Although it has been less than a month since the NBA season has kicked off, giving the steroid infused schedule (and unprecedented back-to-back-to-backs), it might surprise you to learn that a quarter of the season has already passed. As such this is a great opportunity to take a look at the MVP race since a significant portion of the season is already in the can.
#6- Derrick Rose
While Chicago currently sits atop the Eastern Conference and Derrick Rose is the reigning MVP, he cannot be placed higher on this list for two reasons; he has been hurt and his supporting cast has played extremely well. Ordinarily when your best player misses a significant amount of time, a drop-off in terms on-court performance is expected. Luckily for the Bulls however, with some solid play from Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and a rotating group of guards, they have been able to keep their top spot. In sum, Rose has been terrific when he has been on the court, but more MVP consideration will only come when he is back on it.
#5- Tony Parker
Not only are the Spurs considered over-the-hill given their age and miles, but the loss of Manu Ginobilli should have been the nail in the coffin for the Tim Duncan era in San Antonio. Fortunately for the Spurs, Tony Parker has single handedly decided to keep the dream alive and stepped up in the Argentinian’s absence. Furthermore, it is not just in terms of scoring where Parker is doing his damage, but he has also helped out his teammates by posting the highest assist average of his career. If the Spurs are able to do what they normally do and finish near the top of the Western Conference, this year Parker it will be because of Parker.
#4- George Karl
I know, I know, how can a coach win the MVP award right? But I have placed him on this list largely because of what has been going on in Denver since Carmelo Anthony forced the team’s hand and made them deal him. Denver not only showed tremendous resolve last season, but they currently sit in second place in the Western conference, are doing so without a single “super-star.” How this is not the biggest story of the NBA season I have no idea, especially given the fact that when a team loses its franchise player, and when of Melo’s capability, they usually end of amongst the dregs of the league (ex. Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets etc.). I know in reality George Karl can never win the MVP, but turning a bunch of role-players into arguably the best team-basketball squad since the Larry Brown Pistons means deserves some merit. If the league does not mail him the coach of the year trophy by next week I will be shocked.
#3- Lebron James
I know most of the mainstream media wants Lebron to win the MVP every year, but I argue that since he decided to play in Dwayne Wade’s backyard and effectively become his subordinate I do not think he should ever be granted MVP consideration (no way Michael Jordan lets Scottie Pippen yell at him the way Wade did in last year’s Finals). The MVP trophy should have be given to the player who makes the biggest impact on a team during the regular season, which basically means that without this guy his team does not even have a shot of cracking the playoffs. Therefore the problem for Lebron despite his numbers is that even without him the Heat can still win 60 percent of their games with Wade and Bosh. So while Lebron seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder and posting close to a triple double for the season, the MVP goes to the league’s best player, not the team’s second option. If Lebron ever wants league wide redemption let alone a shot at another MVP, he needs to pack his bags, get back to Cleveland and finish what he started.
#2- Kobe Bryant
I know the Lakers do not have a great record and they have been in a bit of a funk lately, but have you watched Kobe Bryant play this season? He is playing like a man possessed. Not only is he killing it on the offensive end, but he is playing with a defensive intensity I have not seen in years. Furthermore, he is doing this a wrist injury that would derail a season for most people, and in a David Stern induced toxic environment after Stern railroaded the Lakers by vetoing the Chris Paul deal (which also resulted in the Lakers losing sixth man phenom Lamar Odom). Kobe is leaving it all on the floor in pursuit of a sixth championship, and as long as his body does not collapse he continues to put his team in the best position to do so.
#1- Kevin Durant
Durant is killing it, plain and simple. Not only is he doing his usual damage in every measurable statistical category, but his selfishness and commitment to his team both on and off the court is the main reason he has his team in the top spot in the Western Conference. When Kevin Durant decided to quietly sign a long-term extension to his team, it said something about him and it said something to his teammates. It said that the best player on the planet was pledging loyalty to the team that made him a star and it said he was out for more than just himself. In an era of me-first basketball divas, here is a guy that decided to set the standard for leadership and loyalty prove why his teammates could rely on him through his actions and not simply his words. In if you question that this type of behavior works and makes a team better, all you would have to do is look at the standings. But if you really want to see what an MVP is all about look at how, in a small market, the Thunder are relevant, they play solid team basketball and how Durant’s teammates line-up to go the distance with Durant. Rusell Westbrook’s extension was no accident, leadership works and if nothing else it is the reason the NBA’s most underrated player might win the MVP.
