context to it though. Not docking per se. And there is relevance as far as MVP voting goes *IF* one is taking into account *team success* as a factor baked into the award.
I agree with you. Steph and Giannis are top tier players, but Harden is workhorse. He is a one man wrecking crew. A motor, an engine for a team. Like prime Lebron. It's a different category, an MVP category. But MVP should be renamed to "the player whose season people liked the most". It's been like that for a long time and I just accept that. I don't really put much stock in individual awards, like most NBA fans do.
#1 in Points? #1 or #2 in Steals? #7 in Assists? #1 in Deflects? . . . .. . .. kind of looks like Harden is a 2 way player . . . . . Rocket River
Harden is definitely an underrated defender. Yeah, he doesn't move all over the place at full speed.... but he makes up for it with his steals, blocks, low post defense and his switch defense. Harden has been a good defender for the past 2 or 3 seasons.
Giannis is a worthy MVP candidate. I'd vote for Harden, but there's no slight if he loses out to Giannis this year. Personally I wouldn't vote for Giannis because I don't think the Bucks are wrecking people because of HIS greatness.
Harden is leaps and bounds better statistically Hell according to some stats he is a better low post defender Rocket River
He's definitely been the better player, but remember that we've stressed on this board "stats" shouldn't be the end all be all decider for an MVP? Like I said, I'd vote for Harden, but it's not an insult if Giannis wins.
As I have stated many, many times. Coach Bud is the *catalyst* to the Bucks success. Goldsberry NAILS it. Mike Budenholzer's fingerprints are all over the Milwaukee Bucks' transformation into an NBA title contender. The team's turnaround is the result of a series of deliberate improvements in three key areas: 3-point shooting, defensive efficiency and rebounding. The Bucks haven't just gotten better, they are suddenly a championship contender. This is the most impactful coaching change since Steve Kerr replaced Mark Jackson with the Golden State Warriors in 2014.
