The NBA MVP: A Three-Horse Race

The fact that Kobe is flanked by all-stars has critics saying that he isn't carrying the team the way LeBron is. 

While the Lakers are by no means the one-man team they were a few years ago, the competition in the West is so demanding that no one is getting through without a plethora of stars.  Put the Cavs in the West and I'd like to see them get in the playoffs.

While Kobe has not single-handedly led his team this year, it is by far the best "team" ball he has played in his career.

Chris Paul

Raise your hand if you had the Hornets at 49-21 and leading the West with just a couple weeks to go.

Okay, good, no one. 

While Paul is also surrounded by superior talent, sporting arguably the best starting five in the NBA, there is no doubting Paul's contributions to this team. 

The point guard from Wake Forest is averaging just under 22 points per game, to go along with four rebounds and 11.5 assists. 

His most important statistic, however, is that his assist/turnover ratio is over 4.5. That is unheard of for someone who handles the ball as much as CP3. 

Not only is he an incredible decision maker, but he does not make mistakes. 

Paul is shooting nearly 50 percent, higher than both LeBron and Kobe.  Did I mention that Paul has led the Hornets so far to the best record in NBA's best conference?  Incredible for a team that did not even make the postseason last year.

The fact that Paul is not the dominant scorer that LeBron and Kobe are may hurt him in the long run. 

When we think of great plays down the stretch this year, a lot of those are LeBron or Kobe getting a bucket in the final seconds.  Chris Paul has fewer of these moments.  But that isn't to say he doesn't have a flair for the dramatic. 

Last night in Cleveland, after LeBron put the Cavs up one with seven seconds to play, Paul splits the defense, draws a double team, and kicks the ball to David West for the game-winner.  Unfortunately, West will be the one getting the credit here, and not Paul. 

With no disrespect to Kevin Garnett, I believe the other three candidates have just had far superior seasons.  Garnett should be a consideration, but will most likely finish fourth in the voting. 

So there are the three choices for MVP, and all are more than worthy of winning the award.  But at the end of the day, none of those players will be happy if they don't end the season with a ring.

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