Steve Nash Is NBA MVP Favorite

Posted by Mark Barnes Dec 17, 2006

In an NBA season where teams are jockeying for space more than the guys who ride the horses, the top NBA players are also battling for position each week for the honor of NBA MVP, and Steve Nash refuses to be pushed aside. Here is Suite101's updated NBA MVP Watch.

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns -- Two-time defending NBA MVP Steve Nash has led the Suns to 14 straight victories, and he's putting up better numbers than he did in either of his MVP seasons.
2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers -- Kobe Bryant is having arguably his best season ever, which is saying a lot for a guy who many believe to be the best player in the NBA. He already has two 50-point games, and he has the Lakers in first place.
3. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets -- In the last two weeks, Yao Ming has exploded. He's now getting 26.5 points, 10 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Yao's Rockets are a contender in the NBA's Western Conference, and Yao is an easy choice for our NBA MVP Watch list.
4. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets -- Night after night, Carmelo Anthony seems to be putting up 35 points, 8 rebounds and 5 or 6 assists. Plus, his Denver Nuggets look like a playoff team.
5. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz -- Carlos Boozer averages 22 points and 12 rebounds for one of the best NBA teams, making him a solid NBA MVP candidate.

SECOND TIER

• LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
• Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
• Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
• Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards