Another Stephen A. Smith hot take is fresh off the stove, this time regarding his pick for the 2018-19 NBA MVP. The debate among those around the league tends to be fixated on Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Houston Rockets guard James Harden. Smith thinks James Harden is the MVP, stating that his offensive production has not been seen since we were all watching Michael Jordan dominate the league. 


It may not be the popular choice, but he does have a point. James Harden averaged 36.1 points per game along with 7.5 assists and carried the Houston Rockets while Chris Paul and Clint Capela were sidelined with injuries. 


Harden was the latest player to average more than 35 points in a season, something which hasn't been done since Michael Jordan in 1987. In terms of being the most valuable, James Harden is the only reason why the Rockets made the postseason as the fourth seed.


Although Giannis may be the people's MVP, Harden's unbelievable production this season has definitely made it one of the closest races in years, and has given him the support of the always entertaining Stephen A Smith.