This years MVP race is being headed by Russell Westbrook and James Harden, both putting up unbelievable numbers.

Many people believe Westbrook to be front-runner being that he is averaging 30.6 points per game, 10.4 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, a triple-double.

The last time someone accomplished this feat was in the 1961-1962 season by Oscar “The Big O” Robertson (basketball-reference.com).

However, despite Westbrooks valiant efforts the team is 25-19 sitting at 6th in the Western Conference, 13 games back of the first place Golden State Warriors and being given no respect as a true championship contender.

Then on the other hand James Harden is putting up similar numbers but leading his to the promise land. He is averaging 28.7 points, 11.6 assists and 8.2 rebounds per game this year (basketball-reference.com).

Harden is just 1.8 rebounds away from the triple-double mark but his production is translating into more wins. He has the Rockets at 34-13, 5.5 games back of the Warriors, at third in the western conference.

A common argument is that Harden has a better supporting cast which allows for them to get more wins. However, looking at a statistic known as Win Shares which is an estimate of the number of wins contributed player, Harden has a commanding lead over Westbrook.

Harden has an estimated 9.4 wins attributed to him this year, whereas Westbrook has just 6.4, proving that Harden is a more valuable asset to his team and their success than Westbrook is to his team.

Harden is a player who does something many people value more than anything, he makes the people around him better.

His 11.6 assists per game is leading the NBA because he is drawing the defence’s attention because he is a major threat to score, but then his phenomenal court vision opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

This season Harden made the switch from shooting guard to point guard and it has paid off wonderfully for him, saying, “I’m not surprised how quickly (playing point has) come together. I was already a playmaker, I was already unselfish. Having the basketball in my hands at the beginning of the game just makes my job easier” (si.com).

When asked who he thinks should be the MVP Harden said “The Beard (myself)… Look at our record. Obviously the numbers, historic numbers. Just my performance overall” (si.com).

And the numbers do not, Harden’s historic performance should earn him the title of the Most Valuable Player in the National Basketball Association. .