Rockets, Warriors GMs publicly debate MVP race
One of the best parts of the annual Sloan Sports Analytic Conference in Boston is that attendees get unprecedented candor from some of the league's more affable executives.
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, one of the chairs of the conference, is a part of that group every year. This year, he was joined by Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers, among others, for a discussion about the role of agents and negotiations in sport.
Since the Rockets and Warriors are competitors in the loaded Western Conference, it's little surprise the conversation eventually turned to the two NBA Finals hopefuls. Specifically, the two began discussing the merits of their respective MVP candidates, James Harden and Stephen Curry.
Morey: without Harden, we'd be nowhere. No one is doing what he is.
Myers: We have better record & we beat the Rockets 4 times.
#SSAC15
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) February 28, 2015
While Morey has a great point - Harden leads the league in scoring, has improved defensively and has carried the Rockets to a 40-18 record amid myriad injuries - Myers may have the hammer. The Warriors are the league's best team at 45-11, and with the numbers - basic or advanced - essentially splitting hairs between the two, that may be the deciding factor.
But the debate isn't limited to just those two. The final six weeks of the season may include the best MVP race in recent memory, with LeBron James coming on strong since returning to health.
Another panelist, player agent Arn Tellem, threw one other name in the ring, little surprise given he represents Russell Westbrook.
Morey and Myers have fun debate as to who's the MVP: Harden or Curry. Tellem steps in "Russ Westbrook is better than both of them." (laughs)
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) February 28, 2015