Post by Los Angeles Lakers on Nov 30, 2006 19:15:32 GMT -5
Early MVP Candidates
Tony Parker
Tony Parker is what makes the Miami Heat tick. He has played terrific this season and is one of three players to be averaging double figures in assists and points. This is really the year for Tony to shine with Larry Johnson's retirement. He's the reason why Miami has surprised me with their strong start.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol is playing out of control in New York right now and rightfully deserves to be mentioned as an MVP candidate. He's one of the players in the top 10 in scoring - averaging nearly 30 points a game. Gasol is basically carrying this group to what looks to be a playoff birth this year. He's definitely capable of keeping this up as the season progresses.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq has made an immediate impact for the Indiana Pacers and his presence is being felt once again in the Eastern Conference. He's leading and teaching at the same time which is a testament to his ability. I've never been a fan of Shaq because he hasn't proven that he can win yet but Shaquille looks to be a man on a mission as he continues to make a strong case for MVP.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has been the most spectacular sophomore from last years class and perhaps in recent memory. There has been no player like Carmelo who has taking his game up to another level like he has which shows how truly special this young guy is. He's not afraid to take the big shot and with the championship experience he has under his belt, Melo looks primed to prove that he can lead his team all the way this time around.
Jason Kidd
J-Kidd looks to be having a resurgence again as the point guard of the Trailblazers. The last time Kidd was at this dominant type of level was perhaps in 1998 when he lead a very lackuster Laker team to a playoff birth - and did it by making average players like Pervis Ellison and Sean Elliot better. This was the Kidd that the Lakers had hoped to see but didn't and now he's showcasing that ability here with the Blazers. To have two MVP candidates shows how talented and dangerous Portland can be.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett is trying to prove his critics and doubters wrong just like his former teammate, Shaquille O'Neal is. He had a terrible year last year after he missed a ton of action due to injury however he's back and more motivated than ever now that the talent around him in Utah is much better. He's making the game easier for his teammates, Yao Ming and Michael Redd, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he kept this pace up for the rest of the season. Right now, KG looks like he's poised to take back what he believes is rightfully his.
Keith Van Horn
Keith Van Horn has always been the man in Los Angeles that has made the Clippers go. As talented of a player as Elton Brand has been, he has really benefited from what Van Horn creates for him. There hasn't been a caucasian American forward of Keith's caliber since perhaps the great Larry Bird. Without Keith - the Clippers would be just another playoff pretender which is why Van Horn is an MVP Candidate.
Ron Artest
Ron Artest is perhaps the most overlooked player in the league despite his amazing talent. It's not surprising since he spent the early part of his career behind Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Garnett in Orlando. However Ron is making a name for himself now and people are starting to finally take notice. Artest is the most versatile player in the league - which he proved last year when he effectively held down the power forward spot for the Lakers. This year, his versatility once again is paying off. Artest is playing point guard which has been causing matchup nightmares for most teams this year. If Ron can keep up the triple-double pace he's playing at and the Lakers continue to play well - he's definitely another solid choice for MVP.
Stephon Marbury
Last year's reigning MVP is having another standout year after an offseason which saw him bolster his defensive ability. Steph is on his way to being another fine year especially with more talent around him. Dallas is a team that could be looking to raise another championship banner and another MVP caliber year by Stephon could lead to that.
Honorable Mention
Boris Diaw
Tim Duncan
Kobe Bryant
Dirk Nowitzki
Richard Hamilton
Tony Parker
Tony Parker is what makes the Miami Heat tick. He has played terrific this season and is one of three players to be averaging double figures in assists and points. This is really the year for Tony to shine with Larry Johnson's retirement. He's the reason why Miami has surprised me with their strong start.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol is playing out of control in New York right now and rightfully deserves to be mentioned as an MVP candidate. He's one of the players in the top 10 in scoring - averaging nearly 30 points a game. Gasol is basically carrying this group to what looks to be a playoff birth this year. He's definitely capable of keeping this up as the season progresses.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq has made an immediate impact for the Indiana Pacers and his presence is being felt once again in the Eastern Conference. He's leading and teaching at the same time which is a testament to his ability. I've never been a fan of Shaq because he hasn't proven that he can win yet but Shaquille looks to be a man on a mission as he continues to make a strong case for MVP.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has been the most spectacular sophomore from last years class and perhaps in recent memory. There has been no player like Carmelo who has taking his game up to another level like he has which shows how truly special this young guy is. He's not afraid to take the big shot and with the championship experience he has under his belt, Melo looks primed to prove that he can lead his team all the way this time around.
Jason Kidd
J-Kidd looks to be having a resurgence again as the point guard of the Trailblazers. The last time Kidd was at this dominant type of level was perhaps in 1998 when he lead a very lackuster Laker team to a playoff birth - and did it by making average players like Pervis Ellison and Sean Elliot better. This was the Kidd that the Lakers had hoped to see but didn't and now he's showcasing that ability here with the Blazers. To have two MVP candidates shows how talented and dangerous Portland can be.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett is trying to prove his critics and doubters wrong just like his former teammate, Shaquille O'Neal is. He had a terrible year last year after he missed a ton of action due to injury however he's back and more motivated than ever now that the talent around him in Utah is much better. He's making the game easier for his teammates, Yao Ming and Michael Redd, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he kept this pace up for the rest of the season. Right now, KG looks like he's poised to take back what he believes is rightfully his.
Keith Van Horn
Keith Van Horn has always been the man in Los Angeles that has made the Clippers go. As talented of a player as Elton Brand has been, he has really benefited from what Van Horn creates for him. There hasn't been a caucasian American forward of Keith's caliber since perhaps the great Larry Bird. Without Keith - the Clippers would be just another playoff pretender which is why Van Horn is an MVP Candidate.
Ron Artest
Ron Artest is perhaps the most overlooked player in the league despite his amazing talent. It's not surprising since he spent the early part of his career behind Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Garnett in Orlando. However Ron is making a name for himself now and people are starting to finally take notice. Artest is the most versatile player in the league - which he proved last year when he effectively held down the power forward spot for the Lakers. This year, his versatility once again is paying off. Artest is playing point guard which has been causing matchup nightmares for most teams this year. If Ron can keep up the triple-double pace he's playing at and the Lakers continue to play well - he's definitely another solid choice for MVP.
Stephon Marbury
Last year's reigning MVP is having another standout year after an offseason which saw him bolster his defensive ability. Steph is on his way to being another fine year especially with more talent around him. Dallas is a team that could be looking to raise another championship banner and another MVP caliber year by Stephon could lead to that.
Honorable Mention
Boris Diaw
Tim Duncan
Kobe Bryant
Dirk Nowitzki
Richard Hamilton
