NBA MVP Thoughts

The race for the MVP this year may be as insane as the race in the West. The general consensus is that Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Lebron James are the big four in the race.

From My Perspective I think that what is likely (Not what I believe it should be) is that the order goes like this:

1. Kobe Bryant: Lakers 45-19 (Currently 1st in West)
2. Lebron James: Cavaliers: 37-27 (Currently 4th East)
3. Kevin Garnett: Celtics: 50-12 (1st in the East, Best Record in NBA)
4. Chris Paul: Hornets: 42-20 (5th in West)

The problems:
With Kobe is that, well he is Kobe. Yeah he shoots too much, he is controversial, he isn’t the poster child of superstars anymore, but he plays for the Lakers and look where he has taken his team. Holding Garnett back? He is part of a three headed monster, and I don’t think there can be enough credit given to him singularly to deemed the most valuable player. Chris Paul? He plays in New Orleans, he is somewhat emerging as the premier point guard in the league, and his name is not attached to enough prestige to give him the credit he deserves. I think he should be in the top two of consideration considering his 21.3 points, 11 assists, and 2.7 steals a game.

Now for my homer critique of Lebron. I think without a doubt that he is the best player in the NBA. I think he has done more with less than anyone in this league. The fact that he led the Cavaliers to the Finals is enough to show that he is the Most Valuable Player in the game. The problem with his run at the honor is the fact that he plays in Cleveland, where he has had no big name help. Add to that the fact that the media is waiting for him to be the best player ever but not recognizing his team as great. With the new additions there still isn’t a lot of credit going to the organization for making moves to help the future.

Some Interesting Facts:
1. Lebron chalked up his 17th Triple Double Two nights ago against Portland. He has now tied Scottie Pippen and Bill Russell on this list of Career Triple Doubles (21st). It took Pippen 1178 games, Russell 963, but Lebron only needed 374.

2. Since Lebron entered the League he has led the Cavs in points, rebounds, and assists 46 times. Since that time the only player to lead all three categories for their team more often is Kevin Garnett with 63.

I’m not saying this is Lebron’s year. I think that last year he had a more legitimate argument for contention. The bottom line: Be considered the most dominant team in the East by the Media to claim it ,or win a Championship and get one the next year.

4Real Out...
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Lebron's Resume Keeps Growing

In last night’s All-Star Game Lebron posted close to a triple double with 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. This was while leading the East to Victory ,and claiming his second MVP in four All Star appearances. By taking home the honor for the second time he joins 11 other players in NBA history that have won multiple All Star MVPS. Why don’t we take a look into the crystal ball and see what this accomplishment means for his career:


Bob Cousy: Boston Celtics
All Star MVP: 1954 and 1957
Rookie of the Year: 1950
All Star Appearances: 12
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1971

Bob Pettit: St. Louis Hawks
All Star MVP: 1956, 58, 59, 62
Rookie of the Year: 1955
NBA MVP: 2
All Stars: 11
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1971

Oscar Robertson: Cincinnati Royals
All Star MVP: 1961, 64, 69
Rooke of the Year: 1961
NBA MVP: 1
All Star Appearances: 12
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1980

Julius Erving: Philadelphia 76ers
All Star MVP: 1973, 83
All Star Appearances: 11
NBA MVP: 1
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1993

Isiah Thomas:
All Star MVP: 1984, 86
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2000

Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls
All Star MVP: 1988,96,98
All Star Appearances: 14
Rookie of the Year: 1985
NBA MVP: 5

Magic Johnson: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 1990, 92
All Star Appearances: 12
NBA MVP: 3

Karl Malone: Utah Jazz
All Star MVP: 1989,93
All Star Appearances: 13
NBA MVP: 2

SHAQ: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 2000, 04
Rookie of the Year: 1993
All Star Appearances: 14
NBA MVP: 1

Allen Iverson: Philadelphia 76ers
All Star MVP: 2001,05
Rookie of the Year: 1997
All Star Appearances: 8
NBA MVP: 1

Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 2002,07
All Star Appearances: 10

Lebron James: Cleveland Cavaliers
All Star MVP: 2006,08
Rookie of the Year: 2004
All Star Appearances: 4


I think it’s safe to say that this is a pretty elite club, and with only 5 years under his belt Lebron is well on his way to living up to the hype.

Add this to the list of his other accomplishments.

Now if Cleveland could only give him a little support, maybe he could start catching up in the Championship department. I don’t know how many more statements he has to make to the organization, but if they don’t do something they are going to lose a kid who has the potential to be one of the best of all time.

4Real Out…
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