End of Year MVP Rankings: Who Is Winning The Race To The NBA's MVP?
While both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, winners of the last three MVPs are still in the running, it looks more and more likely that there will be a new winner this year.
Both are having incredible seasons, as per the norm, but maybe not quite as incredible. There is also a growing role for their respective teammates, albeit for entirely different reasons.
Who is in the front of the MVP race this year and where do Kobe and LeBron fit? Read on to find out.
I have been doing monthly rankings sine the beginning of the year as a first-time MVP slideshow. However since I've been asked by several to turn it into overall rankings, I'll do it.
I will not include my previous ranks because of the change in standards.
10: Chris Paul
1 of 10
The New Orleans Hornets started off red hot, but they've cooled off considerably since then. After going 11 of 12 to start the season they've been in a tailspin, winning only seven of their last 19.
The MVP hopes of Chris Paul are falling as fast as the team in the standings. If they recover, Paul gets the credit, but if they plummet, he also gets the debit.
9: Russell Westbrook/Kevin Durant
2 of 10
The problem that Durant and Westbrook have is one another. They are both deserving of consideration, but because of the way the award works, that means both lose consideration.
If a player isn't even the MVP of his team, how can he be the MVP of the league?
Westbrook started off better than Durant, but Durant has closed the gap recently.
If he starts reminding us of the player from last year, he could get some separation, and by virtue of that, a rise in the standings.
8: Kobe Bryant
3 of 10
There's no question that Kobe is trying. The question is whether he's been succeeding.
The Lakers have struggled more than we're used to seeing lately, and Kobe has tried to put the team on his back, only to get frustrated and angry, drawing three technicals in just two nights.
If Kobe is able to square the team up on his shoulders and lead them to a No. 1 seed though, a chance at a second MVP is not out of the question.
7: Amar'e Stoudemire
4 of 10
Amar'e's 30 point scoring streak was nice, but was it nice enough to give him MVP consideration? I checked the last 25 years and the fewest wins for an MVP is 50.
The Knicks present winning percentage projects to 46 wins. Simply put, the Knicks right now aren't a good enough team for Amar'e to be considered for MVP.
However, if they can continue to improve and top the 50-win mark, he deserves serious consideration. When they do, he'll move up in these rankings.
6: Manu Ginobili
5 of 10
Ginobili is the other end of the spectrum from Stoudemire. His team is good enough, the question is whether he is good enough.
He sure does offer some spectacular highlights, and is the best player on the team with the best record in the NBA, so he gets consideration.
However, his numbers aren't all that eye-popping. He's not even in the top 20 in scoring, rebounding, or assists and he's 42nd in efficiency.
In short, he gets consideration because he's a Spur, not because he's a great player. Having said that though, his numbers are probably a bit curbed because he's a Spur as well.
Still, to win an MVP award, he'd probably have to climb into the top 10 in scoring.
5: LeBron James/Dwyane Wade
6 of 10
The Heat is rising and it has a lot to do with James and Wade. Which one deserves more credit is a matter of considerable debate.
Whichever it is the other isn't far behind, and frankly, I don't think they give a rat's behind which is considered first. They want a ring and that's that.
If they continue playing like they have since the team meeting though, one will get the MVP. The once 9-8 team is now 25-9. If you're bad at math that means they've gone 16-1, with an average margin of 15 points in those 17 games. That's some pretty impressive basketball.
Right now, James has a slight statistical edge over Wade, but it's very close between the two of them. As with Westbrook and Durant though, they may cancel one another out.
4: Dwight Howard
7 of 10
Howard is scoring at a career high 21.5 points per game. He also has a a career low in Defensive Rating with 93. That seems to be lost on some people though.
Perhaps it's because of a slight dip in his block and rebounding numbers that makes them believe it, but it's perceived as though his defense has taken a step back. I disagree. His Opponent PER is also down to an impressive 9.7.
Still, the team having to rebuild in mid-season doesn't bode well for Howard, as it looks like he wasn't able to get it done with the team he had.
If he can bring his new teammates to work together and go on a long winning streak though, Howard could take home the prize.
3: Deron Williams
8 of 10
Deron Williams has been the rock in Utah for the last few seasons. The Jazz are fielding what could be one of the best teams they've ever had.
With a frontcourt rocking Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap, this is a team that is to be contended with, and in spite of playing with so many giants in the West, have a real chance of surviving the Western Conference and going to the finals.
Williams does everything: he scores, he passes, he boards, he plays excellent defense. He's the captain and leader of the team.
The only reason he's not higher is the recent struggles of the team, which has gone 7-6 in its last 13, and has lost its last five to teams with winning records.
2: Dirk Nowitzki
9 of 10
The importance of Dirk to the Mavericks was felt the most when he was absent, as the team has dropped both its games without him in the starting lineup.
He's led the 24-7 Mavericks and been impressive and been impressive in doing so with his 24 points per game.
The question is: Is it impressive enough? Especially considering that his rebounding is a bit down, I just can't find the justification to putting him No. 1 overall.
1: Derrick Rose
10 of 10
When Carlos Boozer broke his hand and had to miss the first month of the season, Derrick Rose mounted the team on his shoulders and carried them. Now Joakim Noah is out with a hand injury and Rose is doing the same.
Without Noah in the lineup, Rose has averaged 25 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds per game. That's pretty impressive rebounding for a point guard.
In fact he now leads all point guards in scoring, blocks and rebounds. He is the unquestionable catalyst to a Bulls team that was projected at most to win 50 games with Boozer and Noah.
Instead, in spite of having the two of them together for only a smattering of games, Rose has led the team to a pace to win 55 games.
If the Bulls reach the 55-win plateau, Derrick Rose should be, and will be, the NBA MVP.
