With Lebron and Durant as staples for MVP every year and players like Chris Paul who deserve it most years and are always in the running and even Davis who looks to be a year or so away from entering the conversation as best player in the NBA, James will need almost the perfect season to capture a MVP award. Almost like when Rose won his, James will need the numbers and the story for him to get enough votes. If he can average 25ppg, 8apg, 5 rpg on around 50/40/90 shooting, play average defense all year long and has some truly dominant performances against the NBA elite, then he should be a fixture to win it. But most importantly, his team needs to win and have the best record in the NBA. That alone is like 60% of the votes
He could, though he would never deserve it, because I don't believe in one-way players. An MVP makes both an impact on offense and defense for a team, but who knows, Harden could possibly change his ways.
He has a chance if the Rockets become elite (near or above 60 wins) and Durant or LeBron regress or have injuries.
3 things would have to happen. 1. On fire from mid-range that year. (Dwade in 09, Lebron in 10', CP3 in 09, Kobe in 06'). Because he has alot of room to improve his mid-range jumper and he'll have to have a year where it's clicking. 2. 40+ pecent from 3. Now this I actually think WILL happen at some point. He is a pure shooter. Eventually he'll have a season where it's just working. All pure shooters do. 3. Defense. He's 24 right now. So how he sees the game will change at a certain point. At this young age he doesn't think defense is a must but like a stars, I think he'll challenge himself to become better at it. If he becomes just adequate and 1. and 2. happen I think he'll have a serious shot. Crazier things have happened.
Only if The Rockets have the best record in the NBA people tend to hype up players on good teams, see PG being mentioned in the MVP race earlier on
Harden is growing right under your nose like a moustache. Ignore it all you want but, others see it. I wish the vote was public, will be fun to revisit.
I think Lebron may have won his last MVP. He will probably be a top 5 player for the next 8 years. But he is more focused on the post season now and holding back a little during the regular season. I think it is obviously Durant's to lose the next 5 years, but harden will have a chance if the rockets have the best record in the league.
