2008-2009 NBA MVP selection
MATTESON
- The term "Most
Valuable Player" has taken such a different meaning in today's
sports. It seems more and more that there are so many factors that determine
the eventual winner including a player’s popularity over their skill set.
Look at the NBA all-star game ballets for example… Yao Ming is always at the
top of the list due to his popularity, as well as number of ballets cast in
his home country.
In my opinion, this isn't a very good way to
determine who wins this particular award because that means at least four
solid players every year can win the MVP award: Kobe, Lebron, Yao, and of
course, Shaq (Dwight Howard is increasing in popularity), due to their
popularity.
Then another fascinating situation with this
awards is the timing of it all… it’s during the post-season… so, if you had
an outstanding year, averaging very close to a triple-double and your squad
doesn’t make the playoffs, are you awarded this recognition? Absolutely not…
click here for the
facts.
So, if you are on a playoff team, your
chances of winning MVP increase tremendously. That isn't effective in
determining the award either, because every great player has a rival that is
on the same platform as them.
The MVP should be the player who meant the
most to their team by overall play and team morale for that particular year.
Say what you want, but Kobe Bryant was the clear MVP choice last season
despite a great year from CP3 (Chris Paul).
Many players are vital to their teams, but
one player usually elevates his play and his teams play beyond expectations
and have fun doing it.
The all-everything star players of those
teams are Brandon Roy, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard,
Joe Johnson, Dwayne Wade and Deron Williams in no particular order.
None of those teams smell the playoffs
without those guys, so using that criteria is pointless. Others think that
the MVP is overall the best player in the league.
Here are our top 10 MVP
candidates….
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Carmelo Anthony/Kenyon Martin/Nene Hilario/J.R Smith/Chauncey Billups (4),
Denver Nuggets
There starting five plays well together and each of them elevates the other.
10. Deron Williams,
Utah Jazz
Second most dangerous point in the league. He’s a triple threat on
the court… he can score, shoot and pass, not to mention, he'll pick your
pockets if you are not careful. If the Jazz dump Boozer and pick up someone
like Chris Bosh in 2010, the Jazz may be playing tunes in the Finals. His
ranking would have been higher if they stretched the Lakers more in the
first round
9. Derrick Rose/Ben
Gordon, Chicago Bulls
Both of these guards helped to lead their teams to the playoffs, and were
superb in the first round. Despite the number of turnovers, D-Rose has
exceeded all expectations in Chicago as was selected as Rookie of the Year.
On the other side of the ball, Gordon has never seen a basket he couldn’t
make… this was proven in one of the all-time classic playoff games ever… I
hope the Bulls can sign him and keep the team in tact and sign someone like
Chris Bosh in 2010.
8. Dwayne Wade,
Miami Heat / Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Tough one here... so we had to put two players together. Wade is
tough as nails… what else can be said… Just needs a little more help around
him, and NO we’re not adding Chris Bosh to their roster.
CP3 is the best point in the NBA, and
will be back in this position every season. This year, we believe the trade
of Chandler affected the team more mentally than they led on to during the
season but, don't worry Chris, your Maurice Podoloff trophy is on the way,
not to mention, you’ll be back next season.
7. Joe Johnson,
Atlanta Hawks
Johnson has been around the league for some time and now the Hawks are
soaring. In fact, they went under the radar most of the season and many
analysts bypass them in conversations of proven teams… but don’t look now,
but they stood toe-to-toe against the Heat and blew their fire out.
6. Yao Ming, Houston
Rockets
Here is the secret formula in Houston: no McGrady + Ron Artest multiplied by
the emergence of Landry divided by Wafer and Brooks and round up to Yao
equals playoffs. PERIOD!
5. Dirk Nowitzki,
Dallas Mavericks
Another great regular season for the German. We have come to expect it now.
4. Chauncey
Billups, Denver Nuggets
Billups arrived in Denver to a goofy roster proved to be the trade of
the season.
3. Dwight Howard,
Orlando Magic
To put it plain and simple, the best center in the game. Howard is
developing moves down low each and every game. if he develops a short range
jumper…. WHEW!!!
2. Kobe Bryant, Los
Angeles Lakers
Last year's MVP, Kobe keeps doing it and doing it and doing it well
out West. So, the Lakers will go as far as Kobe goes…
MVP-
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
What can we say about Bron Bron that
hasn’t been said… the young man from St. Vincent St. Mary's high school has
become the best overall player in the game. Did you see him on 60 minutes
earlier in the season (LINK).
James' passion, morale, hard work on both
sides of the court, respect commanded from his teammates and the entire NBA,
as well as his God-given athletic abilities makes him the 2008-09 MVP. Hands
down…. Kobe, get ready to pass the torch over to LeBron…
By the way, Kobe and James will face off for
the championship… WHEW!!! In the words of Terrell Owens, “you betta get your
popcorn ready…” Well, we just ordered ours!!!
Contrastingly, there's guys who hold their
teams hostage with not fulfilling expectations and/or creating issues for
the franchise.
That my friend is called the LVP
or "Least Valuable Player."
According to Amateur Sports, last year’s LVP was Stephon Marbury. He held
New York hostage not only on the court but also by the purse strings. In
fact, he was the leading candidate this season until he reached an agreement
with the Knicks and was picked up by the Celtics. Steph has actually tried
to fit in Boston and has become an option behind Rondo. But this year’s LVP
award goes to Allen Iverson… the trade between Denver and Detroit was so
lop-sided, the bad boys of Motown are possibly filing for Chapter 13
bankruptcy to restructure while the Nuggets received the necessary spark
that not only made them relevant but a strong contender in the West.
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