NBA Playoffs 2012: Power Ranking Potential Finals MVP Candidates

The NBA playoffs are recently under way, but that doesn't mean it's too early to start picking favorites to win Finals MVP. 

In my mind, there are four legitimate candidates both because of their sheer ability to take over games and because of their team's odds of winning the Finals. 

So, as we keep both of those things in mind, lets take a look at the most likely players to take home the prestigious award (and likely teammates who would win if they don't). 

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

With all due respect to Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant is currently the best scorer in the NBA. His 28 points on just 19.7 shots per game speaks pretty highly to that.

Of course, he's also increased his rebounding and defense this year, too. At just 23 years old, I'm not sure any GM would pick anyone other Durant if there was a "re-draft" of current NBA players, which is an awesome idea, by the way. I'm all for shaking things up a bit.

Anyway, Durant is only fourth on this list because of the way the Thunder have been playing lately.

They finished the season on a bit of a sour note, going just 8-7 in April, and they have struggled with Dallas, even though they lead the series 2-0.

I'm still not convinced the Thunder will be able to make it through the West. 

Other Finals MVP candidate: Serge Ibaka

3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Bryant, of course, finds himself higher than Durant on this list simply because I like the Lakers to knock off the Thunder should they meet in Round 2.

I just think the Lakers' big men are playing the best basketball of the season right now and Los Angeles finally has a little bit of depth on the bench. I would take L.A. in what would be a thrilling series.

And if someone from this team is going to win MVP, there's no better choice than Bryant. 

Kobe very well may be on the other side of the infamous "hill" (not Jordan, the age metaphor), but his ability to score in bunches and hit clutch shot after clutch shot makes him an obvious choice.

Other Finals MVP candidate: Andrew Bynum

2. LeBron James, Miami Heat

People love to point out how James "chokes" during clutch times or big games, but they also seem to ignore whenever he, well, doesn't choke during those games.

Whether or not you like him, it's hard to argue with the numbers he's putting up this year.

He's shooting fewer threes, and as a result is at a career-best 53 percent shooting en route to 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds (career high), 6.2 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.9 steals per game.  

You can bet against him, but I'm not going to.

Other Finals MVP candidate: Dwyane Wade

1. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Yes, I like the Spurs to win the 2012 NBA Finals. 

They aren't as dominate on defense as Gregg Popovich teams of the past, but they are a well-oiled machine offensively. Fueled by Parker's new-found penetration and aggression, the Spurs move the ball better than anyone in the league, and it has resulted in 103.7 points per game.

They can score from the inside, they can score from the outside, they can score in the half-court and they can score on the break.

What's more, the Spurs go about 11 men deep.

This team is being severely overlooked right now. 

When it comes down to an MVP, there's no other pick than Parker. He's the sole reason this team has been as good as it is, and the Spurs will only go as far as he takes them.

Other Finals MVP candidate: Kawhi Leonard. That's right. 

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