The Rising Three

It's not just LeBron anymore. While LBJ might still be the face of the NBA, 3 stars are putting together their own incredible seasons, in hopes of de-crowning the King and winning the MVP award.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has been a standout for me personally, for the sole purpose that he is virtually playing 1 v 5 on the court. When you’re watching OKC play, it’s nothing short of remarkable how he is able to handle all that pressure with starting shooting guard, and fellow OKC superstar Kevin Durant injured. Now let’s get into the numbers. Westbrook had to step it up a great deal from last season, when he was averaging 21 points a game to now averaging 27.8 points a game. You’re probably thinking that 6.8 points isn’t that much of a difference. You may be right but take in that he has put up 7 triple doubles in a row, the only other person to pull that off was the great Michael Jordan. He’s had 8.4 assists per game which is normal for a point guard. However, given the fact that he is a point guard he has 7.3 rebounds per game, which means he’s getting boards over centers that are 7ft and beyond. Overall, Russell Westbrook is someone I always look forward to see play because by the way hes been playing, it looks like he doesn’t have a limit. Pound for pound, perhaps the best overall athlete in the NBA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu-Kvnyqkt0 (Westbrook 2015 Top 10)

James Harden

The second player in my “Rising Three” is James “The Beard” Harden. He is simply the leader that the Houston Rockets need and have needed for a very long time. He has been the driving force of the Rockets and their current rise to the top. He’s been averaging 26.9 points per game with the help of his teammates Terrence Jones and Dwight Howard, who is currently injured. In addition, he has been averaging 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Which makes sense why they are currently in 4th in the western conference because their numbers as a unit have been dropping since the 3rd week, when the Rockets were 1st in the West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwUkPHBtIkU (Harden 2015 Top 10)

Stephen Curry

Steph Curry needs no introduction by the way he’s been talked about and hyped in the NBA. Here’s some advice…believe the hype. This kid is just phenomenal beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 50%. That means 1 out of 2 times he puts up a 3 its going in. That is crucial for Golden State’s scoring, especially for a 3-point shooter like Curry. They do not call him the baby-faced assassin for no reason, he will shut the other team down with his usual way raining down with a barrage of threes. He averages 23.5 points a game which doesn’t seem a lot compared to the other stars. That’s because he shares the spotlight with his partner in crime Klay Thompson; who is also a dangerous weapon beyond the arc. Furthermore, Steph Curry averages 7.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. This may also strike you as average stats compared to the other stars but, do you know what’s not average? Being first in the league throughout the season!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTwXjqKrjGY (Curry 2015 Top 10)

- Darius

The top 4 candidates for the MVP Award this season