NBA: My MVP Ballot

Now I don’t have an actual ballot for the NBA MVP but I figured I’d post one anyway.  So here it goes.

LeBron James (SF, Cleveland) – It really is not even that much of a debate right now in terms of who means the most to the success of his team right now.  LeBron makes the Cavs a legit championship contender, heck, he is probably the reason they are even a playoff team.  James finished the year second in scoring, 6th in assists and 9th in steals.  Of the top 8 scorers in the league James is the only one to shoot above .500 for the year.  The only real knocks on James’ game is he is just an adequate three point and free throw shooter.  The only argument one can really make for Kobe being the better player right now is he has won a title and LeBron has not.

Dwight Howard (C, Orlando) – Howard is going to be his generation’s Tim Duncan in that he will be judged more on how much his team wins an not necessarily on his overall numbers.  He understands his role is to be the defensive stopper and rebound and block shots.  Howard really seemed to step up his game on the offensive end showcasing some new post moves.  Led the league in rebounds, blocked shots, and field goal percentage.  Howard is the best defensive player in the game and the thing that is so special about him is he can dominate a game without having to score 30 points.

Kevin Durant (SF, Oklahoma City) – Became the youngest player to lead the league in scoring while leading the Thunder to their first playoff appearance since relocating from Seattle.  He loses some points simply because I am not sure how much he actually elevates his team around him.  Howard and James probably make more out of lesser talent around them.

Kobe Bryant (SG, Los Angeles Lakers) -Kobe had a strong season but not quite as MVP-worthy as the aforementioned players.  His days as a truly elite player may be coming to an end and, at times, he looked like a guy whose body was starting to give up on him just a bit.  He also loses a few points in my book because he has the most talent around him whereas guys like LeBron and Howard do not have as much to work with at their disposal.

Carmelo Anthony (SF, Denver) – Arguably Anthony’s best season as a pro.  While it may not have been his best season statistically it is the other areas of his game that makes it one of his best.  He has become more of a leader in Denver and has finally started defending.  It used to be that Anthony only went through the motions on defense but now he actually steps up to provide key stops.  Anthony’s maturation on the court is a huge reason the Nuggets are the second seed in the West.

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