Dwight Howard: Why the Orlando Magic Big Man Should Be Voted MVP

The Magic are currently 31-18 and are seeded third in the Eastern conference. If the playoffs were to start today they would play the Pacers in the first round, who the Magic have already beaten three out of four times this year. 

The main reason for their success this year, like it has been every year since 2004, is the performance of C Dwight Howard. 

There are many reasons that Howard should be voted the MVP this season, and we'll look at a few. 

First of all, lets examine Howard's stat line. He is averaging 21 points per game, 14.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and a steal and a half a game.

That is one tremendous line, and it demonstrates how much of an impact the best center in the league makes whenever the Magic take the court. There is a reason his nickname is Superman, and his play on court is often even more than just super.

According to ESPN's John Hollinger's Player Efficiency Rating, Howard has added 13.3 wins to the Magic's total thus far this season. This is good for third place, behind only Lebron James and Kevin Durant. 

If you take Howard and his estimated 13 added wins away the Magic would be 18-31.

Do you think the Magic would have 18 wins with Dwight?

I certainly don't. To me they would be lucky to have 12 or 13 wins without him.  

Howard also adds value on the defensive end in a way that isn't truly quantifiable. He affects every decision the offense makes and his ability forces teams to adapt their strategy in order to be successful. 

The Magic are currently ranked fourth in points allowed per game, holding opponents to just 91.7 points per contest. They also are in the top 10 in defensive field goal percentage. The stats show that the Magic are one of the better defensive teams in the league.

However, without Howard the Magic would appear at the bottom of most defensive statistics. Dwight means more than any numbers can show to the team's defensive success. 

Last season, Howard became the first player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in three straight seasons. He is also one of the front runners to win the award again this year. 

Dwight is currently ranked third in blocks this season and 17th in steals. Greg Monroe is the next center on the steals leaderboard, coming in at 35th. Dwight Howard is by far the most versatile defender in the NBA at the center position.  

The Magic run their offense through Howard, using his presence in the post to draw double teams, which in turn allows his teammates to spot up for uncontested three pointers. Without Howard, teams would be able to pay more attention to defending the three point line, thus limiting the Magic's scoring from behind the arc. 

This would go a long way towards stymieing the team's offensive production as the Magic lead the league in three-point field goals, averaging ten per game 

There is a reason the Magic are more than desperate to keep Howard in Orlando long term. Without him the team would have to completely re-tool their game plan and roster. 

Without him the Magic would be among the worst teams in the league, right at the bottom with the Hornets and Bobcats.

Superman is also as durable as a center could possibly be. He hasn't missed a game this year while logging the fifth most minutes of any player. While other franchise players, like Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade, have struggled with injuries throughout the year, Howard has not.

Any game the Magic would play without Howard would put the team at a severe disadvantage, especially when you consider the fact that the Magic do not have a legitimate back-up center.

The organization is so confident that Dwight can give them almost 40 minutes on a nightly basis while avoiding injury that they feel comfortable enough to have Glen "Big Baby" Davis backing him up at center. 

If Howard were to get injured the Magic would be up the river without a paddle and that would manifest as losses in bunches.

Dwight Howard is a physical specimen unlike any other player in the NBA and his durability and consistency adds to his MVP credentials. 

Howard has also had a very tumultuous season off the court. The D12 trade talk was inescapable for months and although this was somewhat self-inflicted, he didn't let it affect his play on court. Howard continued to put his best foot forward and often kept the Magic in games without much help from his teammates.

This season epitomizes another aspect of Howard's game that is often overlooked—his ability to maintain focus despite taking a beating.

Night in and night out, Howard is played as physically as any other player in the league. Dwight certainly draws his fair share of fouls but even more go uncalled. It must be difficult to stay focused while you are constantly being knocked around by the other team.

Howard has also done a great job in limiting the fouls called on him, thus allowing him to play more aggressive later in games. 

Dwight Howard should be the MVP because no other team in the league depends upon one player as much as the Magic depend on him. He produces for the Magic night in and night out, all while taking a beating. 

There are candidates on other teams that are also deserving to be named MVP. Lebron James and Kevin Durant have been pegged as front runners for the award this year. Both of these players are instrumental to the success of their teams as well, but they both play alongside at least one other star player. Durant plays with Westbrook, while James is part of a "Big 3" with Wade and Bosh.

Dwight doesn't have the luxury of playing alongside another top player but he still has manged to lead the Magic to the sixth best record in the league. 

Without him the Magic would be lucky to have the 24th best record. Hopefully the voters will realize that and vote accordingly.