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NBA Awards Watch: Why Isn’t James Harden The MVP Favorite Again?

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates on the court in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. LeBron James

43 games, 36.8 MPG, 26.0 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .492/.345/.732 shooting, 26.0 PER

Last week: 4 (⇔)

The Cleveland Cavaliers officially have our attention once again. After winning 13 of their last 14 games, the Cavs are on a roll and they’re hot on the heels of the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards for their spots right above them in the standings.

King James’ numbers aren’t as blinding as we’re used to seeing, but a 26-7-5 stat line is nothing to scoff at, especially for a 30-year-old who’s still regarded as the best player in the world. However, until the Cavs work their way up to (preferably) second in the Eastern Conference standings, this is as high as LeBron climbs.

It’s not that the Cavs don’t look like title contenders; they absolutely do after the last few weeks. The Atlanta Hawks aren’t going to run away with this thing come playoff time if Cleveland has anything to say about it.

But if LeBron’s numbers are slightly down this year, it’ll take an impressive streak to close the season for him to garner more MVP chatter over newer, fresher candidates like Anthony Davis, James Harden and Stephen Curry. Cryptically subtweeting teammates and then chastising the media for asking questions about it probably isn’t the way to go either.

Next: No. 3 - The Brow