ESPN's MVP through the first trimester...

[russwest0]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-131226/trimester-awards

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1207/nba_u_lb33_cr_576x324.jpg


Miami's LeBron James appears headed toward another MVP award.

5. Who's the NBA MVP so far?


Cavan: LeBron James. It's fair to wonder, where does LeBron go statistically from here? A 70 percent true shooting percentage? Fifty percent from 3-point range? Eighty-two win shares? That we're witnessing with LeBron the rarest of basketball greatness has become something of a truism. The hope now is that the more who repeat it, the more eyes and minds will heed the mantra.

Elhassan: See Question 3. (LeBron James)

Herbert: It has to be LeBron. Even if everyone's sick of choosing him, there's still a fairly substantial gap between him and Durant and then guys like Chris Paul and Paul George. James is somehow managing to improve every year and he might go down as the greatest to ever play. Can't penalize him for being a boring pick.

Strauss: LeBron James is the NBA's MVP so long as he even vaguely resembles what we've come to expect. Nobody else combines his complete offensive game with the ability to guard every position. As an added bonus, he's dunking on opponents oh so viciously this year.

Verrier: LeBron. It's like he's a higher basketball-playing life-form. While Durant, his closest competition, rules the scoring charts, James has already moved on to conquering the realm of efficiency. What on-court controversy can we drum up for this guy? At this point, he's ahead of all the challenges anyone can cobble together. The silence is deafening.

[Droid101]

:facepalm

[ripthekik]

BS. Last couple of weeks showed Heat are just as good without him. Bosh is being criminally underrated here..

[ThatCoolKid]

The award is for the first trimester, not the last week...

[iTare]

BS. Last couple of weeks showed Heat are just as good without him. Bosh is being criminally underrated here..
I agree that the Heat aren't in horrible need of LeBron in the REGULAR season but come PLAYOFF time, he's the MVP of the league.

[TheMarkMadsen]

is it illegal to abort during the first trimester?

[iTare]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.

[TheMarkMadsen]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.


I think most would agree with this

[PJR]

By the end of this season, only Kareem will have more MVP awards than LeBron James.

How mad does that make LBJ haters?

[iTare]

I think most would agree with this
Hopefully. :lol

[russwest0]

ESPN is even more pathetic of a LeBron stan than Silkktheshocker.

ALL of their writers said LeBron isthe MVP and acted like it isn't even close.

Just ****ing pitiful. Surprised more people don't call them on this shit. They are even more biased towards LeBron than the political networks are towards their favorite candidates. They are trying to skew so much shit to get all of their site visitors (casual fans who don't know any better) to believe than LeBron is playing on a level above everyone else this season when actually Durant is the only one doing that.

Just pitiful.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

That was published over a week ago. Why're you posting it today?

[PJR]

ESPN is even more pathetic of a LeBron stan than Silkktheshocker.

ALL of their writers said LeBron isthe MVP and acted like it isn't even close.

Just ****ing pitiful. Surprised more people don't call them on this shit. They are even more biased towards LeBron than the political networks are towards their favorite candidates. They are trying to skew so much shit to get all of their site visitors (casual fans who don't know any better) to believe than LeBron is playing on a level above everyone else this season when actually Durant is the only one doing that.

Just pitiful.

U mad?

[inclinerator]

lol lelbron looks like a fat midget in that pic

[russwest0]

lol lelbron looks like a fat midget in that pic

:oldlol: tru

[coin24]

If LeBron sat for the rest of the season the Heat will still cruise to the ECF easily... Real valuable:oldlol:

Take Durant off OKC and they barely win 10 more games all season.



ESPN:facepalm

[buddha]

ESPN is on LeBron's payroll.

[retaxis]

Durant is the MVP at the moment. Lebron has won 4 MVPS and people are beginning to get bored of him winning everything. This is how it will turn out in the end most likely.

Durant wins MVP and crashes out in the WCF. Lebron wins his 3rd FMVP.

Next year is the real tale of aiming to 4 peat with Lebron winning his 4th championship MVP and 5th MVP cementing him as top 3 ever at 30years old.

[Lebron23]

I gave the MVP Award to Durant right now.

[Thorn]

Lebron racking up them MVP awards. First the Christmas Day MVP, then 1st trimester. What's next, halfway MVP? Full Moon MVP?

LeGawd :bowdown:

[Lebron23]

If LeBron sat for the rest of the season the Heat will still cruise to the ECF easily... Real valuable:oldlol:

Take Durant off OKC and they barely win 10 more games all season.



ESPN:facepalm


To tell you the truth my Aussie brother. I don't have any problems if Durant wins his first MVP Award. it means that Team lebron beats 2 MVP's in the Finals ( Duncan and Durant.)

