The Other NBA MVP Contenders

Everyone realizes that, barring two huge season-ending injuries, either Kobe Bryant or LeBron James will become the 2007-2008 MVP award.

But who else is in contention for the award?

 
1. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)

"Superman" is in the thick of things for the award. Currently, Howard is averaging 21.7 points, 1.7 blocks, and 14.6 rebounds per game, which leads the NBA.

His dominance at the center position is reminding fans in Orlando of another center, Shaquille O’Neal, who helped them reach the NBA finals back in the day.

At this point in the season, Howard has already recorded six 20-20 games. With the Orlando Magic are sitting atop of the Southeast Division with a seven game lead on the next closest team, nothing is out of the question for this young team.

Despite his strong performance, Howard is running under the radar this year due in part to the early season success of the big three in Boston and the Detroit Pistons.

As the season draws to a close, expect Howard’s performance to start earning more media coverage as the Magic will make a serious push in the playoffs.

2.  Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) 

Chris Paul has rejuvenated the New Orleans Hornets franchise. He might be No. 3 in the MVP race right after LeBron and Kobe.

He is averaging 20.9 PPG, 2.7 Steals Per Game, and 10.8 APG while leading New Orleans to a 40-19 record, good for third in the tough Western Conference.

Paul is talked about as one of the best young PG's in the game right now and could lead his team to the glory of a championship.

3. Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)

Dirk has shown he is the ultimate team player this year, as he has been willing to give up shots for the betterment of the team.

Along with scoring 22.5 points per game, Dirk is also averaging four assists per game, which is currently a career high. The one drawback to Nowitzki’s season is the 29.5 percent three point percentage, which is the lowest it has been since his rookie season.

With Jason Kidd a Maverick now, you will see Dirk's stats improve over time, even possibly to the level of his MVP performance last year.

4. Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)

What else can be said about Nash whose career was taken to new heights when he arrived in Phoenix several seasons ago. Nash has improved upon his game this season with the addition of delivering scoring chances when needed.

Nash is already averaging a career high 11.7 assists per game, a statistic that will surely climb with the arrival of Shaq in Phoenix. It will be interesting to see if Nash and the Suns can maintain the same tempo with the arrival of the big man.

If Shaq is motivated to run the floor, Nash will use him to his advantage and have a solid chance at another MVP award.