So does Harden deserve it? Well, it’s all a bit mucky, especially when you consider that Harden had the benefit of the team being built around him. Daryl Morey crafted a roster that would perfectly complement Harden’s game, and brought in a coach in Mike D’Antoni who could create an offense that took Harden to another level. Harden is surrounded with shooters and rebounders, guys who can take advantage of his unique ability to beat a man and get into the paint.  

The Thunder, on the other hand, cobbled together what they could when the team was shocked by the departure of Kevin Durant. Russell Westbrook obviously became the focal point of the offense, but it’s not like this team was designed for him … Thunder GM Sam Presti and head coach Billy Donovan put together what they could in the time they had with the hand they’d been dealt. It just so worked out that the best chance for their success this season, especially with some injuries to Victor Oladipo and others, was for Westbrook to have the ball in his hands constantly, always, forever and ever. That’s not a real knock on Westbrook … yeah, he’s a ball hog, but he’s doing what the team needs him to do.