KD was also leading the MVP Race last year, but LBJ out played him in their regular season head to head match up.

[russwest0]

I gave the MVP Award to Durant right now.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Props to you for admitting this

[brantonli]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.

since Westbrook is out, this is more true, however I'm pretty sure LeBron will still win the MVP. Most valuable to your team has rarely lead to the actual MVP award recently, it usually just goes to the best player on the best team (although it's kind of interesting now that Miami doesn't have the best record anymore).

[BlazerRed]

ESPN. Nuff said.

[Kblaze8855]

I dont see how you give it to Lebron with the 5th best record and a top 3 team talent wise. Not if Paul George wins the 67 games they are on pace for or the Thunder win the 65 they are. Not that I think either will happen...but if they do...and Lebron wins the 62 they are on pace for its a tough sell.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Durant should be #1 at this point.

[chips93]

ESPN is even more pathetic of a LeBron stan than Silkktheshocker.

ALL of their writers said LeBron isthe MVP and acted like it isn't even close.

Just ****ing pitiful. Surprised more people don't call them on this shit. They are even more biased towards LeBron than the political networks are towards their favorite candidates. They are trying to skew so much shit to get all of their site visitors (casual fans who don't know any better) to believe than LeBron is playing on a level above everyone else this season when actually Durant is the only one doing that.

Just pitiful.

what do you mean?

90% of people's commentary on espn, is that they ride lebron's dick

all people do is shit on espn

[LEFT4DEAD]

Durant is a clear-cut MVP so far, and there should be no discussion really. :confusedshrug:

[francesco totti]

It will come down to the head to head...if durant beats lebron he got it and vice versa too

[Frozen1]

Bullshit, Lebron is having one of his worst seasons since his rookie year.

This FG% is purely bullshit, it is just him taking advantage of the loaded team he has, he won

[SpanishACB]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.

That's the kind of bullshit we've grown to believe out of sheer repetition and the fact it sounds fancy.

It's still crap.

How do you define value to a team? Is that the owner's view? The fan's view?
Is it about being so much better than the 2nd best in your own team?

If that was the case there would be plenty of MVP in the race, including those in lottery positions, because your team can suck but you can still hold incredible value to them, more so than Lebron James who you could actually swap with a couple of players and the Miami Heat would still compete and if the Thunder lost Durant and got Lebron or George they would still compete ergo stop using fancy media terms that do not make the slightest sense.

[jrong]

The Thunder have the #1 seed, a better record than the Heat, and KD has kept them there without Westbrook. Meanwhile, Miami goes into Portland, who had the best record in the league at the time, and wins without LeBron.

And I'm not sure if the stat is still exact, but as of the middle of last month, the Heat were +10/110 possessions for the season without James on the floor.

Living through the LeBron era is like living though the Jordan era if counter-narratives were suppressed by the media. People forget how many haters Jordan had in old media. Sports journalism today is basically talking points dressed up as news.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

LeBron is going to go down as the greatest to ever play in the NBA. At worst, he will be #2 all time when his career is over, after MJ.

[clutchinho]

This whole MVP because of FG% is a joke, anyone at ESPN that presents that argument is not worthy of being called an analyst, they're a salesman.

What you have is a team so stacked that Lebron can afford to shift his attention to padding the shit out of his FG%, he can do this and the Heat will still win 60 games, so instead of facing criticism for forming a superteam and playing for stats he gets MVP talk cause he shoots a higher FG%(BTW Wade and Bosh are both shooting 54%+ on the season too).

[Thechosen1]

im getting tired of this shit...if anyone saw the clippers last night and think any other player in this league besides chris paul is the mvp they are ****ing idiots....that clippers team is NOTHING without him NOTHING

[branslowski]

If LeBron gets a MVP over Durant due to fg%...:facepalm

[BigTicket]

At this point in the season, Durant is both the best player and the MVP.

There's still a long way to go though.

[NumberSix]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.
Westbrook is equally valuable to OKC as Durant.

[IncarceratedBob]

Lebrun has always been about stats, it's why he was so much better than Kobe. But now that Durant's numbers are taking a shit on LBJs suddenly they don't matter

[GoSpursGo1984]

Westbrook is equally valuable to OKC as Durant.

http://data.whicdn.com/images/48492594/tumblr_meerpxjxBR1qmcbzdo1_500_large.gif

[BlazerRed]

I love how KD goes a 50/40/90 season last year on 28 PPG which has only been done in history by Larry Bird, and now Lebron has a great FG% it's the reason he should win the MVP even though Durant has clearly played better and has the better record. Why didn't KD win it last year then if it's all about shooting percentages? The hypocrisy :facepalm

[Lebron23]

I love how KD goes a 50/40/90 season last year on 28 PPG which has only been done in history by Larry Bird, and now Lebron has a great FG% it's the reason he should win the MVP even though Durant has clearly played better and has the better record. Why didn't KD win it last year then if it's all about shooting percentages? The hypocrisy :facepalm


Hy Dumb @$$,

Lebron had a great 2nd half season. and finished with a better team record, and he out played Durant in their head to head match up.

