Background: Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash was named the NBA’s 2005 most valuable player after totaling 1,066 points to edge Miami center Shaquille O’Neal (1,032 points).
What’s up: Only Nash and O’Neal got more than two first-place votes last year, but the same isn’t expected this season. The top MVP candidates are Nash, Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Miami guard Dwyane Wade and San Antonio guard Tony Parker.
When asked his definition of MVP, Nuggets coach George Karl said: “The guy that leads the most difficult team to success. The player that makes his team impossible to beat. The most outstanding, best team players. I don’t know. The most talented player is LeBron. Probably the most statistically skilled is Nowitzki. I don’t think there is a guy who shined above anyone all year long. Nowitzki had his run. Nash had a run. Billups is most consistent.”
What’s next: Nash, Billups and Nowitzki are the front-runners. Billups got the better of Nash during Detroit’s 109-102 victory April 2. Billups scored a game-high 35 points and had five assists, while Nash had 13 points and nine assists. Billups is the leader and clutch shooter of the NBA’s best team.
Brand, James and Wade have carried their teams, too.
Spears’ take: This is the most confused I’ve been about MVP voting. Billups, Nash and Nowitzki are the leaders, and the race is still to be decided.
