Chris Paul of the Hornets continues to lead the way in my weekly “NBA MVP Roll Call” but the Lakers’ Pau Gasol is sure gaining fast. Although I continue to deny Gasol the top spot due to having that guy named Kobe Bryant by his side I’m not sure I’ll be able to use that excuse for much longer after his masterpiece against Golden State.
To see how each star players’ respective team is performing check out the “NBA Power Rankings” HERE.
This week’s edition is brought to you by former Clippers great Ken “Snake” Norman.
Enjoy!
- Chris Paul, Hornets (1)
I know the Hornets lost to the Clippers last night but isn’t every player entitled to a bad outing here and there? Not if you want to top these rankings, Mr. Paul! The Hornets point guard is averaging sixteen points, ten assists, and three steals per outing and before the Clippers’ meltdown had led New Orleans to three consecutive wins, including a victory over the potent Mavs. You better hustle Chris because the man below you is gaining fast.
- Pau Gasol, Lakers (4)
I know that Kobe Bryant also plays for L.A. but another week of going bananas and Gasol will take over at the top. Gasol is averaging 22.8 points, 12.1 boards, 4.1 assists, and shooting .564 from the floor this season for the Lakers, including an amazing 28 point performance on perfect shooting (10-10 Fgs, 8-8 Fts) the other night against the Warriors. Pau has converted twenty-six consecutive freebies and at this juncture is pretty unstoppable.
- Dwight Howard, Magic (2)
Howard loses his number two spot despite posting his usual excellent numbers due to Gasol’s amazing play. Although the Magic were defeated by San Antonio last night Howard posted 28 points and 18 boards on 11-16 shooting – he continues to impress with his enhanced offensive game. Dwight is averaging a career-high 23.4 points for the division-leading Magic.
- Derrick Rose, Bulls (10)
I can’t deny Rose any longer – he’s better than I truly realized and is keeping the Bulls in contention as Boozer recovers from injury. Rose is putting up 25.2 points and 8.5 assists per night and is shooting 7-12 from downtown in his last three contests, including a pair of 33-point performances.
- Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (N/A)
Welcome back, Dirk! Nowitzki has been on fire recently and helped the Mavs deliver the Hornets their first loss. Dirk is filling it up as efficiently as ever, posting 24.4 points on .528 shooting while adding eight boards as Dallas tries to compete in the NBA’s toughest division.
- Steve Nash, Suns (5)
Say what you will about the Suns’ recent woes but don’t forget that with Nash these guys are playoff material and without him they are lottery-bound. Before their win last night against Houston with Nash present the Suns were destroyed by the Magic and Bobcats, further illustrating his importance. Steve is posting a career-high 19.7 points and adding 8.9 dimes so far.
- LeBron James, Heat (6)
Last night’s loss to the Pacers demonstrated how James might be the only piece of this squad that is performing near his ability level right now. James is posting a team best 23.5 points and career-high 8.9 assists this season and is the main reason this Heat team has a winning record despite Dwayne Wade’s inconsistent start and Chris Bosh’s defensive liabilities.
- Russell Westbrook, Thunder (N/A)
Here’s another guy, despite the presence of a dynamic scorer on his team, who I can no longer deny. Westbrook led the Thunder to consecutive wins without Durant present (including a win vs. Boston) and Oklahoma City has run off five straight wins. Westbrook is averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 assists this season.
- Kobe Bryant, Lakers (9)
Pau Gasol may be setting the league on fire but I can’t discount how Kobe is the main cog in the Lakers’ well-oiled wrecking machine. Bryant is averaging team highs in points (25.6) and assists (4.8) and seems rather content to let Gasol join him in the spotlight. It seems difficult to believe but Kobe might be playing some of the most disciplined, unselfish basketball of his career and his leadership ability cannot be discounted.
10A. Manu Ginobili, Spurs (7)
Manu has been fantastic for the Spurs this season, leading the team in scoring (20.4) and steals (1.8) while starting regularly for the first time in his career. Last night’s 25 point, six rebound, nine assist performance in San Antonio’s victory over the Magic ensured Ginobili would grace this list with his presence for another week. Many casual fans might wonder why I would place him here but those who watch the Spurs regularly know why he is worthy.
10B. Kevin Durant, Thunder (N/A)
I knew it wouldn’t be long before you joined in on the fun! The reigning scoring champ has been shooting somewhat better recently and is leading the NBA with 28 points per night for the surging Thunder. If Durant starts regaining the outside shooting touch he displayed last season, and I’m sure he will, the Thunder will become an incredibly scary opponent.
OH SO CLOSE!: Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams
Until next week….