LBJ also had the better statsline.

[GASOL IS GOAT]

Don't worry Russwest0 I'll talk to Jeff and see if I can get your bann lifted or shortened. I got you dawg

[Jameerthefear]

Don't worry Russwest0 I'll talk to Jeff and see if I can get your bann lifted or shortened. I got you dawg
you dont hold any power here.

[Haks]

Kd might mess around and average 30/8/5 on 50/40/90 this year lol

[Mr. Jabbar]

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Props to you for admitting this

russ got banned :facepalm half rised flags in all of our homes today :(

[comerb]

But back on topic. LeBron is the best player in the league but Durant is the most valuable player to his team; therefore the league. Usually the award is given out to the latter.

Agreed. But I've never like the idea of the MVP going to the most "valuable" player. It should be the player that is playing the best ball. If you give it to the most "valuable" player, it turns into a lame consolation prize for the superstar with the worst supporting cast.

Having said that, I'd still give it to Durant at this point based on performance alone. He's just working way harder on both sides of the ball and the statistics are showing up for him. I feel like Lebron is coasting a bit, especially defensively.

[BlazerRed]

Hy Dumb @$$,

Lebron had a great 2nd half season. and finished with a better team record, and he out played Durant in their head to head match up.

LBJ also had the better statsline.

Exactly! So why according to anyone would Lebron be in the lead this season? Because as you said, what Lebron did in the second half of the season last season is exactly what Durant is doing now (better record, better first half of the season, better stats), minus a head-to-head matchup which hasn't happened yet.

P.S. how mad are you to be calling me names and using characters to get around it? :lol

[GASOL IS GOAT]

you dont hold any power here.
I don't? Tell your 3 recent banns that :dancin

[Lebron23]

Exactly! So why according to anyone would Lebron be in the lead this season? Because as you said, what Lebron did in the second half of the season last season is exactly what Durant is doing now, minus a head-to-head matchup which hasn't happened yet.


I said Durant is the MVP of the first 34 games of the season.

[BlazerRed]

I said Durant is the MVP of the first 34 games of the season.
I'm not talking about you, this isn't an "Lebron 23's MVP through the first trimester" thread..

[Jameerthefear]

I don't? Tell your 3 recent banns that :dancin
not making anymore mistakes. you wont get me banned again

[G-train]

If you can't see that Lebron is MVP you are a basketball dolt and need to take corrective steps to improve your IQ.

[G-train]

Do you guys watch Lebron play? Or just on Christmas Day?
He is making a mockery of the league most nights.

[KG215]

Do you guys watch Lebron play? Or just on Christmas Day?
He is making a mockery of the league most nights.
He hasn't been as good as Durant this year, period. That may change, but at this point Durant has been the best player in the NBA this season.

Since Westbrook got hurt, again, OKC is 4-2 and Durant has upped his play to an absurd level and has kept the Thunder atop the West. In those six games he's averaging: 32.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, .519 FG%, .405 3P%, .873 FT%, .643 TS%, .578 eFG% and has an ORtg of 129 and a DRtg of 98.

In LeBron's last six games he's averaged: 24.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 6.7 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .545 FG%, .370 3P%, .674 FT%, .625 TS%, .596 eFG%, and has an ORtg of 116 and a DRtg of 111.


And their seasons to date:

Raw Stats

Durant: 34 G, 37.6 MPG, 29.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 3.1 TOV, .496 FG%, .420 3P%, .884 FT%, .631 TS%, .549 eFG%

LeBron: 33 G, 36.3 MPG, 25.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.5 TOV, .588 FG%, .405 3P%, .751 FT%, .669 TS%, .632 eFG%


Advanced Stats

Durant: 29.1 PER, 122 ORtg, 99 DRtg, 5.9 OWS, 2.4 DWS, 8.2 WS, .309 WS/48

LeBron: 29.0 PER, 122 ORT, 104 DRtg, 5.5 OWS, 1.4 DWS, 6.9 WS, .275 WS/48

[BlazerRed]

He hasn't been as good as Durant this year, period. That may change, but at this point Durant has been the best player in the NBA this season.

Since Westbrook got hurt, again, OKC is 4-2 and Durant has upped his play to an absurd level and has kept the Thunder atop the West. In those six games he's averaging: 32.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, .519 FG%, .405 3P%, .873 FT%, .643 TS%, .578 eFG% and has an ORtg of 129 and a DRtg of 98.

