I personally think this year he is having an MVP type season, but sadly gets very little credit. All anyone talks about is Durant vs. Lebron for MVP. While those guys are clearly great, I think Harden warrants consideration.
It's quite telling how players like Kobe, Garnett, Shaq, Dirk, all only have 1 MVP. You either need an incredibly right combination of circumstances to come together to be the MVP (like Nash, Rose, where the story was just perfect), or be LeBron James or Michael Jordan to win the MVP consistently. The Rockets will need to dominate the regular season for Harden to even have a chance of gettin significant MVP votes, but the presence of Dwight will inevitably take some away.
If the Rockets can ever grab the #1 seed in the west he will have to get strong consideration, and it may be possible.
I doubt it, he's good but he's not quite good enough. I think LeBron, Durant, and A. Davis have the MVP on lock-down for the next 10 years.
James Harden is amazing, but man... LBJ and Durant are just on a whole other level by themselves. Those 2 are basically living cheat codes. Even from 30+ ft away with hands in their face, they got a shot at making it.
If Harden didn't have the mini slump at the start of the season and so critiqued for his defense, then he would have a chance this year I think. But with Durant going bonkers all season, Lebron as the constant favorite and Noah as everyone's dark horse favorite, I don't see it happening. But Harden should get some MVP recognition in his career. He is truly a devastating talent.
Derek Rose, Steve Nash and Allen Iverson won MVP's. Malone and Barkley stole two from Jordan Fairly or not, winning the award can often come down to your perceived value to your team, not really the best player. So I think Harden can win one if situation is right.
Hate to say it, but an injury to either KD or Lebron would increase his chances. If he just make the finals and plays great he will start being included more and more with those guys in the conversation.
If the Rockets continue to gel and Harden continues to pick up his defense, I'll say he gets the MVP next year if Houston finishes at the top of the West.
