Why The Most Deserving NBA Player Will Not Win MVP

The obvious needs to be addressed. No player has won the MVP on a team below the third seed since Moses Malone in the 1981-82 season.

During the year of never ending surprises, it’s nice to know that there is still some consistency out there. Will my student loan rates be raised? Will we make it to 2018 with working water and electricity? Who knows. But one thing is clear, either Russell Westbrook or James Harden will win the NBA’s 2016-17 MVP Award.

Yes, some cases can be made for Kawhi Leonard and his solemn yet effective 30-point games. Same for LeBron James, whose Cavaliers have yet to win a game that he has not played in. Regardless, no other players have the sheer impact and let’s not kid ourselves, stats, to even be in the conversation.

Harden v. Westbrook

Although Russell Westbrook may be MVP in the eyes of many, analysts seriously take seeding into account. James Harden’s overall success in a new role has proven to be more than successful, but how much of that can be attributed to being in a much better scenario with Mike D’Antoni? The only problem is, there is little reason other than seeding, why Harden should win MVP over Westbrook.

Leads the league in assists? Check.

Facilitates offense? Check.

Seeding? Check.

Rockets without him? 35-win team at best.

Ok, so James Harden is significant to the Rockets, but is HE specifically making the team better? Or does one of the best supporting casts in the league, plus Mike D’Antoni’s offense have him in perfect spot to excel?

Both aspects go hand in hand and Harden should not be docked for being in a great situation, nor should the Rockets think they are the same team without him. The system combined with Harden has been a perfect mesh that has created basketball euphoria in an offense. Westbrook is doing everything he can but when it comes down to the team, Harden has the wins to back it up. Leading to the next argument, efficiency.

Efficient How?

While Harden has the edge when it comes to shooting percentage, Westbrook turns the ball over less with a higher usage rate. Pick your poison. But in terms of efficiency, both have their drawbacks.

Harden is the more established shooter, but he also has much better spacing with his team. Chances are defenses will think twice about leaving Eric Gordon open on the wing, compared to a player like Andre Roberson. Harden has shooters around him and he absolutely make them great. It is hard for Harden to look bad when his team helps him glide into a comfortable third seed.

“We’re not so different you and I…”

Attempting to move past the team aspect is tough. By looking at their specific styles, it’s easy to see why both are stand-alone frontrunners…Stand-together frontrunners?

They play very similar ball-dominant roles that revolve around getting to the rim and finding open shooters. Not to mention, both are more than willing passers that fiend for triple-doubles. Can you see how racking up assists can still be selfish? Cause it is.

But at the same time, neither Westbrook or Harden is “worse” than the other. While both players’ statistics are special in their own special ways, they get their fair share of “gimme rebounds” and pocket passes for assists. On paper they are similar, but when it comes down to energy and effort, Westbrook goes unchallenged.

They both might be doing it for the stats, but Westbrook’s excessive effort helps the Thunder. Harden brings a certain flair to the game that makes him unique, but the energy Russ brings to the game affects everyone on the court.

Russ even makes opponents play better. He fires up his team with a simple steal-dunk combo. His energy is the backbone of the Thunder, and his impact on every single play keeps the Thunder relevant in every game. Harden is not limited to his offensive prowess, but lacks the energy that Russ instills into his team. Harden will help you find your rhythm, but Russ will light the fire under your butt.

Who Wins?

The winner of the MVP comes down to seeding, and what James Harden has done this season has turned a one-time hater into a fan. But, it doesn’t change that Russ has been the doing it all for a team that seems to fall apart without its dynamic leader.

Next: Making An MVP Case For The NBA's 4 Leading Candidates

I’ll end with this. William Wallace may have lost at the Battle of Falkirk and been beheaded by King Edward I, but he is still seen as one of the fiercest warriors in history for what he did until that point. Just because you were not victorious in the end, does not mean you were not the most important person out there. Now get some ice on that back, Russ. The Thunder are going to need you again next season.