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An Arizona Wildcats perspective on James Harden winning NBA MVP

By Jordan Cuda

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors and fights for possesion with James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 20: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors and fights for possesion with James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Wildcats fans responded with comedy when the ASU Men’s Basketball website tweeted about Harden Winning NBA MVP!

Sun Devil Basketball, once so active on social media and not shy to show off their new “GaurdU” t-shirts every chance they got. This all because they sat high on their pedestal as they climbed the college basketball rankings.   Not to mention, how each every fan was so quick to buy into the ESPN report that they thought was going to be the demise of Arizona Wildcats Basketball. It’s no surprise that Sun Devil Nation reared their heads again as James Harden was named NBA MVP.

As it turned out, Sun Devil Nation was wrong about being “GuardU” as they could not find a way to “Guard” Arizona. They were also taken back as the ESPN report was proven to so-called “Fake News”. Now they have to live with the fact that James Harden was not the most deserving of the NBA MVP award.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball
Arizona Wildcats Basketball /

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Wildcat fans will admit that Harden can score with the best of them. As this season, he was able to “Travel” his way through the lane for layups. While using his forearm to push away from defenders in order to knock down threes at an alarming rate. These two key components of his game allowed him too average 30 points a game while shooting 44% from the field.

As any true basketball fan would know, there are two sides of the ball. Sun Devil Nation might not know this word very well but it is called “defense”. Something that Harden had no interest in playing this year. As his O’Lay style of defense lead to his team losing to a Wildcat yet again in Steve Kerr and Andre Iguodala in the Semis of the Western Conference.

So NBA, are we now awarding those players who do not play both sides of the ball? Or in this case, those who chose not to bend their knees in an attempt to guard someone. Players should feel bad for those who put out the effort in on defense the way LeBron James and Anthony Davis accompanied by the offensive on the other side of the court.

Must Read: ZZ: More Arizona Basketball News

As awarding the MVP to a players means that they are “Best” player in the league. Wildcat fans are willing to admit Harden can score but the lack of defense is where we draw the line when it comes to being deserving of the NBA MVP.

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