League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

The 2016-17 NBA season will go down as one of the best years in history.

The past weekend was a small sample size of how crazy it's been to witness all these individual performances from great players.

April 9th (image courtesy of SportsCenter on Instagram)

Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LeBron James all recorded triple doubles on Sunday. These three are the top candidates to win the MVP award respectfully, and it's just an indication of how greatness is displayed on any given day of the regular season. It's been a roller coaster ride for fans trying to debate on which one truly deserves the crown, but the man in the middle stole the show Sunday afternoon.

Unbelievable

The Oklahoma City Thunder were struggling in a pivotal matchup with the Nuggets, because Denver needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. The young, fast-paced Nuggets gave everything they had throughout the whole game but it wasn't enough.

Westbrook paved the way with a nail biting buzzer beater with seconds remaining on the clock, to seal the win and secure the record with most triple doubles in a season (42). Fans in Denver ironically went nuts after witnessing an unbelievable moment in history, then suddenly cringed in disbelief after realizing that that Westbrook's game winner eliminated the Nuggets from the playoffs.

It truly was an amazing moment to see, because Westbrook's whole body of work was on display for millions to pay homage to. His determination, fearlessness, and drive to whatever it takes to win games is second to none.

He literally attacks the rim harder than any other player in the NBA. His speed, durability and elusiveness allows him to push past other players at any given moment throughout a game. The man also tallies plenty of rebounds because he's everywhere on the floor.

Racking up double digit assists is also a big deal, because it keeps his teammates alert all the time. Pick and rolls are a part of any team's package, but shooters have to make big shots in order for him to tally assists as well. People criticize him for committing a lot of turnovers, but he ironically leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio percentages.

Westbrook is the hardest working player on the floor, and will always remain dedicated to the game he loves. During a postgame report with Fox Sports Reporter Lesley McCaslin, Russell had these things to say:

It's amazing, something I never could never dream about as a kid. Man, I'm just very thankful and blessed to get out and compete at a high level. The highest level. Just thankful for my teammates, my coaching staff and my family. I just thank God for my blessings each and every day.

My motto is Why Not? And I always stick by it, regardless of what people say what is possible and what's not possible. I continue to think Why Not? And continue to strive to be the best I can be.

There's no other player in the league that's utilized more than Westbrook, and his leadership is provided the push of confidence that the Thunder desperately need in order to be successful in the postseason.

Rocket Science

Many individuals have been speaking out recently about players sitting out games this year due to television ratings and away-game revenue falling down a path towards a slippery slope.

However, there are a few elite players that take NO NIGHTS OFF, and James Harden belongs in that category.

People that are huge fans of statistics, are definitely huge fans and supporters of Harden. The Beard is averaging 29 points, 8 rebounds and a league leading 11 assists per game this season. That's amazing, especially considering that he's steered his team towards a historic season offensively.

According to basketball-reference.com, Houston is currently the second highest scoring and offensive rated team in the NBA (115 points). Only trailing behind the Golden State Warriors (116 points). Houston has the 3rd highest pace per 48 minutes, and average a lot of points because they shoot more 3-pointers than any other team.

2016-17's MVP award isn't necessarily a lock for Westbrook at this point, so Harden still has a legitimate chance at winning the award. He's a fierce competitor that knows when to take over games, and deliver mind boggling moments when it matters the most.

The former 2009 Pac-12 Player of the Year has also worked hard to become an even better player by expanding on certain aspects of the game. Critics questioned his effort on the both ends of the floor last year, and he's responded.

After Mike D'Antoni was hired, he essentially gave Harden all the keys to house. Meaning that it was time for him to take the team to new heights, and reach a new level based off of what he brings night in and night out.

Harden officially leads the NBA with 63 double-doubles, and has even made some improvement on defense but not seeming so laxadazical at times. He truly cares about his team's ability to win games, rather than impressive individual statistics.

I thought winning was more important... 

His brief statement clearly makes a case for the MVP, and one can definitely understand his point of view. However, he isn't the candidate that has the most wins...

Silent Assassin

It's scary, really.

How Kawhi Leonard embodies the San Antonio Spurs culture so well.

Last week, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reminisced on his toughest decision ever. In the 2011, the Spurs went with the guts by drafting Leonard, and letting former point guard George Hill go to Indiana.

So in the end, we said we’re going to roll the bones and we’re going to do it, but I can’t tell that at that point we knew that Kawhi was going to be what he is today. That would be an exaggeration.

We were all looking at each other like, Are we really going to do this?. We were scared s---less. We don't know this kid. He's not a shooter. He's not a scorer. He's not a perimeter player. He's a big guy who can rebound.

There's a saying that everything happens for a reason, and that tough decision the Spurs organization made years ago is definitely paying dividends in regards towards the future.

Kawhi Leonard simply shows up to work everyday, and gets the job the done. He's asserted himself as the top two-way player in the league, due to his never ending competitive nature on offense and defense.

As far as statistics go, Leonard's scoring has increased from 21 points last season to 26 points this season. Some of his shooting averages have gone down, but that's actually a good thing because it shows that the Spurs depend on him shooting the ball more in order to win games.

