2015 NBA Award Picks: MVP, ROY, MIP, DPOY, COY
Most Valuable Player
Apr 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) runs up the court during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Winner: James Harden (Houston)
Runner-Up: Stephen Curry (Golden State)
This may be one I regret five years down the line, but I’ve ridden this boat all season and will continue to do so regardless of where he and his team fall in the Western Conference standings: Houston’s James Harden is the league MVP.
When considering value, I believe Harden inches Curry by a very small margin. Having a lesser supporting cast isn’t reason enough to thrust Harden over Curry in this conversation, but because of the hand Harden and the Rockets were dealt this season, their room for margin in regards to Harden’s play was much smaller than that of Golden State’s with Curry’s. And considering where the Rockets were lifted by season’s end? Harden did a lot of overachieving to get his team in this position, hence my selection.
Truth be told, there’s no wrong choice here. Harden, when considering injury, is the driving force behind making a mediocre team (when considering injury) good. Curry is the driving force behind making a good team elite. It’s just a matter of preference and with the season at an end, I prefer Harden as my MVP pick.
Tom West:
Winner: Stephen Curry (Golden State)
Runner-Up: James Harden (Houston)
This year, Curry has set the standard for shooting in the NBA. Not only making history by breaking the record for most three-pointers made in a single season (again) but for establishing himself as one of the most skilled offensive weapons we’ve seen. He may have a better supporting cast than Harden, but if you take Curry away from the Warriors, they lose their heart and soul. He’s the essence of the team. And his shooting, ability to attack the basket, passing and improved defense have made him MVP worthy just one year after his first All-Star appearance.
When he’s on the floor, his Warriors outscore opponents by an average of +16.2 points. When he’s on the bench, however, that number falls to -0.3. That stat alone speaks volumes about how important he is to the league’s best team.