Back in 2015, the NBA MVP race was a fierce battle between Steph Curry, LeBron James, and James Harden. Curry took home the trophy, leading his Golden State Warriors to an NBA Championship. But not everyone thought the award was rightly his. Houston Rockets players, among others, were vocal about Harden being the real MVP that season. And now, nine years later, former teammate Josh Smith has reignited the conversation.

J-Smoove recently appeared on the Knuckleheads Podcast and gave his perspective on Harden’s incredible season. When asked, “How crazy was it for you to be on that team, watching Harden go crazy night after night?” Smith didn’t hesitate to call out what he believed to be an injustice. “I think that year he got snubbed for MVP,” Smith said. “He should have been MVP that year. It was because people didn’t understand… We didn’t.”

So, why does J-Smoove feel so strongly? According to Smith, the Rockets finishing as the third seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference was a significant accomplishment. “Us being able to make it to the Western Conference Finals, I think he got snubbed for MVP,” Smith explained on the podcast. He also highlighted how it was “amazing to watch” Harden dominate the game, even from the bench.

Despite the disappointment, Harden’s stats in the 2015 season were nothing short of impressive. He finished second in the league in scoring, averaging 27.4 points per game, and led in categories like minutes played, free throws made, and win shares. His performance that year remains one of the strongest MVP campaigns in recent memory, even if it didn’t come with the award.

Historically, only two Rockets players—Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone—had won MVPs before Harden. Though Harden missed out in 2015, he would eventually secure his place in history by winning the MVP in 2018, finally joining the ranks of Houston’s greats.

J-Smoove declared James Harden as the MVP 9 years ago

Back in February 2015, Josh Smith made it clear where he stood on the NBA’s MVP race—James Harden was the only option. With LeBron James and the Cavaliers set to face off against the Rockets that weekend, Smith didn’t mince words, declaring his teammate Harden as the rightful MVP.

“What frustrates me the most,” Smith said, “I wasn’t here the whole season, but I watch the NBA closely. They always bring up new MVP candidates, but this is a guy that’s been doing it since the beginning of the year, not just for one or two months.” His frustration was palpable as he defended Harden’s consistency. “It’s ridiculous to hear them try to put names in front of his. This guy has been a notch up on other MVP candidates all year.”

Even after Curry was crowned MVP, the Rockets stayed firm in their belief. Dwight Howard chimed in, saying, “We feel like he’s our MVP,” while Rockets owner Leslie Alexander praised Harden as their best player since Hakeem Olajuwon.

Despite a twisted ankle, Harden never missed time that week. Smith couldn’t help but compare him to LeBron. “Harden is a lot younger, but one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with.” His admiration for Harden was clear. “The way he scores and plays is amazing to watch, night in, night out.”