If we get #1 seed, is IT a lock for MVP?

[LilRip]

16 games left and with every passing bad loss, our chances of #1 seed in the east slips away. But if all goes right down the stretch and we pass the Cavs (and now the Wiz as well), does winning the #1 seed ensure IT as the MVP?

Unlike ROY or other awards, MVP votes usually take into account the team's success. So as amazing as Russ has been (and he's had my vote for most the year), being the 6th or 7th seed will hurt him. Harden's rockets will likely end up 3rd as well. Would the #1 seed and passing LBJ's team then be the tipping point that will have media and whoever voting for IT?

[trickybilly]

16 games left and with every passing bad loss, our chances of #1 seed in the east slips away. But if all goes right down the stretch and we pass the Cavs (and now the Wiz as well), does winning the #1 seed ensure IT as the MVP?

Unlike ROY or other awards, MVP votes usually take into account the team's success. So as amazing as Russ has been (and he's had my vote for most the year), being the 6th or 7th seed will hurt him. Harden's rockets will likely end up 3rd as well. Would the #1 seed and passing LBJ's team then be the tipping point that will have media and whoever voting for IT?

Any other year probably, but this year, you have historic numbers going up everywhere..

[hpantazo]

Considering we are currently the #3 seed and have been losing to bad teams regularly lately, I'd say its safe to say no.

[hodgy03038]

I don't know how he can be selected over Westbrook or Harden. He is a great scorer but these other two have a few more categories they are very good in. Just my opinion but of course he has to be in the conversation.

[chambers]

If we get the #1 seed he remains in the conversation for politeness sake.

If we get the #1 seed is he a lock for MVP?
Absolutely not.

[Roy H.]

He'd be a lock for top-two in the East.

My top-5:

1. Kawhi
2. Harden
3. Lebron
4. IT
5. Westbrook

Kawhi gets overlooked so much. He's a top-tier scorer and defender for the team that could end up with the NBA's best record. I'm a big IT fan, but would you trade IT's three extra points per game for Kawhi's defense? I would.

[Redz]

MVP has got to Westbrook, doesn't it?

The guy has been consistently otherworldly all season.

[Csfan1984]

For me Yes. Not easy to elevate a team past Cavs.

[chambers]

https://www.facebook.com/TheHerd/videos/1983177291903460/


Lebron is the MVP of the NBA.

[jambr380]

I agree with Roy - same order. I would love nothing more than Kawhi to be a Celtic. Not only is he an incredible player, but he is an extremely likable person, too.

[YoungOne87]

he is nothing but a great scorer, he shouldnt be even be in the conversation.

so many more deserving players out there.

That's like giving melo a mvp for one o his better nuggets or knicks seasons...

[slightly biased bias fan]

I remember the perfect fact that reflects the current MVP race,

In the 1961–62 NBA season, Oscar Robertson became the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists...he came third in MVP voting. In the same season Wilt Chamberlain had a monstrous, possible never to be repeated season of 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists he came second. Bill Russell won the MVP that season mostly because the Celtics won 60 games that year and had the best record in the league. Winning matters and if Spurs keep up their season Kawhi Leonard has to win the MVP in the same vein that Russell did (the best two way talent on the best team).

[LGC88]

He'd be a lock for top-two in the East.

My top-5:

1. Kawhi
2. Harden
3. Lebron
4. IT
5. Westbrook

Kawhi gets overlooked so much. He's a top-tier scorer and defender for the team that could end up with the NBA's best record. I'm a big IT fan, but would you trade IT's three extra points per game for Kawhi's defense? I would.

TP
Without a doubt.

Nowadays mvp race are all about offense and big numbers.
The real mvp is Kawhi, Durant and Lebron (Harden when he plays D) who are the best 2 dimensional players that really carry their team to success.
If IT had AB's defense, he would be in this group as well.

[Fan from VT]

Id more likely say that brad stevens is a lock for coach of the year if we are number one seed

[Roy H.]

Id more likely say that brad stevens is a lock for coach of the year if we are number one seed

I haven't thought much about COTY. Who is the favorite? D'Antoni? Spoelstra? Pops?