OTRBasketball: The 08-09 NBA Awards

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Most Valuable Player

Erick Blasco: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

This isn’t necessarily a declaration that James is the best player in the league, but he’s the reason why his team will have the best record in the NBA.

His all-around playmaking ability is unsurpassed, and his raw strength and ferocity leave him as the king of the rim. What’s more, his defense, a liability only 15 months ago, has turned into an asset.

The Miami Heat aren’t good enough for Dwyane Wade to win any tiebreakers for my MVP vote, and Kobe’s often allowed his teammates to carry the bulk of the load in Los Angeles’ prime time games.

For Cleveland, despite an ordinary collection of teammates, LeBron’s been able to elevate the Cavs to the best team in the league with the best record in the league—an MVP-worthy achievement.

Yama Hazheer: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Dwyane's situation is similar to that of Kobe in the '05-'06 season, and that year, I would have given the award to Bryant instead of Steve Nash.

The association gives this usually to the best player on a team with a top-three record, but as for me, I would give this award to the player who did the most for his team with barely any help.

Take Wade off the Miami Heat, and they are the worst team in the league. Take LeBron James or Kobe off their respective teams, and the Cavs and Lakers would either be high lottery teams or postseason bottom-feeders.

Without the Flash last season, the Heat had the league's worst record. This year, with him, they are top-five in their conference. It's clear to me that Dwyane Wade is the most valuable player to his team.

Brandon Neal: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

I realize that there's a criteria for the award, and it involves being the best player on the best team. My criteria is simply being the best overall player in the NBA.

The truth is, Kobe Bryant should win the award, either way.

Using both definitions, the Lakers are 2-0 against the Cavaliers, one win shy of their 66 Cleveland totaled this season while playing all of the battered Eastern Conference teams three or four times each.

To me, that makes Bryant the best player on the best team. Even without that, Bryant is the superior defensive player, and if you were to list all of their weaknesses in their overall game, you would find more for LeBron.

If the assist and rebounding totals bother you, try looking up Michael Jordan's stats in the 90's, and provide me your argument as to why LeBron is already better than Jordan.

I have no problem with LeBron winning it, and I knew he would a month ago. My view on the award is far different from that of the MVP voters, though.

Article discussion here: http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=59342

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