For Once They Get It Right: Kobe Bryant Is NBA MVP

After 12 seasons in the NBA, Kobe Bryant has won his first MVP. It's been a long time coming, especially as he's been the best player in the league for a while now.

Still, people refuse to truly witness his greatness. Worse than that, they refuse to acknowledge it.

The young guns in the league are great. LeBron James and Chris Paul have had magnificent years, both putting up MVP-type numbers. Hollinger, buddy, I hate to break it to you—equations only tell half the story.

Yes, Kobe Bryant puts up brilliant scoring numbers. Yet, so does Michael Redd.  What sets Kobe apart is the way he controls the game.

With a decent supporting cast, he's far more deadly than any other player in this universe. Here's an equation for you John: Kobe+Smush+Kwame=45 wins. Now that's saying something. 

Every single facet of the game, Bryant has perfected. He is an incredible athlete with the strength to finish at the basket. He uses a dizzying array of spin moves, jab steps, and fade aways to break his opponent into submission.

He is a student of the game. He knows how to attack from every area on the court, and he practices it while you're up watching Girls Gone Wild. 

Like a black belt in martial arts, he has a counter for every move, and a counter for that. "You reach, I teach." Most of all, he is a relentless assassin.

Saying that Kobe Bryant does not deserve MVP this year grants a call for revocation of one's right to an opinion. 

At the very least, Kobe-haters should define their standards for MVP and stick with it.

Chris Paul had a better shooting percentage and more assists per game. So what? James had the best overall statistical season, so why, from that perspective, is ESPN's omnipotent god-child not more deserving than Chris? 

Paul has a superior cast of teammates compared to most teams in the league. Peja, West, and Chandler are all, or close to, All Star quality players.

Much like Nash two and three seasons ago, Paul dictates the offense with great shooters and finishers surrounding him, allowing him to rack up huge assist numbers.

It can be left at that. There is no reason to make a laundry list of negatives about this dude because he is such a terrific player.

He's a deadly little hornet out on that playground, but he isn't a Mamba. He can sting, but he can't kill. He doesn't have the ability to, alone, "Jordan" your team, night in and night out.