Houston Rockets: Best candidates for NBA awards

5 of 5

SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets poses for a photo after winning the Most Valuable Player Award with teammate Chris Paul at the NBA Awards Show on June 25, 2018 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Most Valuable Player: James Harden

To no one’s surprise, the reigning MVP has the best chance of winning the Most Valuable Player Award again next season.

James Harden was spectacular last year after averaging 30.4 points, 8.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He and the Rockets were downright unstoppable throughout parts of the season.

Harden already has six All-Star games, a Sixth Man of the Year Award, five All-NBA selections and a MVP to his name, and he just turned 29 years old. Harden is in the middle of his prime and at the peak of his powers, and he could very well repeat as the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Next. The 15 greatest centers of all-time

James Harden always adds something or improves on a certain aspect of his game in the offseason. It’s hard to imagine how he could get any better, but I can’t wait to see how he looks in October.