Scott Serles

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul gets my vote for first half MVP.

The Hornets finished the 2006-2007 season a mediocre 39-43.

Paul has led the Hornets this season to already 32 wins as they sit atop the Southwest Division a game and a half ahead of Dallas.

If the playoffs began today the Hornets would also be the second seed in the tough Western Division.

CP3 leads the league in steals, and is second in the NBA in assists.  He is no where near the top twenty in turnovers as are his point guard counterparts Kidd and Steve Nash, throw in 20 points a game and I think you have yourself an overwhelming argument for Paul as MVP.

He has also made the players around him better as you would want the point guard of your team to do.

It is no mistake that David West and Tyson Chandler are enjoying their finest seasons as a pro. Paul is the leader of the best team, in the toughest division in basketball.

There will be others that will argue, well, what about KG?  What about Kobe?

While there is no denying the contributions that those two have made for their team, Paul has put the Hornets on his shoulders are are making a surprising run at an NBA title.

Before the season, if you would have mentioned the Hornets and NBA Champs in the same breath, you might have been laughed at.

I know there is a lot of basketball to be played, but right now Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets are serious contenders.

To view Michael Whittenberg's previous roundtable column click here. 

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