Tag: MVP

Rockets star James Harden ranks fourth in new MVP straw poll

In a media straw poll to replicate MVP voting, James Harden now ranks fourth behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic.

Despite historic scoring numbers at nearly 40 points per game, Houston Rockets star James Harden might not even be in the current top three of the media’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) race for the 2019-20 NBA season.

In an ESPN straw poll released Wednesday of 101 media members representing all local NBA markets, as well as national and international reporters, Harden ranked fourth in voting behind Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks; LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers; and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

In terms of first-place votes, Antetokounmpo had 48, followed by 29 for James, 14 for Doncic, and nine for Harden. The complete voting breakdown can be read in the ESPN story.

It is unclear how many of the 101 media members polled will actually have MVP votes in the spring, but it does seem to capture the current sentiment with the 2019-20 season about a quarter of the way complete.

Both the Bucks and Lakers entered Wednesday with 18-3 records, which is several games better than Harden’s Rockets at 13-7. The “team success” factor is often a persuasive argument for many voters, as it seemed to be when Antetokounmpo (on the 60-22 Bucks) edged out Harden (on the 53-29 Rockets) in the 2018-19 MVP race.

But the Doncic-led Mavs entered Tuesday with an identical record to the Rockets, yet Doncic had a combined 39 first- or second-place votes from the panel, as compared to just 25 for Harden. Thus, it’s harder to explain that disparity strictly through the lens of team record.

Doncic is averaging 30.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, while Harden is at 39.5 points, 7.8 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. That 39.5 total would be the third-highest scoring season in league history, and the top mark since Wilt Chamberlain (44.8) back in 1962-63.

Now 30 years old, Harden won MVP in 2917-18 and has finished in the top two in voting after four of the last five seasons — which may contribute to voter fatigue about him. To that point, Rockets GM Daryl Morey has wondered aloud if voters will again “rob” Harden of the award.

Former MVP winner Russell Westbrook, who now stars alongside Harden in the Houston backcourt, recently suggested that media members were trying to “normalize” Harden’s historic numbers.

Fortunately for Harden and the Rockets, approximately three-quarters of the 2019-20 season remains to potentially change the current voting narrative. The easiest way for them to do that would be to win a higher percentage of games and potentially climb up the standings, which they’ll have a chance to do beginning with Thursday’s game at Toronto.

[lawrence-related id=17965,13709,12925]

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson reflects on having Nike shoe line

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was able to collaborate with Nike to make a shoe called Dangeruss, but for him it means more.

Athletes are taught to play for the name on the front of their jersey, not the name on the back. However, nobody said anything about the name on their shoes, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has had the opportunity to do exactly that.

Wilson certainly isn’t wearing the Nike Dangeruss shoes on the field while he crafts his MVP-caliber season, but having a Nike shoe still is one of the most surreal experiences of his life.

“It’s been a cool experience, you think about young kids all over the world, all over the country that you want to be able to impact and have an influence on,” Wilson said. “Hopefully they look up to you, hopefully they want to be like you, hopefully they want to be better than you. That’s what I want to inspire in everybody, why not them, why not you?”

Wilson sees all that in the shoe named after him. His ability on the field has allowed him to catapult himself into an influential spot and his shoe is just another positive in the success he’s had in his career.

It means more if people wear the shoe, which according to Wilson has not been a problem.

“People loved them,” Wilson said. “It’s always cool when you have your own shoe, people shout you out. With social nowadays, you get a lot of tweets and Instagram posts, I get a lot of those and try to shout some people out occasionally. It’s always cool when fans recognize all the hard work you put into everything.”

That hard work has manifested itself to success in a career where he was seen as the underdog for so long.

In 2019, the hard work has helped Wilson not only reach MVP numbers, but also lead his team to a 9-2 record.

Week 13 brings another tough test against the Vikings, and a chance to take over the number one seed in the NFC West.

[lawrence-related id=51972]

On 31st birthday, Russell Wilson says he wants to play until he’s 45

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reiterated on his 31st birthday that he hopes to play in the NFL until he is 45.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, celebrating his 31st birthday on Friday, reiterated to media members that he hopes to continue playing football until age 45.

