2010 NBA Finals: Four Games In, Who Should Win the MVP Award?

We have been through the first four games of the NBA Finals and the series is tied at two games apiece. The play has been sporadic for almost every player in the series. There has been very few players who have shown up for every game. Game Five is coming up in Boston and the probable answer for Finals MVP is still in the air. Here is the ascending order of the top five players so far in the Finals.

5. Andrew Bynum

Bynum has been dealing with injuries throughout the Finals, but when in the game he has given great low post scoring for the Lakers. He has also been a menace with his blocks including seven in Game two.

I could have gone with a slew of different players as a No. 5 candidate (Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, and Glen Davis). Bynum gets the nod for his play in the two Lakers wins and his ability to disrupt the Celtics inside scoring. Kendrick Perkins and K.G. have not played up to their abilities thanks to him. His inability to defend Glen Davis is his ultimate downfall.

4. Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce has been mediocre at best in this series. His best output came in Game One in a Celtics loss. He may have the numbers, but his stats are a lie. He hasn't played well throughout this series as have many other players. His redeeming point is his big buckets that sealed Game Four and put life back into the Celtics bodies going ahead.

3. Rajon Rondo

Rajon has gone under the radar in terms of his value in this series. At first glance, you'd think he was having an okay series. Well in truth, he had a triple double in Game Two and has played decent ball throughout. The expectations upon him made people forget about the assists totals he is coming up with. His large steal towards the end of Game four helps puts him back in MVP conversations.

2. Pau Gasol

My original pick for finals MVP, Pau Gasol has played great Finals ball. In the '08 finals, Garnett had his number. Now the opposite could be said. Garnett has had two straight strong games, but Gasol has came with four good games and two great games with that. His length has been great at blocking three-point attempts by Ray Allen and causing difficult shots for Kevin Garnett. He has been on the boards and getting high percentage shots.

MVP: Kobe Bryant

There has been no question as to who has been MVP so far. Kobe had one bad game by "Kobe Standards" (Game Three) and his team still won thanks to Derek Fisher. He has been clutch and played a solid series all four games. His downfall has been the inconsistent play (minus Gasol) of his teammates. He has still averaged 28.1 PPG so far and played tough defense.

He has only shot 38-91 from the field in the series, so it will still have to be seen if the Lakers win the series whether he or Pau gets MVP. Rondo should be the likely pick for the Celtics right now.