Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard Are the Only True Candidates for MVP Award

Stan Van Gundy. Yes, his name is being brought into some type of controversial article again.

Van Gundy most recently spoke about how Derrick Rose was a shoo-in for the MVP award for this season and said some pretty nice things about his leadership role In Chicago as well.

However, he also tossed Dwight Howard’s name into the conversation for the award and why he should be highly considered as well.

But we all know who is truly going to win the award, right?

Or do we?

The media has been such a flip flop when it comes to who they believe should win the Most Valuable Player and names mentioned have been Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and the anointed D. Rose.

If you look throughout the season, though, for players who have been consistent leaders and have been able to be counted on for more than 90 percent of the time, only two names will surface.

Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose.

So, for once in a lifetime, Stan Van Gundy has somewhat of a point.

Do I think Dwight Howard should win the race ultimately? No, I do not.

But, I also do not feel as though he should be counted out. He is the Orlando Magic team. He is the sole reason for their success, and there are many reasons for that.

Howard records 23.1 points, 14.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He has proven to be a constant presence in the paint. His work on his free throws and his jumper in the off season has allowed his forced fouls to cost the opposing team. When he is not able to get in the paint for a shot, he can hit mid-range with the best of the big men.

The only reasoning for him not being a front runner as a MVP candidate would have to be the fact that his team is one of the most talented, inconsistent teams I have ever seen.

The trade with Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas looked like it would produce pretty good results until the season marched on.

It is unfortunate that the lackluster efforts of his teammates have allowed him to be overshadowed by the younger and more dynamic Derrick Rose, but that is just how the league works. 

Just like Van Gundy, I would be very surprised if Rose did not win it in the end, but Howard deserves at least a mention.

Article on Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng: http://www.iamnba.com/2011/03/gmbow-luol-deng/