We’ve reached the midpoint of the NBA season and several players have stood out during the first half of the schedule.
Certainly, last season’s runner-up in the MVP chase has made his mark once again. Entering Monday’s action, Rockets superstar guard James Harden topped the scoring column by a significant margin. He was averaging 32.3 PPG before being sidelined by a hamstring issue. Led by Harden, who is expected to return this week, the Rockets got off to a 25-4 start.
The Greek Freak, Bucks point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, leads the All-Star voting while taking another step in his development. He’s averaging 28.4 PPG, second only to Harden, while also ranking in the Top 20 in rebounding, steals and blocks for a playoff contender.
LeBron James is showing no signs of wear and tear despite all the minutes he’s logged during his storied career. The Cavaliers forward ranks third in scoring (27.1 PPG), 24th in rebounding (8.0) and fourth in assists (8.8) while being forced to carry a heavy load with Kyrie Irving in Boston and Isaiah Thomas recently returning from a hip injury.
Speaking of Irving, he’s doing quite well in his new home. The Celtics point guard is averaging 24.0 PPG as Boston cruised into the second half of the season atop the East despite the season-opening loss of Gordon Hayward.
Kevin Durant (26.3 PPG) is enjoying another banner season and carried the Warriors for a stretch when Stephen Curry suffered an ankle injury. Jimmy Butler (21.5 PPG) might not boast the gaudy numbers of the aforementioned group but he’s sparked the resurgent Timberwolves with his defensive intensity and offensive versatility.
That leads us to today’s question: Which player do you feel was the league’s first-half MVP and what is your reasoning behind your selection?
Please weigh in below in our comments section. We look forward to your opinion on this topic.
Kyrie Irving is the MVP uptil now not LeChoke lmao, hurry up and move that pick for McCollum.
There’s no way that the Blazers will deal CJ
Yes they would, if Brooklyn keeps losing that pick would be crazy valuable. If the Cavs add on an expiring contract and possible 3rd team it would be possible. That pick could be Michael Porter Jr, Portland would be stupid not to consider.
No that would be terrible for the blazers
Harden should finally get his MVP this year.
Hey Steve it’s way past your bed time lol
Harden is a joke. If he wasn’t able to foul defenders and have the foul call somehow go his way every time, he would be an average guard. It’s obsurd. He wraps his arm around a defenders arm on purpose, makes an awkward motion and gets a foul call. Can’t even watch rockets games.
Yea Harden’s play style can be pretty annoying but no doubt he is dynamic, he absolutely torched the Suns earlier this season and put on a clinic. Kyrie Irving is the MVP hands down.
Giannis is now question
My MVP Rankings:
1. LBJ
2. Harden
3. Giannis
4. Jimmy Butler
5. Steph Curry* (not enough games played)
6. Kyrie
Oladipo deserves serious consideration, obviously he isn’t an elite caliber player as everybody mentioned above, but when talking about most valuable, few can compete with how important and impactful he has been to the Pacers winning.
Coming from a non-bias NBA fan
LBJ
Giannis
Oladipo
Irving
Harden
Kevin Durant! He’s the best player on the planet and the Warriors will win the championship again.
Cleveland’s problems are LeBron holds on to the ball too long, has too many turnovers, and Cleveland is ranked 29th in the NBA in defense. Giannis could get it some year, just not this year. Harden’s defense will always keep him from getting it. That and trying to break into the Clippers locker room to go at it with Blake Griffin. Kyrie could if the Celtics win the championship. Oladipo is the most improved player of the year. Domantis Sabonis too. The Pacers have a better record with Sabonis starting than with Myles Turner.
Harden
Giannis
LBJ
Durant
Irving
Curry
Oladipo
Butler
DeRozan
LeBron. Not close