With the NBA regular season coming to a close, naming this year's MVP will be everyone's most anticipated event. What makes the 2016-17 stretch an exciting time is attributed to the competitiveness of all candidates concerned. It is highly likely that the selection process will be tight.
With 35 triple-doubles this season, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is currently perceived to end up with the trophy. However, the Thunder guard is not the only one making a strong case this year. A number of players are also playing outstanding basketball throughout the season.
First on the list is James Harden. When Mike D'Antoni assumed the coaching reins in Houston last year, not many are thrilled with his presence. By the time, the entire Rockets organization has become receptive to his three-ball, high-paced and space-oriented system, the perspective suddenly changed. Harden's new role as a point guard has propelled the Beard on top of both the scoring and assist ladders.
Back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard is also having an impressive season. With Tim Duncan gone, San Antonio's clutch player is proving that he is more than ready to carry the load for the Spurs. With him on the court, the Texas team is better defensively by incurring 8.3 points per 100 possessions.
Meanwhile, the smallest man on the basketball floor is making waves across the league. Isaiah Thomas is the Celtics designated firecracker in the fourth quarter. His presence provides a 4.1-point plus in Boston's net rating.
While everyone has been busy looking elsewhere, LeBron James has been busy leading the Cavaliers. It cannot be denied that Cleveland is a different squad without him. In fact, the team is being outplayed by 8.5 points per 100 possessions which keeps the Cavs in the company of the league cellar-dweller Los Angeles Lakers.
Before he went down with an injury, Kevin Durant has been a prolific sight in Golden State's remarkable run. A lot of people have questioned the Warriors ability to thrive with four stars on its roster prior to the season. Considering his time with the Thunder where he needs to have more ball touches, Durant has shown that he can coexist with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green as manifested by the squad's 50-9 slate.
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