NBA: Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard Deserves Legit MVP Consideration

Dwight Howard is having a career year for the Orlando Magic, yet his name never seems to come up in MVP talks.

Howard, the best big man in the NBA, is putting up nearly 23 PPG, while grabbing over 13 boards and blocking more than two shots per contest. He is single-handedly keeping the Magic in games with his improved offense and unheralded defense. While the rest of the team battles inconsistencies, Howard is living up to his nickname of "Superman" and willing Orlando to wins.

The NBA is a league currently built for guards to flourish, and it's hard for Howard to have a fair shot to win MVP when his play is not as highly regarded as that of a Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose or LeBron James, even though his play is just as special as any of these players.

Maybe Howard gets the short end of the stick on MVP talk because he is not out draining three's or crossing people over, but he is the most dominant force in the NBA and demonstrates that every night with his league-leading 151 dunks. The real beauty in Howard's game is he has developed more of an offensive game, demonstrating a nice touch on 15-foot jumpers and also more touch and finesse with his post-up game, leading to the improved PPG average.

It's time for Dwight to get some credit for what he has done this year, night in and night out.  If he is able to keep these numbers up and continue to get wins for his often struggling team, I don't see why he can't win his first MVP.