MVP Race is One for the Ages: A Six-pack of Candidates

Unlike last season’s MVP race, which basically became a two-man race between eventual winner Steve Nash, and runner-up, Shaquille O’Neal, this season’s race is as wide open and competitive as ever – and the finish could be determined in the last two weeks of the regular season.

While this year’s race will eventually come down to two or three opponents, theoretically, there are six players who could make this MVP showdown one for the ages.

Here’s my six-pack of candidates and the odds I’m giving each to bring home the hardware.

Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers 5:2
All I can say is that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the game right now. I know the Lakers aren’t one of the better teams in the league and some voters may hold that against him, but if Bryant weren’t on the Lakers, this team would probably only win 20 games maximum. He has single-handedly kept the Lakers in the playoff hunt and has amazingly, taken his game to another level. I also love the fact that Bryant loves to play defense and has a competitive streak that is second to none – not even the great MJ.

Steve Nash: Phoenix Suns 3:1
Didn’t I just call Kobe Bryant the best player in the game? God, it’s only been about three minutes since I wrote that and already I’m having second thoughts because of Steve Nash’s greatness. Nash has shown his importance not only to the Suns but the entire league as well. His unselfish, pass-first, I’ll-make-you-a-better-player, style has been nothing short of amazing.

When Nash arrived in Phoenix last season and immediately transformed the Suns into contenders – on the way to winning the MVP award – he helped several teammates to have career years with his nearly unprecedented vision and this season he has proven to be even more valuable to the Suns as he has duplicated his performance from a year ago with a vastly different team form last year’s. The only thing that might keep Nash from winning this award again is the fact that he won it last season and some voters might not want to give it to the same guys two years in a row. Other than that, I wouldn’t have a problem with Nash winning it again.

Chauncey Billups: Detroit Pistons 8:1
I think the voters – who understand the nuances of the game – appreciate Billups’ contributions to the Pistons’ greatness the last couple of years and will vote accordingly. However, the fact that the Pistons are such a good team is going to hurt Billups’ chances in the long run. I know he’s the quarterback on a great team, but is he even the best player on his own team? That question is very debatable. which, in the long run, will get Billups a lot of second through fourth place votes but not enough to win it.

Dirk Nowitzki: Dallas Mavericks 10:1
I’ve always like Dirk, but until he can get the Mavs past the Spurs – and his team has enough talent now – then he will never win this award. I know he’s a 7-foot freak of nature, but once again, he’s just not there yet if you know what I mean. Besides, when I saw 6-5 swingman, Bruce Bowen shut him down like a “Master Lock” two weeks ago in a playoff-type game against the Spurs, I said to myself, ‘No way, Dirk. You can’t let that little man stop you.’ Now, KG would have taken him to the low post and started abusing Bowen, but did Nowitzki? Nope. He just kept trying to out-quick a guy who is much quicker than him. Huh? My point exactly.

Elton Brand: Los Angeles Clippers 12:1
Brand is certainly having a season worthy of the MVP award. His numbers are as good as any big man in the game and he’s helping to drive the Clippers to their first playoff appearance since Jesus walked the earth. Unfortunately, in a conference with both Timmy and KG, