It's not nearly that simple, LeBron and Durant were both beasting 3 years ago when Derrick Rose won the MVP. Allen Iverson won the award in a similar way. He was nowhere near the best player, but his perceived value to an offensively deficient 76er team got him the award (worst MVP ever IMO) The MVP can be all about perception, not the best player. If the Rockets have a great season with our second best player hurt, the perception will be that he elevated his game, whether or not he actually did so. I don't see him ever being the MVP, that award should go to LeBron or Durant every year, but he could win one because it isn't always chosen correctly.
Considering.. 1. Harden is only 24 and still getting better....has the "IT" factor...arguably already a superstar. 2. As the Rockets progress, they will be contending each year ...which counts for quite a bit. 3. Inevitable/regrettable injuries/problems to KD/OKC or LBJ/Miami 4. Davis playing on a lousy team...for now. 5. The aforementioned political nature of the award itself. It's not going to be KD or LBJ every year. James will get his "turn" at least once. 6. James needs to stay healthy.. he drew a ton of unwarranted criticism while playing hurt earlier. His minutes should drop as we put this team together. 7. He does what he does in the tough Western conference. 8. As the Rockets add pieces (and have a healthy Dwight), it will become evident that Harden can play off the ball and play defense.(he's already done it) 9.Harden is already the best 2 in the NBA and should widen the gap ....After a guy, who isn't a big does that for awhile...you can't deny him. The man has a lot on him at this point. James DOES have a great feel for the game at a tender age. He is a winner w/ more talent than most imagine...The ability to elevate the level of play of the team as a whole/make everyone else better.. and close/give it to you whenever you need it. Ladies and gentlemen, we are so fortunate to have James Freaking Harden! I'm saying we've only seen a small portion/tip of the iceberg.....Multiple MVP's.
I highly doubt it. Him and Durant are separated by less than 1 year in age, which is scary given how good Durant already is. I personally think LeBron is done winning MVP's, or 2014-15 will be his last real chance, and Durant will become the new LeBron. Durant will probably win 5-6 MVP's in the next 8 years, and when he doesn't there will be Anthony Davis/Griffin to compete with Harden. I believe Davis will surpass Harden, and probably win 1-2 MVP's. He just got unlucky that his prime will take place during at the same time as Kevin Durant's
I honestly don't see how Harden's defense, or at least public perception of his defense, will ever rise to the level of MVP. It really takes almost a perfect storm for him to get it. Something like the Rockets winning a championship, and the next season he averages 28/6/6 with the Rockets getting #1 overall record.
Harden has a chance, but he needs to play better against teams like the Clippers/Thunder in order too start getting that recognition. He will never beat out Durant if every time they play, Durant puts up huge numbers and James struggles. Harden is getting better, something I didn't think would happen. We will see.
Durant will probably go into every season being the favorite. He's the best this season and in likelihood will be the best next season too. And he's only getting better. It'd be pretty cool though if Harden took another step up and a rivalry developed between him and Durant. That would be a good storyline.
Nope, he's seen in the media's eyes as Haren. It'll probably stick with him for a couple years and he's unfortunate to be so close in age with Durant.
Woot I'm made tiebreaker vote to yes 183 to 182 lol Get rox a championship and harden will be MVP! Also lbj and durant is too dominating maybe season MVP will be later
It's not even just that. Griffin is a legit contender, while Brow would be a legit MVP contender too (if he had the same stats on a team with a better record). Harden is worthy of being mentioned, but Durant and LeBron are going to be the main guys, for however long they're in the league.
Going to be very difficult considering that Harden has the league wide perception of being a negative defender and very bad on that end (which I disagree with). For him to be in MVP talk, he needs to become a plus defender fast in the leagues eyes which in itself is tough considering the reputation he has built himself. That and something like 27/8/6 on 48% FG, 39% 3 point and Rockets a top top team.
Reputations are built in the playoffs honestly, where average fans will watch teams other than their favorites playing. If Harden can shine brightly there and play solid D, he will do himself a huge favor in future running. As it is, Harden did himself a great disservice playing such hilariously lackadaisical D before.
I'd guess 50-50 over the course of his entire career. He could win one or two. Or, he could just as easily pass through like many stars who never do.
