With the playoffs kicking off last Sunday, it's also time to take a look at which players should receive individual recognition for their efforts.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
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I only look for three things in my MVPs. First, is the player putting up tremendous numbers? Second, will the player's team absolutely lose its way without him? Last, is the player a great ambassador for the NBA and basketball in general. With that, I only see four candidates, Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), and Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder). All these four players satisfy the first question, but only two will satisfy each of the next two questions. While James will in no way satisfy the third question, it is the least important of my questions, so as much as it pains me, Lebron James must be MVP a second straight year. His numbers are simply other-worldly, with averages of 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1 block per game. Furthermore, it is beyond obvious that the Cavaliers would be absolute crap without him.
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