NBA MVP Race: There for the Taking
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Dwight Howard is a machine, I can't believe he's still just 24 years old. But he could be next year's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Orlando got 59 wins last season, which is what the award is really about: being the star player on a team that wins lots of games. That's why someone like Rudy Gay just doesn't live up to it, yet. LeBron James won it last year by a clear mile - doubling the score of Kobe Bryant, the runner-up. But they say that now James will be in Miami, and won't score as much or be the star of the team anymore; he shares that with Dwyane Wade and, to an extent, Chris Bosh. The winner of the award next season will have to be on a winning team. Without Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams could take over. But with Carlos Boozer, young point-guard and rookie of the year Derrick Rose might make a stand for the award. LeBron James could also fight back, alongside Dwyane Wade, and both be contenders. Or maybe this is Carmelo Anthony's season to truly shine And you can't talk MVP without mentioning top scorer Kevin Durant - is this his season now, with a more experienced but young Thunder team? Maybe. So is the MVP Award really up for grabs? There is a host of worthy contenders, cast your vote in the poll below!
Who Will Be Next Year's MVP?
See results without votingThe Contenders
Let's hit the list of plausible contenders. These are guys who will win games and are also hungry for the award:
- Kobe Bryant Still playing at a very high level and showing no signs of letting up. This man is a dragon. Defending back-to-back Finals MVP awards, Kobe is a fierce contender, again.
- Kevin Durant A pure scorer and what the crowd loves to see. He led his team to a heart-breaking loss against the Lakers in the Thunder's first playoff appearance.
- Dwight Howard He will get to be MVP someday, I'm sure. But with the Magic still in the same shape as last year (which isn't bad), he's going to have to step it up.
- LeBron James He recently disclosed in an interview that he doesn't see why he or Dwyane Wade should score any less points, just be more efficient . . .
- Deron Williams If the Jazz manage to win as many games without Carlos Boozer, Williams, once the face of the USA team, could be in good stead for winning the MVP race.
- Amar'e Stoudemire A new home for this strong power-forward seemingly in his prime. Will it work out for him on a team without Steve Nash, the man who loves to dish out incredible assists? Let's hope so.
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I'm gonna go with Lebron. Hopefully voters can get past Lebron's Decision and the fact that he plays with Wade. But he really doesn't have too much more help than other players. Kobe has Odom, Gasol, and Bynum! Durant has Westbrook along with a bunch of other great young talent! Other than Lebron, the only argument I could make would be for Howard. But he won't win because he has worse stats than his last couple seasons. But, here's what I think...
Mike Lickteig Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago
This is only my opinion, but Dwight Howard is limited offensively and until he adds to his post moves, I don't believe he will be seriously considered as an MVP candidate. Sure, he's only 24 but if he hasn't developed an offensive game yet, when will he? Despite his accolades, this is an example of a player who should have gone to college to work on his skills. He is one of the most amazing athletes in the game today, but his reliance on his athletic ability limits him.
I believe Kevin Durant will receive MVP consideration, but he might still be considered too young. The situation in Miami is intriguing: if the Heat win, will Wade or James get the credit? Will they co-exist well if one receives awards and honors and the other does not? Anthony doesn't have enough help--he admitted to wearing down last season. Kobe Bryant might be back in the running with James having to share the ball.
It will be an interesting race and perhaps one of the closer MVP races, but I don't think Howard can seriously be considered an MVP candidate.
Mike