Sports Life Magazine Volume 2 1 | Page 16

By again lowering the sample size to the past ten seasons, the average age of the MVP is 26.9, the eldest being Steve Nash in ‘05-06’, age 31, the youngest in Derrick Rose, God bless his soul, ‘10-’11 season, age 22. Though this may seem like a non-factor, it is apparent that in recent years nearly all the of winners have been established veterans who have paid their dues and earned their keep. Further, the fact that the three players poised to win MVP fit the age category gives the argument of player age even more validation. The advantage in this category goes to two players, my two MVP favorites. Advantage: Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry Verdict first ever MVP award and the Warriors will make it to the Western Conference Finals but if I had a vote, it would most definitely go to Westbrook. Looking at Westbrook’s stats over the month of February, he has been on an absolute tear averaging 29.5 points, 10.7 assists, 8.2 rebounds. This may look like a small sample size but honestly it’s not. On the year he’s averaging 26, 8 and 6, and has the second highest Player Efficiency Rating in the entire league, trailing only Anthony Davis. The one thing holding him back is the MVP voting committee’s obsession with overall seeding (and also that he missed like 14 of the Thunder’s first games). For years, Westbrook has had to deal with the criticism of being a ball hog and has lived in the shadow of Kevin Durant, but his performance both with an without KD show that he’s the real MVP. Actual MVP: Stephen Curry but Russell Westbrook...... Written by Eric Yee http://cdn.sneakerreport.com/assets/2014/08/Steph_ua_01.jpg When I first started writing this, I seriously contemplated making the title of the article “Why Stephen Curry is a Shoo in for MVP,” but as I researched I felt less and less sure of myself. Yes, I believe Stephen Curry will win his Sports Life 16 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bp4l2CYIQAA5FdP.jpg:large