MVP Race

10. Allen Iverson

According to the stats, this is actually Iverson’s best campaign to date. His 33 PPG would be more recognized if not for Kobe. He is even shooting nearly 45 percent. The 7.4 dimes with 2 steals per is pretty impressive. The Sixers should be better, however, and that perception of underachievement hurts A.I. How they didn’t even make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference is quite perplexing.

9. Chris Paul

The Hornets fell short of a playoff berth, but it’s amazing just how long they were even in the picture. After all, the team won 18 games last year. That’s right, 18. Paul is the reason for the turnaround. He nearly led the league in steals and averaged almost 5 boards and 8 assists a night. He plays through injuries and doesn’t even really turn the ball over all that much. Yes, the Hawks blew it.

8. Jason Kidd

Kidd is the reason no one wants to face the Nets come playoff time. Last month, he shut down Nash and Billups on back-to-back nights. Having Carter and Jefferson make this a tough sell, but Kidd is more the reason for their success than vice-versa. He had eight triple-doubles this year. He is more valuable than people realize.

7. Chauncey Billups

The best player on the best team does not equal MVP. In fact, rating him this high may be erroneous. He makes big shots, plays tough defense and has the Pistons primed for another championship. Still, when the game is on the line, Rip is the one with the ball in his hands. The guy played with three other All-Stars as teammates.

6. Dwyane Wade

He just keeps getting better. The near 50 percent shooting cannot be understated. A great decision-maker, Wade will battle James as the NBA’s best player for years to come. According to 82games.com, the Heat outscores its opponents by 8.2 points every 48 minutes Wade is on the floor. Without him, the Heat is outscored by 8.6 points. For now though, Shaq is still a big reason for the Heat’s success.

5. Dirk Nowitzki

Although no other true star, Dirk is surrounded by so much talent that it hurts his cause here. The Mavs are legit title contenders and it’s because of him. He is now even consistently hitting game winners and no longer letting smaller defenders bother him. A seven footer who won the three-point contest, Dirk is officially among the elite.

4. Elton Brand

The best Clipper ever; Brand showed up determined this year and in great shape. The fact that he led the Clips into the postseason in itself makes him deserving of the award. Still, Cassell is also instrumental in the turnaround. To think, this was the guy the Bulls dealt for Tyson Chandler.

3. Steve Nash

The guy has been on the NBA’s highest scoring team for five straight seasons now! They lost Stoudemire and seemingly every teammate is having a career-year because of Nash. After winning the award last year, he has actually increased his scoring by 3.4 points this time around. He shoots well and is the best passer in the Association. While the Suns record is very impressive, the guy simply cannot defend. A tremendous year, but not better than…

2. LeBron James

The numbers are pretty staggering for the 21-year-old, and he figures to only get better. Finally the personal numbers translated to team success. It’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve to win this award, but…

1. Kobe Bryant

He’s the best player in the NBA, period. His 35.4 PPG were the most since Jordan’s 1988 season. He scored at least 40 points 27 times and is the most competitive player out there. Although not known for making teammates better, take away Kobe and the Lakers are a dreadful 15-20-win type team. The fact he scored 62 points in three quarters in one game and 81 points in another matters; his season will plain and simply be more memorable than anyone else’s. With the game on the line and one possession left, you’d have to be Tom Cruise-crazy to not pick Kobe as the guy to take the shot. He’s basketball’s Most Valuable Player.