Harden beat out Curry, LeBron James (who was a no-show at the show’s taping), Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook (both also M.I.A.) for the honors. But Harden, who finished ahead of Curry this past regular season in points and rebounds per game but behind him in advanced statistics such as player efficiency rating (PER) and ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus, was the players’ choice, emerging from backstage at the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio Las Vegas to accept the trophy after not sitting in the audience for the other award announcements.
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This was the first year of the awards show, organized by the NBPA. Curry was the best player on the best team and eventual champion Warriors, Harden was the best player on a team with an inarguably thinner supporting cast.
Winners of the other awards (Best Rookie, Global Impact Award, Coach you Most Want to Play For) were not announced during the broadcast.
“I had my hoop dreams but I was too short so you know I play at the park every Saturday”, he laughed. Seems like the National Basteball Association MVP debate that we all thought ended months ago will likely resurface, at the very least on local sports radio stations around the country looking to fill out time.
Chris Paul, the president of the player’s union, said on his way into the awards show that the agenda for the meeting was clear, but declined to elaborate.
It is surprising though considering the dominant matter in which Curry won the MVP, receiving 100 of a possible 130 first place votes. “So, it’s in an interesting, different perspective”.
The players have voted, and James Harden, not Stephen Curry, is their MVP.
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“These young men that work so hard and tirelessly to be on top of their game, for them to have a moment to honor one another, I think it’s handsome”, she said.
