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James Harden declared himself the MVP of the 2020-21 NBA season.
Assured.
Braggadocious.
Entertaining.
And maybe not mistaken.
Requested after a latest 44-point, 14-rebound, eight-assist efficiency if he belonged within the MVP dialog, Harden mentioned, “I really feel like I’m the MVP.”
Boasting apart, and the very fact the award is voted on by folks aside from Harden, his level is value contemplating.
He is a crucial a part of the MVP dialog with out query.
May Harden win his second MVP and turn out to be the primary participant to win the award after an in-season commerce?
It’s trending that method due to Harden’s play and a presumably thinning subject withinjuries to Joel Embiid and LeBron James.
Let’s begin with Harden’s efficiency.
The Nets are 25-9 since they acquired Harden – with one loss coming when Harden didn’t play – and he has averaged 26.4 factors, 11.4 assists and eight.2 rebounds and shot 46.3% from the sector and 36.2% on 3-pointers.
Brooklyn has performed simply seven video games with Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant within the lineup, however even when Harden has been within the lineup with out Irving and Durant, the Nets nonetheless win.
He’s carrying the crew, and it’s value noting Irving and Durant have been wonderful when within the lineup.
On Monday, Harden had 38 factors, 13 assists and 11 rebounds, registering his twelfth triple-double, which ties him for the franchise’s single-season file.
When the Nets acquired Harden from Houston within the January commerce, the vital questions have been: May Harden adapt and play with two different stars with out jeopardizing concord? Does Harden need to win a championship sufficient to sacrifice components of his sport?
He has answered sure to these questions.
With the Nets, his shot makes an attempt are down a minimum of 4 per sport in comparison with his two earlier seasons with Houston, however his assists are up 4 extra per sport than the 2 earlier seasons. And his 8.7 rebounds are three extra per sport than his profession common.
His factors per sport are down and his utilization fee is down. However the Nets are profitable.
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It’s an MVP-caliber season with a crew that’s tied with Philadelphia for first place within the Japanese Convention.
That doesn’t imply Harden, who received MVP in 2018, will win it this season. It’s a deep subject crammed with former MVPs (LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry) and gamers attempting to win their first (Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Damian Lillard, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell).
Accidents might impression the voting, which is completed by media who cowl the NBA. Embiid has missed the previous three weeks, although he’s anticipated again quickly. If James doesn’t return till later in April, that will probably be a month out for him. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how a monthlong absence influences voters. After all, the play of Embiid and James after they return may sway voting.
Jokic is having an important season and is the favourite to win MVP, in line with Vegas odds. However Harden has moved up and has the following finest odds, forward of Embiid, Antetokounmpo, James and Lillard.
It doesn’t take oddsmakers to note Harden’s season and what he’s doing for the Nets.
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