In the cutthroat world of the NBA, the battle for the MVP title can become a war of words and emotions. The 2015 MVP race was a prime example, featuring heavyweights like Steph Curry, LeBron James, and James Harden’s MVP candidacy. Ultimately, Curry snagged the award, leading the Golden State Warriors to a championship. However, many, especially those in Houston, felt that Harden deserved the title. Fast forward nine years, and this debate is reigniting, thanks to the unfiltered opinions of former Rockets teammate Josh Smith.
James Harden’s MVP Snub: A Cry for Justice Nine Years Later
During a recent episode of the Knuckleheads Podcast, Smith expressed his deep-rooted frustrations about Harden’s snub. “He should have been MVP that year,” he asserted. “People didn’t understand how incredible he was… We didn’t.” The passion in his voice highlighted a lingering bitterness that still stirs emotions among fans and players alike.
So, what fuels Smith’s unwavering belief? The Houston Rockets finished as the third seed in a Western Conference that was a minefield of talent. “Reaching the Western Conference Finals was no small feat,” Smith pointed out. He reminisced about watching Harden work his magic night after night. It was a spectacle that left even benchwarmers like him in awe.
Despite not winning the MVP award, Harden’s 2015 season was undeniably stellar. He averaged an impressive 27.4 points per game, securing second place in the league’s scoring chart. His dominance also extended to minutes played, free throws made, and overall win shares, making it one of the most memorable MVP campaigns in NBA history, even if the hardware didn’t match.
Historically, only two players from the Rockets—Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone—had achieved the MVP honor before Harden. While 2015 saw Harden miss out, he later etched his name into the history books by winning the MVP in 2018, joining the ranks of Houston’s legends.
Back in February 2015, as the MVP race heated up, Smith was vocal about his belief in Harden’s superiority. When the Cavaliers faced the Rockets, Smith left no room for doubt: Harden was the only choice for MVP. “It’s frustrating,” he remarked, emphasizing how Harden had consistently delivered top-notch performances throughout the season. “This guy has been a notch above all the other candidates.”
Even after Curry’s MVP triumph, the Rockets maintained their stance. Dwight Howard proclaimed, “He’s our MVP,” while team owner Leslie Alexander echoed the sentiment, lauding Harden as their greatest player since Olajuwon.
Harden’s grit was undeniable. He battled through injuries, proving himself time and again. Smith likened him to LeBron James, noting, “Harden is younger, but one of the toughest players I’ve ever known.” His admiration for Harden was palpable, reflecting the intensity of emotions tied to this unresolved MVP debate.
In the end, the snub continues to stir discussions, casting a long shadow over Harden’s legacy. As fans, players, and analysts revisit this pivotal moment in NBA history, the question lingers: Did James Harden truly get robbed of what was rightfully his? Only time will tell if this conversation will evolve, but one thing is certain: the passion surrounding Harden’s legacy is as vibrant as ever.
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