2017-18 NBA award predictions: Celtics clean up; James Harden gets MVP
By Ben Stern
Most Valuable Player
Winner: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
We have finally arrived to the big one. Who this award goes to depends on how you interpret
the award. Does it go to the best/most valuable player, or does it go to the player has been the
most successful.
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If your are in the latter camp, James Harden is in your winner, if your are in the first camp, LeBron gets your vote. Sorry beard fans, I’m giving LeBron his fifth. If we go down to
the bases of a player’s value, we have to asses the state of the team with and without him. With
Harden, the Rockets have been the best team in the NBA this season, but where would they be
without him?
Chris Paul surrounded by talented shooters under the D’Antoni system would certainly be enough to put them comfortably in the playoffs, and even winning a first round matchup. On the other hand, without LeBron the Cavs would be firmly in the lottery, as they haven’t had another healthy star.
While the Cavs record might not jump of the page, considering all the roster turnover, it’s a miracle they have managed to flirt with 50 wins. LeBron has been the better defensive player, better rebounder, better passer and shoots a significantly higher field goal percentage. Finally, Lebron has not missed a game this entire season, the first time he has achieved this in his career.
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I know that it is Harden’s turn, and he ultimately will win the award, but if we look deeper than the two teams’ records it becomes clear that LeBron is having the more impressive season. Harden will win the MVP, and it likely won’t be close, but LeBron deserves it this season, just like he has almost every year in the last decade.
Runner Up: Tie between James Harden and the second coming of Allen Iverson, Trey Burke.