Harden has Wade's vote for MVP

Jason Kidd has thrown his support behind James Harden's MVP candidacy. So, too, has former teammate Chandler Parsons.

A new name can be added to the list: Dwyane Wade.

The three-time champion has the Houston Rockets' superstar ahead of the pack in what's one of the most crowded fields in years.

"Right now, I would say James Harden," Wade told reporters Tuesday when asked who would have his vote. "It's tough. Any one of those top guys could be MVP. I would say James Harden from everything he's done for the full season, the entire season.

"With the injury to Dwight Howard and carrying that team in the tough Western Conference and being right up there. That's pretty impressive and he's done it all season long."

Harden has as good a case as any of the frontrunners, a list that includes Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The three-time All-Star has powered the Rockets to first place in the Southwest Division, ranking second in the league with an average of 27.2 points. The 25-year-old is also chipping in with seven assists, 5.8 rebounds and ranks near the top in a number of advanced statistical categories, both offensively and defensively. He's turned it up a notch of late, too.

Harden has erupted for 44 and 50 points in two of his last three games and has the Rockets poised to secure homecourt advantage for the first round of the playoffs.