In LeBron's last six games he's averaged: 24.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 6.7 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .545 FG%, .370 3P%, .674 FT%, .625 TS%, .596 eFG%, and has an ORtg of 116 and a DRtg of 111.


And their seasons to date:

Raw Stats

Durant: 34 G, 37.6 MPG, 29.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 3.1 TOV, .496 FG%, .420 3P%, .884 FT%, .631 TS%, .549 eFG%

LeBron: 33 G, 36.3 MPG, 25.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.5 TOV, .588 FG%, .405 3P%, .751 FT%, .669 TS%, .632 eFG%


Advanced Stats

Durant: 29.1 PER, 122 ORtg, 99 DRtg, 5.9 OWS, 2.4 DWS, 8.2 WS, .309 WS/48

LeBron: 29.0 PER, 122 ORT, 104 DRtg, 5.5 OWS, 1.4 DWS, 6.9 WS, .275 WS/48

But Lebron has nearly 60% shooting that makes him EMM VEE PEE!! :sleeping

You're right, it's clear Durant is the MVP so far, and you just have to watch games to see that. Sure, Lebron might go into beast mode the second half of the season, who knows, but so far it's Durant's, and we all know better than to take anything from ESPN.

[coin24]

Do you guys watch Lebron play? Or just on Christmas Day?
He is making a mockery of the league most nights.


Making a mockery all right, with a disgustingly stacked team. As its been said before, he can sit on the bench and the Heat will still cruise to the ECF...
How valuable to that team is he then?

Take Durant off the Thunder and they wont win another 10 games this season..


Durant is clearly the MVP so far, anyone who still thinks its Bran is the one who hasnt been watching games this season.. Hes pretty much lowered his production across the board, whether its decline, his back or saving himself for the playoffs, he isnt close to regular season MVP...

[maybeshewill13]

KD > leflop

[plowking]

Am I the only one who thinks Durant has been better this season, and pretty clearly too? Not as in gap wise, but in terms of, its blatantly obvious hes been better.

Lebron has put his midrange game on hold this season it seems, and it just doesn't appear to be as automatic as in the past. Not to mention, it probably is a lack of effort thing slightly as his defensive numbers, and rebounding numbers are done. Pretty much directly points to effort IMO.

[Nick Young]

When will the LBJ Dicksucking push by ESPN end?

Damon Lillard and Durant have a better case for MVP not to mention Paul George

Lebronze is dialing it in this year.

[Doranku]

Am I the only one who thinks Durant has been better this season, and pretty clearly too? Not as in gap wise, but in terms of, its blatantly obvious hes been better.

Lebron has put his midrange game on hold this season it seems, and it just doesn't appear to be as automatic as in the past. Not to mention, it probably is a lack of effort thing slightly as his defensive numbers, and rebounding numbers are done. Pretty much directly points to effort IMO.

When has LeBron ever had anything close to an automatic midrange game?

[plowking]

When has LeBron ever had anything close to an automatic midrange game?

Last 3 or 4 seasons. Every time he pulls up I felt it was going in, and most of the time it did.
This season he isn't as good, and he really isn't taking it as much.

[SilkkTheShocker]

The Durant for MVP debate is cute. It will be funny once LeBron takes it away from him again :oldlol:

[Le Shaqtus]

It's ESPN, they'll be slurping LeBron till the day he retires.

[memetherapy]

This is the way I see it. KD deserves MVP uptil now over Lebron. Sure, Lebron is the better player... as in, when he's engaged, he's clearly the best player out there...but MVP goes to the most valuable player during the season. Lebron's half-assing half the games he plays during the regular season, while KD's been bringing it consistently every night.

If Miami ends up with a better record than OKC, I say, give it to Lebron, but otherwise, with these stats, KD deserves it.

We can't give Lebron an MVP only because we know he'll be the MVP of the playoffs...or because he has the potential to be the better player on any given night... he already gets that credit in terms of wins in the playoffs and all-time great discussions... the MVP is a regular season award.

BTW...I'm a Lebron ******ger...he's clearly the best basketball player in the world, but he's been lazy this year and KD's been incredible.

[Dragonyeuw]

I would go with Durant based on what we've seen so far, which is not to say he's the best overall player, only that he has been playing better this season. I get the impression Lebron is waiting for the playoffs, when you're at the point where you're a multi-time champ the regular season must be a chore at times. Durant at this point has more to prove, and clearly he sees Lebron as 'the' target he's shooting for, and it shows in his play this year. Lebron's play is more of a 'I know I'm the man' type so he's somewhat coasting( which is crazy, he's still dominant as hell).

