LeBron James Leads NBA MVP Race
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Posted by Mark Barnes Jan 21, 2007 |
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers -- In spite of a recent 3-game skid, the Cavaliers took over the top seed in the Eastern Conference, due to LeBron James playing his best basketball of the year. He recently had a triple-double against Denver (30-10-10), and he's averaging 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. With the Cavs winning, LeBron moves ahead of the pack in the NBA MVP race, for now.
- Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns -- We believe LeBron James deserves the MVP trophy, but if the season ended today, Steve Nash would probably win it for a third straight year. Why? Simple, the Suns almost never lose (29-2 in their last 31 games), and Nash's numbers are freaky. 20 points, 11.5 assists and he shoots 53% from the field. Fifty-three percent is good for a center; it's out of orbit for a point guard.
- Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks -- The Mavericks keep winning and Dirk Nowitzki is playing great, but he and his team are being overshadowed by Phoenix and Nash. Plus, Dirk is just super steady; he's not spectacular like James or Arenas, and this will hurt him in the end.
- Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards -- Gilbert Arenas puts up one 50-point night after another. Arenas is the only player in the NBA to score 1,000 points this year, faster than LeBron James. Arenas is certainly deserving of the NBA MVP award, but Washington may not be good enough to help Arenas get there.
- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers -- The Lakers keep hanging around, in spite of injury, and Kobe Bryant continues to lift his averages. He looks frighteningly similar to the Kobe of a few years ago -- the one who was Jordan-like unstoppable.
SECOND TIER
- Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
- Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
- Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
- Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
- Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
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