Welcome to my first edition of “NBA MVP Roll Call” here at “The Sports Jury”, where I’ll dissect ten players who I believe are worthy of being in MVP consideration based on performance, statistics, and team success. Between Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Manu Ginobili, and Monta Ellis we finally have a few fresh candidates for the NBA’s top regular season individual honor rather than simply choosing between Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Kevin Durant, who continue to have stellar campaigns themselves.
I will update the rankings each Tuesday evening after our weekly “NBA Power Rankings” have been posted. I know some of my selections look unorthodox but read on to find out why.
This week’s “NBA MVP Roll Call” is brought to you by former Celtics great Jimmy Oliver. Thanks for the memories!
Enjoy!
- Chris Paul – Hornets (1)
Having Chris Paul healthy and motivated with a coach sporting a fresh, aggressive philosophy on defense has propelled the Hornets into a first-place tie with San Antonio in what is going to be a dogfight for control in the Northwest Division. Paul is averaging team bests in scoring (17.9), assists (10.1), and steals (2.8) while orchestrating an offense ranked 3rd in efficiency despite a slow pace (26th). His ability to create open shots for teammates is matched only by Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, and Deron Williams.
- Dwight Howard – Magic (2)
Without Howard’s dominance in the paint these Magic would be below .500 – I guarantee it. His ability to alter shots from every angle allows this team to maintain aggressiveness without compromising the integrity of the defense. Howard’s offensive game is also blossoming, as he’s added a rather effective short-range jumper to his dominating inside game. He’s averaging 21.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks and if Orlando’s shooters heat up this team will become more dangerous than ever.
- Rajon Rondo – Celtics (3)
On a team stacked with future Hall of Famers Rondo has proven to be a cut above. His ability to cave-in the defense with his quickness and dish to open teammates through narrow windows is absolutely uncanny. Rondo is averaging an unbelievable 15.1 assists and 2.7 steals and is the magician behind the Celtics’ magnificence. If he develops a jumpshot and nails his freebies, look out.
- Pau Gasol – Lakers (4)
Kobe Bryant is still the alpha-dog on this Lakers juggernaut but, after being prodded in the off-season by Phil Jackson to become more aggressive as Bryant recovered from surgery, has taken his game to the next level. Gasol enters this week averaging 23.2 points and 12.4 boards and is the absolutely perfect big man for Jackson’s triangle offense. With Kobe’s minutes likely to be limited somewhat in the coming months Gasol’s ability to create shots for himself and facilitate cannot be unappreciated any longer.
- Steve Nash – Suns (5)
Where would this team be without the age-defying Nash around? The former MVP is averaging a career-best 19.5 points, dishing 9.6 dimes, while continuing the efficient shooting that has been a hallmark of his career. No Amare? No problem – Hakeem Warrick is averaging a career-high 13.7 points on .634 shooting as his pick-and-roll partner these days. After the Suns dismantled Los Angeles the other night Nash secured his top five ranking on this list.
- LeBron James – Heat (6)
Say what you will about “The Decision” and calling out his coach the other night – LeBron is getting it done on the court as Miami works to fix several glaring issues. While James’ scoring has taken the expected hit (22.3 PPG) he has been a nightly triple-double threat and, despite turning the ball over at a much-too-high rate to start the season, has been the main facilitator in the half-court for Miami. The two-time MVP is also posting 8.9 assists and 5.6 boards per outing.
- Manu Ginobili – Spurs (7)
A healthy Ginobili strikes terror into opposing teams and Coach Popovich is starting Manu this season with excellent results – a career-high 21.3 points on efficient percentages and lock-down defense. He creates chaos on the court all game and has been pivotal in allowing the Spurs to start 8-1 despite Duncan’s slow start. Parker is an excellent PG but Ginobili is this team’s game-changer. I’m not sure Ginobili stays on this list when Duncan is back at full strength but who knows in this crazy season.
- Monta Ellis – Warriors (8)
Ellis has been simply sensational this season, posting career bests in scoring (26.5) and steals (2.5) while playing more controlled on offense and destructively on defense. The Warriors are a surprising tenth in defensive rating and Ellis’ ball hawking abilities are a major reason why. While almost impossible to defend one-on-one, Ellis is even more dangerous on the break, making the 7-4 Warriors incredibly fun to watch so far.
- Kobe Bryant - Lakers (9)
Bryant has actually toned down his scoring a bit, averaging a fairly low 25.2 points and would be doing so rather efficiently if not for a couple of 2004-05 throwback games (11-32 vs. Denver, 8-20 vs. Houston). Would it be possible, Mr. Bryant, that in those contests you have forgotten that you have a Mr. Gasol on your team? It simply isn’t necessary to chuck it like a madman anymore!
- Derrick Rose – Bulls (10)
Rose has been fantastic for the Bulls this season, averaging 23.6 points and 9.5 assists for the Bulls who are awaiting the return of Carlos Boozer. Rose’s quickness and ability to penetrate have always been excellent but this season he is finishing around the rim better and earning more trips to the line. He’s another in the Rondo-mold that, if he developed a three-pointer and made more of his freebies count, we’d be looking at a rather unstoppable force.
OH SO CLOSE: Kevin Durant (one more week like the last one and you’ll be back on board), Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki
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