Stephen Curry is the back-to-back NBA MVP. He’s the 11th player in league history to win the award in consecutive years, the third point guard to win the award multiple times joining Magic Johnson (3) and Steve Nash (2), but he’s the only player in league history to win the award by a unanimous vote. There’s no doubt that Curry deserves the award, but LeBron James, who finished third behind Curry and San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, said the honor can be interpreted in different ways.
“I think sometimes the word ‘valuable’ or best player of the year you can have different results,” said James, a four-time MVP. “You know, that’s not taking anything from anyone that’s ever won the award.”
“Look at Steph’s numbers,” he said. “He averaged 30, he led the league in steals, he was 90-50-40 [shooting percentages from the free throw line, field and beyond the 3-point line], and they won 73 [games]. So, I don’t — do you have any debate over that, really, when it comes to that award? But when you talk about most ‘valuable,’ then you can have a different conversation. So take nothing away from him. He’s definitely deserving of that award, for sure.”
These comments are surely going to ruffle some feathers.