[heavensdevil]

Chris Paul should win MVP.

[KyleKong]

Why are people saying Durant should be the MVP? Clearly he is not the most valuable player on his team.

[KG215]

Why are people saying Durant should be the MVP? Clearly he is not the most valuable player on his team.
Based on what?

[Solefade]

Based on what?

Last season's playoffs was a strong indicator of that.

W/ Westbrook OKC = Contender

w/o Westbrook OKC = just a good team in the west

I don't agree that Westbrook is the MVP of the team but it's arguable that he's almost important as KD

[KG215]

Last season's playoffs was a strong indicator of that.

W/ Westbrook OKC = Contender

w/o Westbrook OKC = just a good team in the west

I don't agree that Westbrook is the MVP of the team but it's arguable that he's almost important as KD
So that should count against Durant for some reason in the MVP discussion?

[tmacattack33]

Actually if you listen to NBA Lockdown (one of their radio shows...that you can also get on demand for free on the ESPN radio app) you'll hear that Bruce Bowen and I. Guiterrezz were saying that the MVP as of now is Durant.

[TheMarkMadsen]

Last season's playoffs was a strong indicator of that.

W/ Westbrook OKC = Contender

w/o Westbrook OKC = just a good team in the west

I don't agree that Westbrook is the MVP of the team but it's arguable that he's almost important as KD

So an 8 game sample size from LAST seasons playoffs should count against Durant but the 8 game sample size from THIS season that says the HEAT are a .500 team w/o Wade shouldn't count against Lebron?

[Solefade]

So that should count against Durant for some reason in the MVP discussion?

Yeah, I think he has more to prove besides just putting up better overall stats than LeBron this season to earn his MVP due to what we saw in the post season last year. I think people would like to see him dominate against the top teams w/o WB.

[KG215]

Yeah, I think he has more to prove besides just putting up better overall stats than LeBron this season to earn his MVP due to what we saw in the post season last year. I think people would like to see him dominate against the top teams w/o WB.
Then your logic is incredibly flawed and incredibly stupid. The hell does last year's playoffs have to do with this year's MVP race?

As MarkMadsen already pointed out, LeBron is just 4-4 without Wade this year so:

Heat w/ Wade = championship contender

Heat w/o Wade = .500 team

[Dragonyeuw]

Last season's playoffs was a strong indicator of that.

W/ Westbrook OKC = Contender

w/o Westbrook OKC = just a good team in the west

I don't agree that Westbrook is the MVP of the team but it's arguable that he's almost important as KD

1) What does last season have to do with this year?

2) Take the second best player off any team, and they're worse off. Did I miss the year that Lebron led the Heat to a championship without Wade?

[Andrei89]

Haters gonna hate on Lebrawn!!


:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: ]


Ripthechik your tears taste delicious

:rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

[BlazerRed]

Yeah, I think he has more to prove besides just putting up better overall stats than LeBron this season to earn his MVP due to what we saw in the post season last year. I think people would like to see him dominate against the top teams w/o WB.
You're and idiot and you should feel like an idiot.

[Black and White]

Yeah, I think he has more to prove besides just putting up better overall stats than LeBron this season to earn his MVP due to what we saw in the post season last year. I think people would like to see him dominate against the top teams w/o WB.

:roll: :roll: :roll: exposed as an idiot

[KG215]

1) What does last season have to do with this year?

2) Take the second best player off any team, and they're worse off. Did I miss the year that Lebron led the Heat to a championship without Wade?
Logic generally isn't something fanboys know how to use.

[DMAVS41]

Why are people saying Durant should be the MVP? Clearly he is not the most valuable player on his team.

What are you talking about? You think they'd be better with WB instead of Durant? :facepalm

Durant is clearly the 2nd best player in the game and is the MVP so far this year imo.

MVP is about the current year...nothing else. And to date, Durant is more deserving of MVP than any other player. The only other guy you could give it to at this point would be Lebron. LMA is not in the discussion. Paul isn't. Paul George is up there, but 23/6/4 probably isn't good enough (even though he's an elite defender) to break through the wall of Lebron/Durant.

It's either Lebron or Durant as it should be...and right now Durant has the slight lead...again, as he should.

[Solefade]

Then your logic is incredibly flawed and incredibly stupid. The hell does last year's playoffs have to do with this year's MVP race?

As MarkMadsen already pointed out, LeBron is just 4-4 without Wade this year so:

Heat w/ Wade = championship contender

Heat w/o Wade = .500 team


LBJ is exempt because he's clearly the best player on his team, there's no argument about that.