His coach might reduce his minutes sometimes, but he won't take nights off. Leonard has proven to be a matchup nightmare because of his aggressive and cerebral nature that is applied during minutes in regulation.

The physical stature he possesses is one thing, but the brute strength from his upper/lower base combined with his ability to attack at any angle makes him lethal. After a lot of offseason work and film study of former greats like Kobe Bryant, Leonard has certainly become an assassin.

Vast improvement on midrange and three-point shooting has made him a matchup nightmare as well. He's hitting poorly contested shots, making game winners, and aggravating the opposition on defense.

He's simply a pest on defense, seriously. He's the best defensive player in the NBA; and it shows whenever he dictates players such as LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to have rough nights.

The Spurs definitely enjoy having his presence on the floor every night, and his two-way skills set the tone for them throughout the season.

Did I Lose You?

Last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...

This is a world-class evaluation of where LeBron James stands in his career with an assist from lyrics off of Drake's song Lose You, courtesy of the More Life Playlist:

I'm in for the glory not the honor mention. Not trying to be fourth for inches, I'm tryna go the distance. Yeah, distance, I'm on a different mission.

The 32 year old veteran is at a crossroads in his career right now. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a steep uphill battle for control of first place in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavs are certainly defending champions, but defending that honor has been far from easy this season. Contenders around the NBA collected premier free agents in the offseason, and also acquired veterans during the midseason trade deadline period.

Teams like Golden State, San Antonio, Boston, Washington, Toronto and others are aware that the time to defeat LeBron is now. However, in order to become a champion; you have to dethrone the King. It's been an up-and-down season for Cleveland, but the real basketball season takes place in the playoffs.

Be honest with myself, and take ownership. Opinions started to burn when tables started to turn... [con't] Exciting times, revitalized. Trust this little light of mine is going to shine positively. 

Two steps forward, and one step backwards.

That's how Cleveland's season has been.

People aren't going to see a team work harder to win 51 games. The Cavs have had their fair share of winning streaks, but they've also reverted back to descending struggles.

It seems like the only ones that can defeat the Cavs, are the Cavs.

Players have been whining and complain on and off the court. There was a time when LeBron, who's the main focal point of the team, criticized the organization for not adding enough help to make another run at a title in 2017.

General Manager David Griffin negotiated, and acquired G Deron Williams and C Andrew Bogut from waivers. Unfortunately Bogut got hurt less than a minute into his first game as a Cavalier, and is out for the rest of the season.

The cameras quickly shifted towards Griffin, whom was visibly frustrated. He was annoyed, and had every right to be because he worked hard to give LeBron what he wanted. Their potential defensive anchor in the middle won't be available in the playoff, and that's a bummer.

James has also been critical of the team's poise, effort and ability to show up and close games when it matters most.

Since January, the Cavs have had three 3-game losing streaks and embarrassing blowout losses to contending teams. It certainly isn't the end of the world, but Sunday afternoon's loss to Atlanta hurt because they came back and won in a game that should've have been close.

LeBron's no dummy, and this a big reason why he's one of the greatest to lace up a pair of sneakers. He's a wiser, and has realized that his public rants were simple mistakes. He recently acknowledged Griffin's efforts, and vouched for him to receive a nice contract extension.

He's apologized for his actions on and off the court towards teammates, but it only came from his competitive nature.

The things that people tend forget about LeBron is that he's been in this situation for years. He's in The Finals every season, constantly prepping his body for a continuous grind and staying mentally ready for any challenge that comes along the way. Life for an ultimate competitor and champion isn't always sweet, especially when it comes to reclaiming a position at the top of the food chain 365 days a year.

Winning is problematic. People like you more when you working towards something, not when you have it. Way less important for my peers in recent years as I get established. Unforgiving times, but f*** it, I manage. Why is my struggle different than others?

It's easy to forget about someone in a society when everyone's wondering "what have you done for me lately?" Especially when greatness has been displayed during too many occasions over time.

LeBron's currently averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. That's amazing, especially considering the mileage that body has been through over the years (leads the NBA in minutes per game - 38 mpg).

The NBA is the youngest it's ever been, and he's still one of the most fit players physically, athletically and mentally. James goes off in gradual spurts throughout a game, and his teammate Kyrie Irving can steal the show at times as well. However, there's no reason why people are overlooking a legend that can go off for 30+ points, at least 8+ rebounds and assists on any given night.

James has a lot more competition to deal with when it comes to individual statistics and performances. Westbrook, Harden, Leonard and plenty others are coming for him. However, there can only be one King, and that's King James.

Opponents and media members alike are all constantly hovering over his back these days, but that isn't an issue for him. His main focus whenever he wakes up everyday is getting the Cavaliers back to The Finals. He might not win the MVP award again this year because the hype isn't there, but it doesn't matter.

It's all about rings. At the end of the day, LeBron James has the most among this group. He's the best player in the world, respectfully... but what makes this season great is that he might not be the best player this season.

It's been a historic year.

A wild ride, and the playoffs haven't even started yet.

More displays of greatness are still in store, and everyone can't wait to see how it will all turn out in the postseason. So instead of debating on who should win the MVP, just sit back and witness it all play out.