“That’s just what I feel like I can do,” Wilson said. “It’s my eighth season I feel like I’m just getting started. I feel like I haven’t done anything yet. That’s a good feeling. I’m fortunate to be able to play every game and be out there every play. I just feel really young and more vibrant than ever. Arm feels great, mind feels better, heart feels even better than that. Got a great organization, great people around me. I’ve just invested in my body, my mind, making sure my mind is ready to go every week, every season and in the offseason.”

Wilson may not feel like he has done anything yet, but five Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl ring is certainly not nothing. He’s also on an MVP pace so far this season, and is all but a lock to make his sixth Pro Bowl appearance as well.

Wilson takes inspiration from a handful of athletes, from a variety of sports, for his longevity goals.

“My favorite athlete is [former Yankees shortstop] Derek Jeter, I just remember when he retired playing 20 years for the New York Yankees and tipping his hat,” Wilson continued. “I think that 20 years is kind of in my head. I got a long ways to go. Eight years in and I feel better than ever. And then obviously seeing Tom [Brady] do it, I’ve gotten to know Tom over the past several years, just talking to him and seeing where he’s at. I think for me it’s realistic and I feel great.”

Wilson has had a profound impact on the game of football, as a mobile quarterback who has bucked the trend by being injury-free and not seeing his performance decline as he aged.

If he is able to play into his 40’s, he will not only be a surefire Hall of Famer, he’ll have cemented his legacy as a trendsetter for dual-threat quarterbacks.

For now, Wilson will hope to celebrate his birthday weekend with a win over Minnesota on Monday night, which would bring the Seahawks to 10-2 on the season.

[lawrence-related id=51857]

Badgers in the NFL: Russell Wilson sets NFL record in Week 12 win

Former Wisconsin Badger Russell Wilson is the only quarterback in history to post a winning record in each of his first eight NFL seasons.

Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson continued his elite season with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 17-9, to move to 9-2 on the season.

The nine wins are crucial for Wilson, as it officially means he will have a winning season in 2019 – even if they lose the rest of their games.

Wilson has now officially led the Seahawks to a winning season in each of his first eight NFL seasons – and he became the first quarterback in NFL history to do so.

Most elite quarterbacks are early round picks, often on bad teams, which makes it difficult to accomplish such a feat. The Seahawks snagged Wilson late in the third round however, perhaps the greatest draft pick in franchise history.

Wilson has solidified himself as a legitimate MVP candidate this season, and while his performance against the Eagles was forgettable he is still boasting a 24-to-3 touchdown to interception ratio.

Wilson starred with the Badgers for one season in 2011, completing nearly 73 percent of his passes along with a ridiculous 33-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

[lawrence-related id=8903]

Magic Johnson on LeBron: ‘If he continues at this pace he will definitely be the league MVP’

Magic Johnson on Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James: ‘If he continues at this pace he will definitely be the league MVP’

[jwplayer o41Wqtmr-z6KDnl0B]

According to the latest odds released this week from BetOnline, LeBron James is currently slotted third in the race to become the NBA’s MVP in 2020. But that’s not how former Los Angeles Lakers front office executive and Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson sees the NBA’s most prestigious regular-season honor playing out. According to Magic, LeBron will “definitely be the league MVP” if he keeps up his current pace.

Despite monster performances so far from 2019 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2018 MVP James Harden–who currently own the two best odds of winning the MVP this season–Magic believes the work LeBron is putting in could propel him past each of those primary contenders. When you look at LeBron’s numbers combined with the success of his team so far–who has earned the best record in the league early on at 12-2–it’s fair to suggest that Magic has a valid point on this one.

LeBron is leading the NBA in assists with 11.1 per contest while scoring 25 points and grabbing 7.9 rebounds per game. He also ranks sixth in the NBA in PER with a rating of 28.49 so far. Harden, meanwhile, is pouring in a remarkable 39.4 points per game during the first month of the NBA season to lead the league. He is actually scoring 7.9 points more than Giannis on a nightly basis who ranks second in that category. While averaging 30 points per night, the Bucks big man is also collecting 14 rebounds and dishing out six assists.