Pretty sure a lot of people didn't realize how valuable WB was until he had to sit in the post season last year and I think that question still carries over to this year to how impactful KD can be w/o WB, a lot of people are curious to see how he performs. Not in anyway insinuating it disqualifies KD from being the MVP.

[KG215]

LBJ is exempt because he's clearly the best player on his team, there's no argument about that.
And Durant is clearly the best player on his team. There's no argument about that.


Pretty sure a lot of people didn't realize how valuable WB was until he had to sit in the post season last year and I think that question still carries over to this year to how impactful KD can be w/o WB, a lot of people are curious to see how he performs. Not in anyway insinuating it disqualifies KD from being the MVP.
Why are people waiting? He averaged 32-10-6 in those playoff games without Westbrook last year. He's averaging 33-10-6-2-1 on 52/42/88 shooting in the six games without Westbrook this year and the Thunder are 4-2.

And why the hell is LeBron exempt? Based on your logic, since the Heat are 4-4 without Wade, maybe he shouldn't be exempt?

[Black and White]

LBJ is exempt because he's clearly the best player on his team, there's no argument about that.

Pretty sure a lot of people didn't realize how valuable WB was until he had to sit in the post season last year and I think that question still carries over to this year to how impactful KD can be w/o WB, a lot of people are curious to see how he performs. Not in anyway insinuating it disqualifies KD from being the MVP.

You are forgetting that the MVP is about this season only. The media voting would not look at last years playoffs as criteria, thats just stupid.

Answer this, did LeBron's 2011 finals affect his MVP the following year?

[Solefade]

And Durant is clearly the best player on his team. There's no argument about that.


Why are people waiting? He averaged 32-10-6 in those playoff games without Westbrook last year. He's averaging 33-10-6-2-1 on 52/42/88 shooting in the six games without Westbrook this year and the Thunder are 4-2.

And why the hell is LeBron exempt? Based on your logic, since the Heat are 4-4 without Wade, maybe he shouldn't be exempt?

Is he? Then why did OKC look like a sinking ship in the playoffs last year and lost to Memphis in 5 games when they were originally the favorites out of the west?

The gap between KD and WB are a lot closer than Bron to D.Wade. It's pretty obvious but I don't want to argue about that. I'm just saying OKC w/o WB doesn't look like a contender and myself along with other people are curious to see if he really can take OKC to that contender level on his own.

[Solefade]

You are forgetting that the MVP is about this season only. The media voting would not look at last years playoffs as criteria, thats just stupid.

Answer this, did LeBron's 2011 finals affect his MVP the following year?

I didn't say they would look at that as a criteria, but there's a reason why a lot of people (especially here on ISH) when WB went down, people were saying "there goes KD's MVP" and it's certainly not because of his stats.

[Black and White]

I didn't say they would look at that as a criteria, but there's a reason why a lot of people (especially here on ISH) when WB went down, people were saying "there goes KD's MVP" and it's certainly not because of his stats.

Yea, and Durant got roasted accordingly for it, however this is a new season, and he has emerged as the MVP front-runner ahead of LeBron, and he is holding his own with Westbrook out, nothing he did in the past will affect what happens with this years voting, its all about what he does for the rest of the regular season.

[Solefade]

Why don't you guys create a poll on ISH and ask "Is OKC still a contender without Westbrook?" which doesn't necessarily DQ him from being MVP but I think it will have some impact.

[Black and White]

Why don't you guys create a poll on ISH and ask "Is OKC still a contender without Westbrook?" which doesn't necessarily DQ him from being MVP but I think it will have some impact.

Are the Heat contenders without LeBron? Create that poll aswell.

[Solefade]

Are the Heat contenders without LeBron? Create that poll aswell.

Heat are contenders without D.Wade, yes. Will they win? Probably not...but that's not the question.


He's actually shown that with the Cavs too.

[KG215]

Is he? Then why did OKC look like a sinking ship in the playoffs last year and lost to Memphis in 5 games when they were originally the favorites out of the west?
Because they didn't have a top 10 player. It had nothing to do with Westbrook being better than Durant. We have no clue how good/bad OKC would look with Westbrook and no Durant because we haven't seen it yet, so to try and use the sample size we have of Durant without Westbrook to try and argue Westbrook is as valuable or more valuable to the team is just stupid. I love Russ, and will agree OKC needs certain things that he brings to the table that Durant doesn't like constant energy and unbridled passion and heart. But Durant is the team's best player, period. t's not even really debatable.

Losing to Memphis in 5 games without Westbrook doesn't mean shit. Who the hell cares if they were originally favorites in the West? You remove one of the 10 best players in the entire league from a team, they're not going to be nearly as good as they are with him...even if that team has another top 10 player.


