‘MVP as of Today’ – Former NBA Champion Paul Pierce Lauds James Harden and his Performances with Brooklyn Nets

James Harden has turned his fortunes around since leaving the Rockets. The former MVP has been putting up some of his best numbers after joining the Brooklyn Nets. Despite missing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on several occasions, the Nets have looked impressive, thanks to James Harden consistently putting up solid performances.

Paul Pierce thinks James Harden is the MVP

Former NBA champion Paul Pierce was recently asked about James Harden‘s recent run of form. Pierce had nothing but kind words for Harden. Pierce believes that he has made the jump to being an MVP candidate this season. In fact, Pierce considers him the frontrunner for the accolade as of now.

“I’ve seen a guy that jumped up and elevated to MVP status in my eyes right now,” Pierce said. “He is the MVP in the league as of today. They’re on an eight-game winning streak, and we’ve seen what ‘the Beard’ has been able to do. Elevate not only himself but his teammates.”

Pierce added that Harden’s impact has led the Nets close to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. What makes it even more impressive is that Harden did this mostly without the help of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Both players have been struggling with injury concerns this season, and Harden has carried the load for them.

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Pierce said, “The Nets are one game away from being in the top seed in the Eastern Conference. I don’t see why we don’t talk about this guy being an MVP, even though he does have Kyrie, even though he does have KD. But you got to remember he’s only played seven games with those guys.”

Harden is playing incredible basketball

Pierce pointed to the Nets’ incredible eight-game winning streak, which was unfortunately ended by Dallas tonight. He believes that Harden was instrumental in that run because of which Harden is the current MVP favorite. While Pierce added things could change come the end of the season, Harden was leading the MVP race at the moment.

Pierce said, “They haven’t had an eight-game winning streak all year long. Think about it, they’ve done this without KD. So James Harden to me, in my eyes is the MVP as of today. These things can change. It goes week by week but today, because of the numbers, because of the winning, and how he’s done it, today he is MVP.”

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Should James Harden be in the MVP race? He has been putting up incredible numbers since joining the Nets. Furthermore, he has completely transformed the franchise into the heavy favorites to win the NBA championship. Currently, Harden is showing new dimensions to his game, becoming a pass-first facilitator as a point guard.