During LeBron’s first MVP season in 2009 he averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists by comparison. In 2013, his most recent MVP campaign, James finished the year with 26.8 points, eight rebounds and 7.4 assists while shooting a career-best 56.5% from the floor. He never averaged double-digit assists in any season of his career, however, and the 7.9 rebounds are above his career average as well so maybe Magic is on to something with his MVP prediction.

[lawrence-related id=21303]

[lawrence-related id=19546]

Chad Ochocinco endorses Michael Thomas for NFL MVP

Debates are raging on who should be the NFL’s Most Valuable Player but Chad Ochocinco says New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas has his vote

[jwplayer WU2Y8Ngc-ThvAeFxT]

It’s tough to decide who deserves recognition as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player this year. Second-year Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been sensational, giving the AFC another young passer to challenge the New England Patriots hegemony (Tom Brady’s team has represented the AFC in 4 of the last 5 Super Bowl matchups). But he’s hardly without competition, with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson expanding his highlight reel every week in an offense built to minimize his impact.

However, former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, also known as “Ochocinco,” wants to remind everyone that the award goes to the league’s Most Valuable Player, not just the best quarterback. And in his eyes, only one player is worth considering: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. Johnson advocated for Thomas on his official Twitter account, praising the Saints’ centerpiece for his consistency in spite of defenses scheming to stop him each and every week:

His past antics aside (like that time Johnson awarded himself his own Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket), Johnson has a point. Thomas is on pace to shatter the record for single-season receptions set by Marvin Harrison, and he’s put up rare efficiency for any receiver, much less someone who sees as high a volume of targets.

There have been games where Thomas was the only Saints player open or able to make a play, and the ball has found him whether Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater, or Taysom Hill were at quarterback. He’s certainly the Saints’ team MVP; the question, then, is whether the NFL’s voters will give him the respect he’s earned.

[vertical-gallery id=22742]

Seahawks becoming more resilient after securing 2 overtime wins

The Seattle Seahawks are making the most of the learning opportunities from their back-to-back overtime wins this season.

[jwplayer CyWAa1YN-ThvAeFxT]

The Seattle Seahawks have had to battle for their last two wins, emerging victorious only after overtime play to beat Tampa Bay and the San Francisco 49ers.

While both games might have had fans on the edge of their seats, coach Pete Carroll is turning the opportunities into learning experiences as the team eyes the playoffs ahead.

“It’s pretty consistent right now,” Carroll said Monday. “Our guys have a real comfort and understanding that sometimes, it’s not going to be working out for some time in the game. Just keep hanging. We’re developing that mentality that gives us tremendous resilience. I’ve felt that many times over the years with clubs. I don’t know that this one is better.”

Carroll and the rest of the Seahawks owe much of their success to quarterback Russell Wilson, who is leading the pack in the race for this year’s Most Valuable Player.

“Russ is the best he’s been,” Carroll told reporters. “That gives everybody confidence and just gives us a chance. Basically, he can find a way. It’s really reassuring and just builds for the hope and all the elements that make for resilience that you need to really overcome all these kinds of obstacles. It’s a fun characteristic for the team.

“It’s not great for the fans necessarily, but it’s going to help us.”

The Seahawks need all the help they can get with the league’s toughest schedule in the second half of the season. Seattle next faces Philadelphia on the road, in a game that has been flexed back to a 10:00 a.m. PT start.

Fortunately for the Seahawks, they are 14-6 in their last 20 early games and 3-0 on the year.

[lawrence-related id=51178]

Daryl Morey wonders if MVP voters will again ‘rob’ James Harden

Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey said he’s wondering “what new criteria/narrative” could be used by the NBA’s MVP voters to deny James Harden.

Rockets guard James Harden appears well on his way to another historic NBA season, with an astonishing nightly scoring average of 38.2 points over Houston’s first 11 games of the 2019-20 season.

The league-leading numbers from the 30-year-old superstar are even more incredible over the last five games, in which he has posted 41.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. Harden’s Rockets (8-3) have won all five of those games, which currently places them second in the Western Conference standings.

Normally, one might expect the combination of historic numbers and team success to lead to a Most Valuable Player (MVP) coronation.

But Rockets GM Daryl Morey doesn’t seem convinced that Harden’s historic production, should it continue over the remainder of the season, will necessarily translate into appreciation from MVP voters.

