Cleveland Cavaliers: Why LeBron James Is a Viable MVP Candidiate?
Dec 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a no call during the second half against the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 114-84. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
As the season lengthens, the question of MVP starts to pester Cleveland Cavalier fans, but can their leader, LeBron James, be a viable option?
In this world of absolute NBA mayhem caused by Russell Westbrook and his onslaught of triples doubles, is there any room left for the NBA’s current best player, LeBron James, to bring another MVP to his Cleveland Cavaliers team
Just as the case in the last six years, LeBron has propelled his team to a first place start in the East. Also just as in the past, the King has seen a couple players step up and in his way of obtaining his fifth MVP award. As the season starts to lengthen, the nation’s most brilliant basketball minds will be attempting to dissect who the next NBA MVP should be, but is the trophy really that difficult to decide on.
Last year, when Steph Curry received the first ever unanimous MVP selection, LeBron James argued the use of the word “most valuable”, so it will again boil down to that, and this time it may hurt LBJ. Westbrook and Harden are currently both running one man shows in their respective cities and ball clubs, but should that automatically count out the King?
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While he may not be the most glamorous or fancy player, the King is still finding a way to lead the East’s top team and put up some impressive stats.
With that said, let’s take a look at the argument that LBJ would have for MVP.
Dec 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gives instructions to forward Kevin Love (0) during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
A Stat Check-Up
When it comes to stats, LeBron really does not match up that well. Per 36 minutes, LeBron averages two less assists more than both Russ and Harden. In that time period, he also averages less rebounds than Russ by +4 and less points than both of them by +4.
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For being 32, James has played a surprising 36 minutes and 45 seconds per game which is top 10 in the league and more than current frontrunner Russell Westbrook. His usage by his team is however the stat that stand out to me. Westbrook posts an ABSURD 40.7 usage rate. This by itself almost knocks out both Harden and Westbrook who are neither top 5.
LeBron James, who, at times, seems like he is barely trying, has better figures this year than most would tend to believe. LBJ shoots 51.7% from the field this season which along with his improved 36.5% from downtown. These percentages are better than both Westbrook’s and Harden’s. Also, for what it is worth, LeBron has the best net rating at 10.9 than both Harden (8.0) and Westbrook (6.0).
Could LeBron do more? Probably, but unlike Harden and Westbrook, LBJ has to also prep for a serious title run. Except his minutes to dip as the team continue to steam through the winter.
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the ring ceremony and banner raising ceremony before a game against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Records Will Matter
Both Harden and Westbrook have carried their respective team to a top record in the West, Harden 17-7 and Westbrook 15-9. As of now, the Cavaliers have a much better record than both of those teams, and yes, it matters.
Last seasons unanimous MVP Steph Curry was elevated on a platform because of the Warriors 73-9 record. While James, Harden, and Westbrook all could have gotten MVP votes, the success of the Warriors catapult Steph to unanimous form.
Being 32, LeBron has already started to exit his prime. But could his come to rescue him if Westbrook’s numbers slipped?
With the Thunder slipping to sixth in the West, Russell Westbrook seems to be the prime suspect that is standing between the King and his fifth MVP, but as the season lengthen, the King could reclaim his spot as his Cavaliers continue to excel. A 60+ win Cavaliers led by LeBron, might be more impressive if Russ’ triple-double weakens.
But, that is not my call.
So we ask you fans; if that happened, would you vote LeBron James as MVP?
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