James Harden is the runaway leader for NBA most valuable player. And I have no problem with that. Harden has been sensational in the Rockets’ wildly-successful regular season. Houston has the NBA’s best record, 47-13, and has won 13 straight games.
But before we chisel Harden’s name on the trophy, remember that this time last year, Harden also was the favorite. Maybe not the runaway favorite he is now, but the favorite.
And Harden didn’t win. Russell Westbrook did, with a stirring performance down the stretch.
Now Harden has a new rival for the most coveted individual trophy in American team sports.