Amare Stoudemire of the Knicks vaults to the top of my NBA MVP Watch this week at TSJ after leading New York to ten wins in their last eleven in dominating fashion. LeBron James rejoins the race after a one week hiatus while Steve Nash continues to defy time by making another MVP push. He has quite a bit to go though before he topples the candidates above him.
Want to know why I think Amare is deserving? Check out my column HERE.
This week’s eight-pack of NBA MVP candidates is brought to you by former Miami Heat stalwart Steve Smith.
Enjoy!
1. Amare Stoudemire, Knicks (25.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG)
Stoudemire has been on a rampage recently, averaging an insane 34.2 points in his last five while posting seven double-digit rebound performances in his last eleven, ten of those being Knicks wins. As mentioned in the above column, Stoudemire and Felton are forming a formidable pick-and-roll partnership that ranks among the league’s best and I am as surprised as the rest of you might be at how fantastic Amare has performed without Nash running the show. The bottom line? No player has been as dominant as Amare in the first quarter of the season.
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2. Deron Williams, Jazz (21.8 PPG, 10.0 APG, 4.2 RPG)
Williams has directed the Jazz to eight wins in their last nine including an unbelievable performance against the Pacers that included 24 points, sixteen assists, and ZERO turnovers. Despite starting center Memhet Okur still out to injury, the Jazz are 16-6 with quality victories over the Lakers and Hornets recently. Deron is a big reason why.
3. Dwight Howard, Magic (20.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG)
Howard has come back slowly after missing time due to illness, culminating in last night’s 14 point, 13 rebound performance on 5-11 shooting in Orlando’s loss to the Hawks. Before that? Howard had not posted less than 20 points or 11 boards since November 18, so I expect him to round back into dominating form soon.
4. Derrick Rose, Bulls (24.9 PPG, 8.2 APG, 1.2 SPG)
I’m not going to hold Rose’s 11 point, 3-13 performance in last night’s win over the Thunder against him as he’s been brilliant all season and deserves an off night like any other player in this league. The night before in a victory over Houston Rose posted 30 points, 7 boards, 11 assists, and five steals so I’m sure last night was a fluke, not a trend.
5. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (24.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, .553 FG%)
Dirk has led the Mavs to ten consecutive wins and is having one of the finest seasons of his career, shooting a career-best .553 from the floor and averaging just 2.4 TO per game, a Nowitzki staple. His defense has been far better this season than in years past and while it’s not close to Tim Duncan-territory I know the Mavs will take it.
6. Chris Paul, Hornets (16.2 PPG, 10.4 APG, 3.0 SPG)
Paul’s Hornets have been victimized by the toughest stretch schedule-wise you could imagine and can only hope that their struggles are over. This team is lottery-bound without the services of Paul and for New Orleans’ sake I hope they start winning before Paul begins to regret holding off on demanding a trade this summer.
7. Russell Westbrook, Thunder (23.7 PPG, 8.6 APG, 2.2 SPG)
Westbrook has been holding the Thunder together while Durant continues his inconsistent ways this season, leading OKC to a 14-8 record so far and with several scintillating performances recently, including a 38 point, 15 rebound, nine assist gem in a win over the Nets. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Westbrook is the best rebounding guard since Kidd was in his prime and it’s frightening to realize he might become much better.
8. LeBron James, Heat (23.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.3 APG)
The Heat have trounced five consecutive opponents and James has been at his all-around best, particularly in their destruction over Cleveland in his first visit to the Q as a Heat player. When the Heat are getting stops and jumping out in transition LeBron and Wade are a terrifying combo and James has looked fantastic running the point at times in the “Magic” mold. Note: I’m not comparing him to the legendary Magic, just making a reference. He needs to start winning first before I make that comparison.
ALMOST IN THE RUNNING!
Steve Nash - A perfect 20 point, 8-8 shooting performance with 17 assists recently for the former 2-time MVP.
Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant - Both of you are starting to come along again, particularly Mr. Bryant.
Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili - You have been excellent so far this season Manu, but Parker has also been extraordinary.
Kevin Durant - Not quite as unstoppable as last season.
Until next time….