NBA Award Predictions Roundtable: Most Valuable Player

Russell Westbrook

The most frequently picked MVP by our staff should come as no surprise as Russell Westbrook went from the Thunder being written off in the offseason to a 47-win season and a record 42 triple-doubles for the point guard.

Emmanuel Dixon

“1. Russell Westbrook

2. James Harden

3. LeBron James

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Isaiah Thomas

We’ve heard the year-long debate from every angle at least twice. I’m a proponent of sticking to the same requirements for MVP voting. Whether you prioritize winning (team success) or individual stats, keep it consistent. As for me, I prioritize the “V” in MVP. Value – that’s all I care about. Who accomplished the most with the least amount of help? This season, not only has Russell Westbrook been valuable, he’s been vital for Oklahoma City’s success.”

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Evan Siegel

“1. Russell Westbrook

2. LeBron James

3. James Harden

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Isaiah Thomas

Russell Westbrook is having quite possibly the best regular season we have ever seen. Breaking Oscar Robertson’s single-season triple double record was something that we thought would absolutely never be broken. Westbrook has proven to be the superstar we knew he could become after Kevin Durant’s departure. Lebron James simply has an immeasurable impact on his team.

Remove him from the Cavs, and Cleveland is an awkward collection of veterans and a total lack of leadership. James Harden’s season has been excellent, but it simply does not compare to what Westbrook has accomplished this season.”

Shawn James

“1. Russell Westbrook

2. Kawhi Leonard

3. James Harden

4. LeBron James

5. Isaiah Thomas

It has to be Westbrook. With the offensive pieces he has and the historic numbers he’s putting up, giving it to anyone else would be disrespectful. This has nothing to do with my personal vendetta against James Harden and the Rockets. James Harden is very good at putting the ball in the basket and helping his teammates put the ball in the basket.

However, he is NOT very good at stopping other from doing so, and if you flipped Harden and Westbrook, Harden’s numbers would most likely suffer, and Westbrook’s would probably go up. I could think of several guards that could put up close numbers with the system, coach, and shooters the Rockets have, and still play better defense. Also, Westbrook is AVERAGING a triple-double, which should merit the MVP with no questions asked.”

Blake Heckel

“1. Russell Westbrook

2. James Harden

3. Kawhi Leonard

4. Giannis Antetenkounmpo

5. LeBron James

In my mind, Russell Westbrook is the undisputed MVP. Not only is Brodie a triple-double machine, he is the most explosive, powerful player in the league. Without Westbrook, the Thunder wouldn’t even be close to playoff contention. If we are talking VALUE, the award goes to Westbrook. If we are talking TALENT, the award goes tow Westbrook.”

Aaron Reed

1. Russell Westbrook
2. James Harden
3. Isaiah Thomas
4. Kawhi Leonard
5. LeBron James

MVP is Most VALUABLE…without the effort Russell put in, there’s no record broken nor is OKC in the playoffs, let alone a 6th seed in the playoffs. Give credit where it’s due. Harden has done magnificent work getting Houston to the 3rd seed, but he’s got other weapons in Ariza, Beverly and Eric Gordon. Thomas is next because they played their butts off to prove they were clearly better than Cleveland…just like old times. Kawhi and LeBron for the effort. More Kawhi though.”

Next: Beard and Co.