NBA Newsflash: MVP Finish
This week I take a look at the MVP race as it’s coming down to the final stretch.
A few definitions of Most Valuable Player are out there for the fans of players to debate about, but there really should only be one: the player who is most valuable to his team. There are no shortage of teams in contention for the playoffs this season, even this late in the season and because of this there is also no shortage of MVP candidates. Ask 90% of general managers around the league and they would be sure to fire off a name from their team in regards to the MVP race. In the end however, you have to take a look at the race from a 30-team perspective and really consider what each player means to their own club. But while players such as Kevin Garnett, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming and Dwight Howard are sure to take home some of the votes, this is no doubt a three player race. I present to you Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Chris Paul.
Kobe Bryant
28.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 6.1 RPG
As hard as it is to believe, Mr. Bryant has never won a regular season MVP award. He’s been the definition of stardom and consistency. He’s played in other players’ shadows (big ones too, and I mean big …like huge) and has been controversial at the best of times and, without a doubt, at the worst of times. He’s a man who can take no bad shot, as with every shot attempted there is hope attached that it will fall. However, this season, even though he has once again put up the points, he has taken his team game to another level. It sure helps that he has surrounding pieces such as Lamar Odom and up-and-coming star Andrew Bynum, but these are two players that without Kobe Bryant aren’t even close to playing at the high level they are. If I sound like a big time Kobe Bryant fan, I am not. I was never a fan of his – not even sure I am now, I have realized though that his talent level is one in a million and that he deserves respect. Because of him the Lakers are currently second in the West with an amazing .700 winning percentage.
LeBron James
30.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 8.1 RPG
You know you’re an MVP candidate when you suggest that the team make a move at the trade deadline and the general manager not only listens, but does that exact thing. Now, it can be argued all day and all night whether or not the trade helped Cleveland or not, but there’s no doubting that without No. 23 in the lineup, there would be no home court advantage – or maybe even playoff basketball for the Cavaliers. Just take a look back at his performance last year in the playoffs and more precisely, in the conference finals against Detroit where he absolutely owned them down the stretch. He is the youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points, a record formerly held by Bryant. With the ball in his hands at crunch time, there is always a chance for his team to win the game, a trait every MVP has.
Chris Paul
20.9 PPG, 10.8 APG, 4.1 RPG
If you are not a big NBA follower and took a look at the Hornets roster, you would have a hard time understanding how it is this team is third in the West, but you need not look any further than Paul. Much of the arguments made for the aforementioned players can also be made for Chris Paul. He has the ability to break down games not only with his offense, but his defense. His quick hands and agility make him a huge fast break threat and add more pressure to the offensive player he is guarding, thus making the player more prone to turnovers. However, he doesn’t yet get the media exposure that someone of his skill level and potential should get; it’s probably because he doesn’t have a $90 million contract with Nike or one of the best looking wives in pro-sport. He just goes out night after night with lunch pail in hand and does what needs to be done for his team to succeed.
In the end, an MVP does what all the legends do best, take the game over with little or no time left to play. An MVP takes their game to another level when their team needs them most. They do whatever is asked of them from tip-off until the final buzzer. An MVP gives their team the swagger that all championship teams seize, probably one of the most valuable assets to have on and off the court. They keep their team going and show leadership in the process, traits all three of these players, albeit at different points in their careers, possess. However, in the end there can only be one MVP and his name is Kobe Bryant.
Email: gagan@hoopsaddict.com
Comments
By ShawnDon on March 6th, 2008 at 1:45 am
” However, in the end there can only be one MVP and his name is Kobe Bryant.”
I totally agree with you Mr. Gagan, but you and I know that they will give it to LeBron James. He is a good player, not to take anything away from him, but he is well loved by the NBA. Kobe deserved it a few years back when they gave it to Nash. The year he embarrassed TORONTO and Dallas. Kobe is just a great player.
By Shaun on March 8th, 2008 at 1:21 am
There’s no I in TEAM, but there’s an M and a E for ME
By Z on March 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
This year it has to be Kobe. How could it be Lebron James when his team is currently 4th in east with 6 games over .500. Now Kobes team is 1st in a very difficult western conference, so winning does matter, look at previous winners, dirk-1st in west, Nash-1st in west, so if it goes to Lebron than thats just pathetic. Kobe was scoring champion for 2 seasons or so and this season Lebron scores 30.1 ppg and hes getting so much attention. Kobe had 33 ppg and he wasnt even close to winning the MVP. And to shauns point, there is no I in team but there is and I in win and Kobe is a winner.
By EQ on March 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
The CLE lost 6 straight after Lebron was sidelined. They led LAL by 1 game before that point. If you assume CLE stayed on pace and never lose LBJ, they currently would have 6 plus wins placing them 2 games behind LAL. LAL who also has played more games then CLE to date (2 MORE).
As for the whole its easier in the east stuff… Only come playoff time. Regular season records are not a reflection of playing vs teams only in your conference. PLAYOFFS do that. When will sports fans realize that? CLE has not played an easier schedule compared to LAL. BOS, DET, LAL*, SAS all have losing records vs CLE when LBJ played. *LAL lost even though they had Kobe and a better supporting cast.
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