Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

James Harden takes home NBPA MVP Award as Thunder favorites feature prominently

By Stephen Dolan

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets jams out to the music during warm ups before Game Two of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at Toyota Center on April 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets jams out to the music during warm ups before Game Two of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at Toyota Center on April 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Current and former OKC Thunder featured prominently in the 2018 NBPA Players Voice Awards as James Harden took home the big award for MVP.

James Harden, formerly of the OKC Thunder, has been awarded the NBPA Players Voice Award as the Most Valuable Player for the 2017-2018 season. It is his second time receiving the NBPA MVP Award since its inception in 2015.

His first time receiving it was in the inaugural 2015 season. Harden took home the trophy that season ahead of, most notably, Stephen Curry, who won the traditional MVP that year. That first season was the only one of the four in which the NBPA voting and the media vote have disagreed on the winner.

The title of the NBPA Players Voice Awards sums up their intent. The players, with the opinion that the media held different standards and preferences than those which actually matter to the people who play the game, wished to give themselves a voice in the process.

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It’s hard logic to argue with. Although the track record of players voting for awards has been questionable at times, showing personal and team bias, these awards seem to generally be reliable and supported. James Harden is also widely considered the front-runner for the NBA MVP, which will be announced on June 25.

Harden also took home the NBPA Toughest to Guard Award this season.

Other Thunder Related Awards

In other Thunder news, several awards were given to current or former OKC Thunder players.

In what’s become something of an annual tradition, Russell Westbrook received the Freshest Award. Russ’s fashion is truly legend within and without NBA circles. He continues to get recognized. Westbrook also was given the Best Side Hustle Award, which is probably closely related to his clothing line at Barneys New York and his popular Jordan Why Not Zero.1 shoe.

Next: Westbrook and Collison win NBPA awards

Oddly, Kevin Durant did not receive any validation from his peers this season. However, former Thunder players Enes Kanter and Victor Oladipo received the Backbone Award for their teams. Mr. Thunder himself, Nick Collison, received the Backbone Award for OKC.

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