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NBA MVP Finalist debate – Why Westbrook, Harden and Leonard are correct choices

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 9, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA MVP
Jan 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

MVP definition:

The term MVP has many iterations and depends on each individual’s opinion of what ‘Most Valuable’ means. Some deem it to mean the best player in the Association. However, history shows that isn’t the main driving factor for selecting MVP. Otherwise, Michael Jordan would have set records for continual MVP Awards and Kobe Bryant would own more than one.

Others deem the best player on the best team to be the priority. Again, this argument has no legs or Tim Duncan would have multiple MVP awards and Steph Curry or Kevin Durant would be among this year’s finalists.

Related: All NBA Teams Announced – Westbrook, Harden, Leonard, James make 1st Team

Another determinant is the best performance in any given season with an emphasis on the player raising their level of production.

Finally, what this scribe deems to be the most appropriate factor is the player who is the ‘Most Valuable’ to his team.  A player who makes his team better and who lifts his team to wins they otherwise wouldn’t achieve without him.

Westbrook checks off both of the last two categories having produced the best individual season while also leading his OKC Thunder to wins they simply wouldn’t have without him.

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