Brooklyn Nets star James Harden doesnt just think he belongs in the MVP race.

I am the MVP, Harden declared.

The way hes playing for the Nets, its pretty hard to argue.

Harden, who was named MVP in 2017-18, posted 44 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in 42 minutes on Friday night, and Brooklyn fended off the Detroit Pistons in a 113-111 victory.

Charles Barkley recent declared that the 32-year-old point guard might be the best basketball player in the world. Since being traded to the Nets on Jan. 14, Harden is averaging 26 points, 11.4 assists and 8.9 rebounds in 38.6 minutes (31 games).

Most nights, hes had to carry the team without Kevin Durant (hamstring) and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyns Big Three has started just six games together. Hardens all-world talent has obviously stood out. As has his durability, vocal leadership and high-basketball IQ.

I love to hoop, Harden said recently.

Harden came to Brooklyn with a lot of question marks. Could his game and personality fit in? Clearly motivated by his critics, hes emphatically answered all of them.

Nikola Jokic is also firmly in the MVP conversation, as is Giannis Antetokounmpo. LeBron James and Joel Embiid were both making strong cases before getting injured. And Damian Lillard should likewise be in the mix.

Working against Harden no player traded during a season has ever won MVP. Plus, he was dealt to a Super Team. Theres also the case of how things ended in Houston regardless of whether you feel No. 13 was justified in giving less than 100 percent at the end of his tenure.

Granted, all of those points can be argued. Harden has brought accountability to the locker room. After all, it was on this same court in Detroit that he called out DeAndre Jordan. The Nets were 14-12 then. They are 31-15 now.

Harden has sacrificed. Hes played hurt. Often, in the absences of his co-stars, hes played with a subpar supporting cast. But Harden doesnt make excuses. Mostly, he just wins.

On Friday night, James Harden declared himself the MVP. Thats not just talk. He definitely deserves to have his name in the conversation. And if he keeps this up, the award just might be his once again.