When we are ranking the best in the West, we are going to be looking at the things that they are doing this season and how big of an impact they are having on their squad. No legacy awards will be given here. If the player was good this year, he will be added to the list.
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors – Curry hasn’t been the best player on the Golden State Warriors this season as he has stepped back just a little bit in order for all pieces to fit in perfectly.
4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs – The best two-way player in the game, Kawhi Leonard has proven to be the perfect leader for the Spurs at the beginning of the post-Duncan era. His offensive game has evolved and he is the real deal.
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors – KD is shooting the best that he has ever shot from the field, while he is averaging career-high in rebounds and blocks. He is playing up to his strengths and is leading the best team in the NBA.
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder – Russ has been a walking triple-double this year and is in the conversation for the MVP award this season. It’s a two-way fight now between him and a guy that is leading this list.
1. James Harden, Houston Rockets – Mike D’Antoni’s squad has been the biggest surprise of the year. They are playing great basketball, and James Harden is leading the way with over 29 points per game while he is the leader of the league in assists. Harden has been the best in the West this year. Imagine what he could do if he would play defense.
