POLLS: Who Will Win This Year's NBA MVP Award?

Unlike recent seasons, a single player, such as Kevin Durant or LeBron James of recent memory, has not dominated the league in such a fashion that it would be considered downright blasphemous if he were not awarded the MVP trophy. As a result, this year’s NBA MVP talk has been a year-long discussion with a long list of superstar hoopers making their case for the award.

If the annual weeks of debate — discussing who may have been disrespectfully snubbed; why so-and-so received x number of votes, outcries of doing away with the perceptively flawed voting system, etc., etc. — following the announcement of the chosen MVP is any indication, the media, coupled with the fans, are fully invested in who will be the reigning face of the NBA as the league’s Most Valuable Player. In anticipation of this season’s ballot, here is an analysis of the consensus top five candidates who have positioned themselves above their colleagues as viable nominees to win the award, and a knock against their respective chances. Through the power of your fan vote, it is up to you to decide who will capture the title.

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Stephen Curry

In the eyes of many, the Golden State Warriors sharp shooter has solidified his position as the greatest pure shooter to step foot on the NBA’s hardwood floors. The combination of Curry’s cold-blooded nature, yo-yo handles and trigger release comes second to none. Having led the Warriors to 67 wins — a franchise record under first year coach Steve Kerr — and added Three Point Champion to his resume, coupled with breaking his own record for most three point field goals in a single season, Curry has torched the league from beyond the arc. He is also no scrub on the opposite end of the court, having averaged 2.04 snags per game (fourth in the league).

However, Curry has the luxury of playing alongside obvious talent. Knowing he can reliably defer to Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and others, alleviates a substantial amount of pressure on a nightly basis. Out of the other four candidates, Curry’s supporting cast is certainly the strongest, which in regards to MVP consideration, may hinder his case. Compared to his decorated counterparts, Curry has not set himself apart from his teammates as the clear leader of the franchise, which effectively devalues his MVP stock.

With all that said, the regular season wins, personal achievements, SportsCenter reels and ritual pre-game performance will effectively amount to nothing if the Warriors fail to make a deep run in the playoffs. At this point in time, the most tangible blockade standing in front of Curry’s MVP nod is proving to the doubters and critics that “Dub City” is the real deal.

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James Harden

The cheeky mantra “Fear the Beard” has become a household slogan that resonates cautious truth for NBA defenders. Harden has proven that he is in fact unguardable. In one-on-one situations the left-handed sniper is ruthless in breaking his opponent down, before pulling up for a jumpshot (ask Ricky Rubio). If he is not beating you from the outside, Harden can nimbly lull his defender to sleep, before finishing at the rim.

Harden has elevated his game to new heights, dropping a career best, 27.4 points per game, dished out 7 assists per contest, and increased his career averages in three point field goal percentage, rebounds per game, and player efficiency rating (PER). Harden has undoubtedly reached his superstar potential, embraced his leadership role, and even plays solid defense – a well-documented concern throughout his professional career.

However, how much can we attribute Houston’s revival to Harden’s leadership? Critics can justifiably point out the redemptive play of Dwight Howard, a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate and newcomer Josh Smith, or Patrick Beverly, the winner of this year’s Skills Contest as further bolstering Houston’s most recent success. Remember, the MVP is not awarded to a unit, but an individual player. Harden may be the strongest MVP candidate, but let us first see how much noise the Rockets will be able to make in post-season action before crowning number thirteen as the league’s most valuable player.

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Russell Westbrook

In all likelihood, the surgeon who operated on Russell Westbrook has worked him or herself into a couple million give or take. I am sure players have already scheduled off season consultation with the the surgeon who patched Westbrook up, and transformed the 6’3” guard into the second-coming of MJ.

The proven multi-versatile point guard came just short of single handedly willing his team to a playoff berth without his running mate Kevin Durant and defensive backbone, Ibaka. Simply put, Russell Westbrook owned the latter half of the season, going on an historical streak that began with setting the most points in an All-Star Game half; winning All-Star Game MVP, averaging an outstanding 31.4 points, 9.9 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game post break, and finishing the season posting career highs in points (28.1), assists (8.6) and rebounds (7.3). Westbrook edged out James Harden for the scoring title and closed out the season sweeping the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month distinction, earning the title for the months of February, March and April. Nobody can take away the fact that Westbrook rose to the occasion in such an all-round dominant manner.

Still, let us not forget that he did so with a lackluster supporting cast. Winning has always been recognized as a key factor in validating MVP candidacy. Failing to make the playoffs only hurts Westbrook’s case.

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LeBron James

LBJ’s homecoming year lived up to the hype, as the Cavaliers sought to find their identity amidst a new “Big Three;” a first year coach without an NBA background, and various roster shifts. Despite the daunting outside pressure to perform, LeBron reprised his role as the Cavaliers’ centerpiece, utilizing his on-court skill set and vocal leadership to effectively make his teammates and coach better. Acclimating to the playing style of Kyrie Irving, and demands of Kevin Love is no easy task, yet James selflessly pushed the Cavs to the number two seed in the East. At the prime of his career, “King James” continues to refine his game in a mature, dedicated matter as the Cavaliers floor general.

Nevertheless, Father Time is slowly creeping up on James. He missed a career high 11 games this year due to injury, and stats such as scoring, field goal percentage, and rebounds per game took sharp declines, while turnovers increased. It is too close to determine whether fatigue or playing alongside new teammates are the reason for LeBron’s dropped numbers. LeBron’s case for the MVP crown is not as resolute, which is the main reason why one of the candidates above will likely eclipse him.

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Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis turned 22 last month. Let’s let that sink in.

The “monster child,” is undoubtedly the future of the NBA, as we begin the early stages of transitioning past the pinnacle of the “LeBron Era.” Davis joined the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as one of eight players to ever finish a season with a PER over 30 (30.89). Night in and night out, “The Brow” stuffed stat sheets with ease, and was just shy from recording a rare quadruple-double (36 points, 14 rebounds, 9 blocks and 7 assists) last month. No other team in the league relies on a single player on both ends of the court as the Pelicans do with Davis; and he delivers, leading the Pelicans to its first playoff berth in four seasons.

The timing of Davis’ gigantic year however, coupled with the Pelicans’ probable early exit from post-season contention will deter experts from rewarding Davis with a substantial number of  votes. If his trajectory holds steadfast, and he is able to stay healthy, the future remains bright for the budding superstar.