Rockets' James Harden wins MVP in voting by peers

NBA players believe James Harden is this season's most valuable player, as the NBPA announced the Houston Rockets guard won its MVP award according to the players' votes.

Harden averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds while helping lead the Rockets to an NBA-best 65-17 mark this season. The Rockets fell in the Western Conference finals in seven games to the Golden State Warriors.

Harden was also voted Most Valuable Player by his peers during the NBPA's inaugural awards in 2015. Last year, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook took home the players' MVP award as well as the league's MVP honors.

LeBron James was also named the NBPA's first-ever "NBPA People's Champ" Award for best utilizing his platform to make a positive impact in society.

The NBA will announce the winners of this season's awards at its awards ceremony on June 25.