Jeremy Lin Makes Strong Case as NBA MVP After Resurrecting Knicks Franchise

This Jeremy Lin story continues to unfold in crazy and wild ways, so it makes sense that the impossible should be considered as entirely probable. Jeremy Lin is an NBA MVP candidate, and a justified one. 

First, consider that the MVP award gets thrown around a bunch. Guys come and go as candidates with utter flippancy. We are not about to toss the phrase "MVP candidate" around with nonchalance. 

Jeremy Lin is an actual candidate, and there is no reason he shouldn't be. The issue is discussed by NBA.com's Race to the MVP Ladder blog. Sekou Smith writes on Lin making the cut this week as the 10th-ranked candidate for the coveted prize. 

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Two ridiculously hot weeks, a record-setting debut to his career as a starting point guard, an undefeated Knicks team with him as a starter, breathing life into a franchise, city and its fan base and the complete takeover of the global sports conversation, however, is more than enough to get Lin into the KIA Race to the MVP Ladder conversation this time around.

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I agree. This wasn't just some player getting hot at the right moment. It was even more than some scrub getting love for a few good games. 

Lin has completely transformed the culture in New York City. There was no thought of postseason glory before he emerged, and now there is a glimmer of hope that a deep playoff run will feature everybody's favorite Knicks player. 

The bizarre turn is that Lin plays on a team with a few players you would think are better candidates. However, Lin has helped the Knicks win seven-straight games without the help of Carmelo Anthony. 

Amare Stoudemire was sidelined for the wealth of this two-week rise to prominence as well. The Knicks were beaten, battered and below .500. 

When Melo does return, it may be to a winning ball club. With a victory Friday, the Knicks could be on the right side of the win-loss column, and all because of some scrub who nobody wanted. 

Now to temper the emotions a bit, Smith does have him at the bottom of the candidate barrel, and  I agree with this as well. 

Lin has been a spark of dynamite, but the bang has been just as brief. There are far more deserving player out there right now. 

If he continues this, though...

There would be no greater story in NBA history. That is where this insane tale is taking us all. The MVP goes to the superstar that a franchise can't live without. 

The Knicks were on life support before Jeremy Lin, and that is all you need to know about his candidacy to consider it a just one. 

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