Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons James Harden can win MVP in 2020-21

No. 1: Harden is winning without Kevin Durant

Durant has been as good as advertised this season, but he has only managed 19 games due to injuries, COVID-19 protocols, and load management. The Harden-Irving duo leading the way got off to a rocky start, but this recent run of form has cemented this combination as one of the most unguardable in the entire league.

Since the win against the Golden State Warriors, Harden is almost averaging a triple-double, posting 29.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game. Harden is doing so while shooting the ball at a much more efficient rate than the scattergun approach to offense that won him an MVP in Houston.

New Nets face-of-the-franchise James Harden is showing how valuable he is

When Irving is in the game, Harden is more than happy to oftentimes play a supporting role to Kyrie, allowing his mesmerizing handles to get Brooklyn some easy points. When Irving sits and Harden stays in, he goes back to his Houston days, using his lethal jumper and penetration skills to pile up the baskets in a hurry.

There is no doubt that Harden missing time would be a death knell for the Nets, as they have molded their entire philosophy on both ends of the floor around what he is able to bring to the party. If the Nets keep challenging for the best record in the East, he might have a legit case for the MVP award.