AUBURN HILLS, Mich.
— This spring, the NBA media will determine the MVP winner by a vote, though rock-paper-scissors would suffice (Always do paper! They never expect paper!).
There are five candidates for MVP and, honestly, they could name any of the five as MVP and you’d go: “That sounds about right.”
The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant is arguably the best player on the planet, and his team entered Wednesday tied with Houston in the mighty West, though some would argue that Cleveland’s LeBron James is the best player on the planet — the NBA’s scoring leader is averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists.
Houston’s Tracy McGrady has been the glue during the historic 20-plus win streak, which rocketed (hilarious pun, Hochman) his team from the lottery to the title hunt.
New Orleans’ Chris Paul, who averages 21.3 points per game, is second in assists (11.3 to Steve Nash’s 11.4) and first in steals with 2.70. No player has ever finished a season averaging 20 points, 10 assists and three steals.
Finally, Kevin Garnett is the soul of the Celtics, the team with the NBA’s best record, and he might come in fifth. Or first. Who knows?
The 2008 MVP race reminds me of the 1976 Oscars. Check it out: “Rocky,” “Taxi Driver,” “Network,” “Bound For Glory” and “All The President’s Men.” Four classics (possibly five, though I admit that I never saw “Bound For Glory.”).
If the voting was held today, I’d likely go with Paul.
As Nuggets coach George Karl said, when determining MVP, one should ask: “Who is the guy who makes his team the best?”
Paul is a brilliant point guard because his decision-making and motivation make his teammates better. Ask David West (an all-star this year) or Tyson Chandler (who averages a double-double). Those guys were basically busts before Paul entered their lives.
Now it’s easy to say: Where would (fill in the blank team) be without (fill in the blank MVP candidate)? The truth is, none of these teams would be very good.
So, take it one step further: How does the MVP candidate enhance the team concept? You could make the argument that no player orchestrates his team better than Paul does. And his team, which many thought would miss the playoffs, is among the top teams in the West.
Then again, Kobe is really good.
1-2-3 — paper!