The gap between KD and WB are a lot closer than Bron to D.Wade. It's pretty obvious but I don't want to argue about that. I'm just saying OKC w/o WB doesn't look like a contender and myself along with other people are curious to see if he really can take OKC to that contender level on his own.
Is it, though? When healthy and in the lineup Wade is putting up better numbers than Westbrook and arguably just as impactful as Westbrook. And, if you base it only on how they've played this year, Durant's impact has been bigger/better than LeBron's.

[KG215]

Heat are contenders without D.Wade, yes. Will they win? Probably not...but that's not the question.

He's actually shown that with the Cavs too.
Did he, though? Even when the Cavs were winning 60+ games with LeBron, I don't recall them ever making the Finals -- and I'm not including 2007 when the East was pathetically weak, although LeBron getting that team to the Finals was impressive; I'm talking only about when the Cavs emerged as what most deemed clear cut favorites, the years they were winning 60+ games then flamed out in the playoffs. Were those Cavs teams legit contenders?

[Black and White]

Heat are contenders without D.Wade, yes. Will they win? Probably not...but that's not the question.


He's actually shown that with the Cavs too.

Are you scared that there is a massive chance that LeBron doesn't win the MVP this year or something?

[NumberSix]

Are you scared that there is a massive chance that LeBron doesn't win the MVP this year or something?
Are you scared that he will?

[Black and White]

Are you scared that he will?

I wouldn't be concerned if either player won the MVP, but that doesn't mean that Durant should not be considered the front-runner.

[Solefade]

Did he, though? Even when the Cavs were winning 60+ games with LeBron, I don't recall them ever making the Finals -- and I'm not including 2007 when the East was pathetically weak, although LeBron getting that team to the Finals was impressive; I'm talking only about when the Cavs emerged as what most deemed clear cut favorites, the years they were winning 60+ games then flamed out in the playoffs. Were those Cavs teams legit contenders?


By definition yes those teams post 2007 were contenders...just like how the 2011 Bulls were. But are the Thunder on the same level as those Cavs teams w/o WB? Meaning would they be able to get to the WCF without WB? (To be fair, you're right when you say the East was pathetic but Cavs still put out a really good series against the Celtics/Magic teams). I think these things are considered by media people because most people still don't believe KD has the same impact as LeBron even though he's definitely a better scorer.

[Solefade]

Are you scared that there is a massive chance that LeBron doesn't win the MVP this year or something?

No I don't care. I've said it many times on this forum that I think KD deserves it RIGHT NOW, but we all know how this usually plays out....

[Black and White]

No I don't care. I've said it many times on this forum that I think KD deserves it RIGHT NOW, but we all know how this usually plays out....

Never know, this season could be different, lets just wait and see.

[NumberSix]

I wouldn't be concerned if either player won the MVP, but that doesn't mean that Durant should not be considered the front-runner.
I don't think Durant should be considered the front runner because I don't like him.

[Black and White]

I don't think Durant should be considered the front runner because I don't like him.

LOL valid point :rolleyes:

[MJistheGOAT]

If KD continue playing as late and lead OKC to a top 3 West record W/O Wb he is the clear cut MVP

Miami is doing really fine w/o a great season from LBJ

[G-train]

He hasn't been as good as Durant this year, period. *bla bla irrelevant numbers*

Utter garbage.
Other than MJ, I have never seen a player control games on both ends like Lebron James in the 25 years I have studied the NBA. This season is no different.
Durant is chasing, and putting up numbers.
The Heat as a whole are arranging themselves for a third title, being efficient and working on overall schemes to be ready at the right time.
I watch every Heat game. I watch as he basically restrains himself for the betterment of the entire team, yet still outplays everyone else.
I would go as far as to say that Lebron is almost a notch above Durant as a player, due to his physicality, point guard skills and defence.

[G-train]

If KD continue playing as late and lead OKC to a top 3 West record W/O Wb he is the clear cut MVP

Miami is doing really fine w/o a great season from LBJ

SMH

[KG215]

Durant is chasing, and putting up numbers.

The hell does this even mean?

Durant, about 35 games into this season, has been better than LeBron. Again, that doesn't mean he's necessarily a better player than LeBron, but at this point Durant is having a better season.

[Mr Exlax]

The hell does this even mean?

Durant, about 35 games into this season, has been better thanIt's . Again, that doesn't mean he's necessarily a better player than LeBron, but at this point Durant is having a better season.

I think because LeBron is coasting in a way KD should be the MVP so far. It's not about what you can do. It's about what you are doing.

[knicksman]

meh mvp is for the best player on the best team. thats how simpletons vote. Thats why lebron joined miami coz he knows his mvp streak is over if he doesnt win a ring with his stats. By forming a superteam, he can statpad like crazy while having teammates getting wins and rings for him. But when it comes to impact, durant and its not even close. Its the same gap as bird and jordan. durant made oklahoma contenders in just his 3rd season while it took lebron 7 years.

