The MVP Race coming to a Close End

As the first half of the 2015 NBA Season is over there are some clear MVP favorites that have made their mark but still have so much prove in order to hoist that prestigious Trophy.

The list starts with Houston Rockets Shooting Gaurd James Harden, it wasn't long ago that the talented 2 gaurd was a young 6th man for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The time he was in Oklahoma City it gave him an opportunity to blossom and grow with two young Superstars, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They exceeded all expectations by making it pass the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals and went up against the Miami Heat led by Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. Eventhough the Thunder lost 4 games to 1 in the Finals it was a great learning experience for the Thunder Trio.

But things came to a bittersweet ending for James Harden, when it was time to resign players James wanted more than OKC was willing to give him. So he moved on to the Houston Rockets, who were desperate for a new superstar to revive their franchise, and that is exactly what James is doing. He has become a team leader on the floor with his elusive scoring, and his innovative passes to open three point shooters giving Houston everything they paid for. But the only thing that is stopping James Harden is himself, his team looks a lot better than years prior but James has to be the man to go to when things get hard and there 5 seconds left on the shot clock.

Next is the Sharp Shooter from Oakland who can explode for 50 points in any game Steph Curry. Mr. Curry is apart of the new generation of Point Gaurds who can light up the scoreboard and electrify the crowd with his ankle breaking moves and smoove passing skills, but Steph isn't like many other point gaurds. Steph Curry went to Davidson University in North Carolina where he perfected his jump shot and his natural talent. He and his team made it to the March Madness tournament and upset a very good Georgetown Team, and thats the day when I and the world first got a sight of Steph Curry.

His first years in Oakland were an eye opening experience for him and he took everything from his practices with his Dad ,Dell Curry, from him not signing a letter of intent to a big school, from being overlooked by more athletes player, and tranforming into one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. As the Golden State Warriors lead the NBA in the win-loss record there will be games when the opponent will make it a gameplan to double Steph and he will have to be the guy who can pass like Lebron and CP3 to the open man.

Then what can you say about the Next MVP candidate the Human Highlight Reel himself in Russell Westbrook. Russel is one of the most athletic and explosive players that I have ever seen, but he doesn't just rest on his talent you can see it in every game he plays in. The fiery and intense player will not take no for an option and will sacrifice everything to get a W.

Now if you asked me a couple of years ago would he be a superstar and would he be an MVP candidate I would ask if you were crazy. I saw a lot of potential in Russell Westbrook's game but I didn't think he would elevate his game like he has until I witnessed the rise of the Thunder. I can't begin to tell you how many players I have seen over my lifetime who have talent and serious potential but dont take advantage of a great opportunity. I cant even begin to explain how great Russell is but every game you can see his greatness flourish everytime he touches the ball and his passion rubbing off on his teammates.

There are few player in the NBA that can make an impact in every phase of the game. and I believe that Russell will get even better over time. But Russell must trust his teammates as they trust him to deliver when the game matters most

Finally what else can you say about the 4 time MVP King James. After the 8 game absense, due to his back and knee, Lebron James has come back rejuvinated and ready to make another push for his 3rd Championship Ring. But in my critique of his game there is no critique specifically for Lebron. What his teammates need to do is to raise their level of intensity, and skills to the bar that Lebron needs from them. If they do that there is no team that can stop them.

bleacherreport.com