While Harden did win the media-voted MVP award in 2018, he has finished in second place after three different votes (2015, 2017, 2019) within the last five seasons. Given that context, Morey responded on Twitter to a post speculating about another second-place finish.

I always try to dream up what new criteria/narrative they will dream up to rob him of the award each year.

The “new criteria” line would appear to be in reference to the discrepancy in voting patterns between the 2017 and 2019 races.

In 2017, when the league’s MVP finalists were clearly Harden and Russell Westbrook (then with Oklahoma City), one of the advantages to Harden’s case on paper was that his contributions came on a superior team — with the Rockets winning eight more games in the 2016-17 regular season than the Thunder.

However, Westbrook was the first NBA player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 season, and the historic nature of that argument appeared to be most persuasive with voters. Westbrook finished with 69 first-place votes to Harden’s 22.

By contrast, in the 2019 race between Harden and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Harden was the one with history on his side. With an average of 36.1 points, Harden became just the fourth player in league history — and the first in the last 30 years — to average at least 36 points per game for an entire NBA season. He also had a stretch of scoring at least 30 points in 32 consecutive games, which was the second-longest such streak in NBA history.

On the other hand, one of the main arguments for Antetokounmpo, relative to Harden, was that his team won seven more games. Unlike the 2017 vote, team success did seem to be valued at a high level by voters in 2019, and Antetokounmpo won by a comfortable margin.

As for the present, Harden has repeatedly made clear that his “only goal” this season is an NBA title. There have been very little, if any, references to the upcoming MVP race by Houston players.

However, there is understandably some lingering bitterness from many around the Rockets about how prior votes went down.

[lawrence-related id=16171,14658,13709,12925]

Texans QB Deshaun Watson not concerned with MVP talk

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s ultimate goal is to win games, not concern himself with his placement in the MVP discussion.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has the fourth-highest passer rating int he NFL at 107.1 and has led his club to a 6-3 mark. With a team that saw a defensive playmaker in Jadeveon Clowney go to Seattle, and J.J. Watt lost for the season, the Texans’ star power has come from under center.

As a result, the former 2017 first-round pick from Clemson is finding himself in the middle of the discussion for most valuable player.

“It’s cool, I guess,” Watson told reporters Wednesday. “The only thing I can really control is performing on the field and then everything else is to the voters and whoever decides on that decision. I don’t get too much caught up in that.”

What has helped Watson’s case is his head-to-head performance against other MVP candidates such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. In two of the next three games, Watson will have a chance to add more wins against big names with Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson in Week 11 and New England’s Tom Brady in Week 13 on a Sunday night with all the world watching.

“My ultimate goal is trying to win as many games as I can to get to that ultimate goal,” said Watson. “That MVP stuff is going to take care of itself. If it’s deserving for me, then I’ll do it, but if not, then best to whoever wins that award.”

While there are various and sundry most valuable player awards out there from the Pro Football Writers of America to Sporting News, the officially recognized MVP award is the Associated Press. If Watson were to win it, he would be the first Houston NFL player since running back Earl Campbell to take home the honor. Furthermore, a win for Watson would elevate the Texans out of the collection of eight franchises that have yet to produce an MVP (Ravens, Jets, Texans, Eagles, Saints, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Jaguars).

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson solidifies case for MVP through Week 10

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson proved nearly unstoppable Week 10 in the team’s overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson continues to prove he’s the clear-cut candidate for this year’s Most Valuable Player after displaying his magic in prime time.

Against the 49ers Week 10 on the national stage, Wilson finished the night completing 24 of 34 passes attempted for 232 yards and a touchdown. While he did throw his second interception of the season, he was unstoppable on the ground, posting six carries for 53 yards while escaping some serious pressure.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Wilson is now 6-0 in his career against teams that are at least eight games above .500.

With everything on the line and the clock ticking down in overtime, Wilson led the Seahawks on their game-winning drive, which kicker Jason Myers finished off with his 42-yard field goal to seal the victory.

With the win, the Seahawks advance 8-2 on the year and the 49ers are no longer the league’s only unbeaten team.

Seattle has a bye week to rest and recover before battling the Eagles Nov. 24.

[lawrence-related id=50737]