[DMAVS41]

meh mvp is for the best player on the best team. thats how simpletons vote. Thats why lebron joined miami coz he knows his mvp streak is over if he doesnt win a ring with his stats. By forming a superteam, he can statpad like crazy while having teammates getting wins and rings for him. But when it comes to impact, durant and its not even close. Its the same gap as bird and jordan. durant made oklahoma contenders in just his 3rd season while it took lebron 7 years.

what are you talking about? Lebron was working with far less help on the Cavs than Durant had from 11 on...

Lebron doubled the wins for his Cavs team in year 1...coming out of high school. Lebron has been one of the highest impact players the league has ever seen...since like day 1.

[Leftimage]

But when it comes to impact, durant and its not even close. .

Case and point: Last year's playoffs.

Oh wait, that was the ninja turtle.

[red1]

meh mvp is for the best player on the best team. thats how simpletons vote. Thats why lebron joined miami coz he knows his mvp streak is over if he doesnt win a ring with his stats. By forming a superteam, he can statpad like crazy while having teammates getting wins and rings for him. But when it comes to impact, durant and its not even close. Its the same gap as bird and jordan. durant made oklahoma contenders in just his 3rd season while it took lebron 7 years.
do you ever make sense? you are tied with freshkid as the worst poster on this board

[Black and White]

meh mvp is for the best player on the best team. thats how simpletons vote. Thats why lebron joined miami coz he knows his mvp streak is over if he doesnt win a ring with his stats. By forming a superteam, he can statpad like crazy while having teammates getting wins and rings for him. But when it comes to impact, durant and its not even close. Its the same gap as bird and jordan. durant made oklahoma contenders in just his 3rd season while it took lebron 7 years.

:biggums:

[Solefade]

do you ever make sense? you are tied with freshkid as the worst poster on this board

both are delusional knicks fans :lol

[knicksman]

what are you talking about? Lebron was working with far less help on the Cavs than Durant had from 11 on...

Lebron doubled the wins for his Cavs team in year 1...coming out of high school. Lebron has been one of the highest impact players the league has ever seen...since like day 1.

if one man game. I would even take lebron over jordan but not when it comes to 2 man game and above. ill take jordan/pippen over lebron/pippen or westbrook/durant. And in fact, you could say the same with lebron whos team wasnt a contender before mo williams came.

[Black and White]

if one man game. I would even take lebron over jordan but not when it comes to 2 man game and above. ill take jordan/pippen over lebron/pippen or westbrook/durant. And in fact, you could say the same with lebron whos team wasnt a contender before mo williams came.

:biggums: Jordan is a much better 1 on 1 player than LeBron

[knicksman]

:biggums: Jordan is a much better 1 on 1 player than LeBron

jordan + scrubs vs lebron +scrubs

[MJistheGOAT]

LBJ is somewhat coasting this season, probably letting teammates gain confidence. He probably will give his 100% post All-Star break and specially in PO.

But, the award is most VALUABLE player IN regular season. Under this criteria, KD is the MVP.

Better player = LBJ
MVP = KD

[moe94]

:biggums: Jordan is a much better 1 on 1 player than LeBron

That's not even what he meant.

Besides, "much better"? Come on now.

[Koop1]

That's not even what he meant.

Besides, "much better"? Come on now.


Lebron still got ALOTTA work to do on his foot work 2 ever **** with MJ 1-on-1 .
#FACTS :rockon:

[knicksman]

LBJ is somewhat coasting this season, probably letting teammates gain confidence. He probably will give his 100% post All-Star break and specially in PO.

But, the award is most VALUABLE player IN regular season. Under this criteria, KD is the MVP.

Better player = LBJ
MVP = KD

except that lebron has always been disappointing in the playoffs. Its the reason why he needs stacked teams

[plowking]

MVP is about the current year...nothing else. And to date, Durant is more deserving of MVP than any other player. The only other guy you could give it to at this point would be Lebron. LMA is not in the discussion. Paul isn't. Paul George is up there, but 23/6/4 probably isn't good enough (even though he's an elite defender) to break through the wall of Lebron/Durant.



I've already posted my opinion in here, but I'm just here to correct you on the notion that Paul George is an elite defender. Hes not, and hes not close.
Are people watching the games? He is constantly getting burned by his matchup.

[chazzy]

I've already posted my opinion in here, but I'm just here to correct you on the notion that Paul George is an elite defender. Hes not, and hes not close.
Are people watching the games? He is constantly getting burned by his matchup.
:wtf: