DJ's NBA Mid-season Awards:And the MVP is?

The race for the MVP is extremely close this year and included a stable of players who are both perennial favorites and upstart surprises. Here's my top five. But first the list of Honorable Mentions: Chris Paul, Tim Duncan, Brandon Roy, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitski, Paul Milsap, Amare Stoudamire, Yao Ming, Kevin Garnett, and Deron Williams.

5. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets season has turned around since the trade to oust AI and bring in Chauncey. It went from what looked like another second or third place finish in the Northwest to leaders of the pack. Chauncey is averaging a career high 18.7 ppg and a whopping 26.3 ppg since Carmelo Anthony went down to injury.

4. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Dwight has been nothing short of a monster in the middle this season. He is averaging 20.2 ppg, 13.8 rpg, and 3.2 bpg, while leading his team into the company of championship contenders with a 31-8 record thru the midway point. My one complaint is his free throw shooting. Hey Dwight, If you can pull a "Mailman" and improve your free throw percentage not only will you win MVP one of these years, you'll also average 30 ppg while doing so.

3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

There is absolutely no question that Kobe should be on the list. As much as I want to leave him off this list, due to the fact that he loves to destroy my Jazz time and again. I just can't justify it. He's averaging 27.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg, and 1.3 spg. I wouldn't be surprised to see those averages all climb in the second half of the season.

2. Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

Why do you ask is Wade rated so high when his team is only at a 21-17 record? Because without him they would look like the Los Angeles Clippers of the East. This guy was bringing it in the Olympics this summer and still hasn't stopped. He is averaging 28.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 7.0 apg, 2.2 spg, and 1.6 bpg. If you could just produce one third of that stat line you'd be a starter in the NBA for any team.

1. Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Not only does Lebron have an impressive stat line similar to Dwayne's(27.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 6.7 apg, 2.0 spg, and 1.3 bpg), but his team has a 30-7 record and is unbeatable at home at 20-0. The reason is simply King James. You may all worship the King now!