2016-17 NBA MVP Odds: Who Were the Top Contenders and Final Results

I remember sitting in my favorite sports bar during the 2016-17 NBA season, watching Russell Westbrook drop another triple-double while my friend argued that James Harden deserved the MVP. That season felt particularly special because we were witnessing something historic unfold before our eyes. The MVP race wasn't just about individual brilliance—it was about narratives, team success, and statistical milestones that would define an era. Looking back now, I can still feel the electricity every time these superstars stepped on the court, each bringing their unique style and compelling case for the league's highest individual honor.

Russell Westbrook's campaign was nothing short of legendary. The man averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season. I'll never forget that game against Denver where he hit the game-winning three to secure his 42nd triple-double of the season. The raw emotion, the intensity—it was pure basketball theater. What made his season even more remarkable was how he carried the Thunder after Kevin Durant's departure to Golden State. Many analysts questioned whether Oklahoma City could even make the playoffs, but Westbrook essentially put the team on his back and dragged them to the sixth seed in the brutal Western Conference. His 31.6% usage rate was the highest in NBA history at that time, showing just how much the offense relied on his superhuman efforts night after night.

Then there was James Harden, who transformed into a point guard under Mike D'Antoni's system and led the Rockets to 55 wins. His numbers were equally staggering—29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 11.2 assists per game. I remember watching him dismantle defenses with that deliberate, almost languid style that somehow always resulted in buckets or open threes for his teammates. The Rockets' offense was a mathematical marvel, built around Harden's ability to either finish at the rim or kick out to three-point shooters. His 22 triple-doubles that season demonstrated his all-around impact, though they often got overshadowed by Westbrook's historic triple-double count. What impressed me most was how Harden made everyone around him better—players like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon had career years playing alongside him.

Kawhi Leonard presented a different kind of MVP case—one built on two-way dominance and sheer efficiency. The Spurs won 61 games that season, and Leonard was their unquestioned leader on both ends. His 25.5 points per game came on remarkable 48.5% shooting from the field and 38% from three-point range. I still recall his game against Houston where he scored 39 points while locking down James Harden on multiple crucial possessions. That was Kawhi in a nutshell—silent but devastatingly effective. His defensive prowess separated him from the other candidates, though I always felt voters undervalued this aspect because it doesn't always show up in traditional box scores.

LeBron James, though finishing fourth in voting, had another phenomenal season averaging 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. At 32 years old, he was still the most complete basketball player on the planet. What stood out to me was his basketball IQ—how he could control games without necessarily filling up every statistical category. His true shooting percentage of 61.9% was actually higher than both Westbrook and Harden, reflecting his incredible efficiency. The Cavaliers coasted at times during the regular season, which probably hurt his MVP chances, but anyone who watched LeBron that year knew he could elevate his game when it mattered most.

The voting results ultimately reflected how divided the basketball community was about what truly constitutes value. Westbrook received 69 first-place votes compared to Harden's 22, winning by a comfortable margin in one of the closest two-man races in recent memory. I believe the narrative of Westbrook averaging a triple-double after Durant's departure ultimately swayed voters, even though Harden's team won more games. Leonard finished a distant third with just nine first-place votes, which I thought was somewhat disrespectful given his two-way impact and team success.

Reflecting on that season reminds me of how MVP races often transcend pure statistics. They're about stories, moments, and emotional connections. Westbrook's relentless pursuit of history captured our imagination in a way that numbers alone can't explain. Still, part of me wonders how we'd remember that season differently if Harden had won—his transformation into an elite playmaker was equally revolutionary in its own way. Both players pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible in basketball, creating a debate that still resonates among fans and analysts today. That's what makes great MVP races so memorable—they're not just about who wins, but about the conversations and basketball evolution they inspire along the way.