Chris Paul Really Deserves NBA MVP

With a little under a month before the conclusion of the NBA season, the question remains: Who is most deserving of NBA MVP. 

Many players vie for the prestigious award, but it remains as elusive as ever for perhaps the best individual player in the game.  Was Kobe snubbed in '05? '06?  Maybe. But there is no looking past how Steve Nash redefined the point guard position. 

Supporters of Kobe argue that he is as good as ever and his team remains atop the Western Conference standings.  But is he really doing anything different? 

Yes, he's shooting less, which gives his teammates more shots, and he does have an improved team.  An improved Andrew Bynum along with the additions of Trevor Ariza and veteran guard Derek Fisher have made life much easier for the Lakers star.  And although Bynum and Ariza went down mid season, with the addition of all-star Pau Gasol, the Lakers haven't missed a beat. 

Gasol, too, was injured, and now this is Kobe's time to show the voters that he can carry the team on his back and lead the Lakers to a number one ranking with 12 games to go in the season. 

Instead, they have lost four of their last seven including a humiliating home loss against the Rockets as they won their 22nd straight game.  Not only did they lose, but it was how they lost.  Shane Battier obviously did his homework as he held Kobe to 24 points on 31 shot attempts.  Of those 24, Bryant scored about six on Battier and the rest came off switches, free throws, and when Shane was out the game.  

Kobe's stock was falling as fast as Tracy McGrady's stock was rising despite his mediocre performance.  With Yao out for the season, critics and naysayers alike began hopping on the McGrady and the Rockets' bandwagon.  Me included. 

Although he wasn't my candidate for MVP, T-Mac rapidly moved up the list to a top three  candidate with every victory.  But with a treacherous remaining schedule, the Rockets have slipped back into reality and the Cinderella story is starting to fade. 

This leaves one other candidate in the race for MVP.  MVP stands for the Most Valuable Player and is a player that is a necessity for a team's success.  And although it goes to a teams' superstar, that team must be in great standing. 

Chris Paul is this years MVP.  Chris Paul has exemplified the acronym all season long.  He has been the most consistent and is getting better with every game as the season concludes. 

So what makes him so special?  Everything. 

His game speaks for itself with all of the intangibles to go along with it.  Most players have all stars or big time players that stand out.  Besides Chris Paul, the Hornets other all-star is David West?  Although he is an all-star this season, people still scratch their heads when they hear his name because he's not well known.  He's just a pretty good player that probably won't make the all-star team too many more times.  He's in the same category as Rashard Lewis. 

Chris is the reason why New Orleans is currently the number one seed.  I'll tell you what, here's how you choose between Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul.  They're both in the competitive West and compete against the same teams.  Take Chris Paul off of the Hornets, and take Kobe off of the Lakers.  Which team will have the better record?  The Lakers by far.  With Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and a returning Andrew Bynum, I'm not sure that the Lakers might even miss the playoffs.  

But on the other hand, The Hornets would become the Western Conferences' Miami Heat.  Chris Paul is obviously more valuable to the success of his team.  Chris Paul for MVP.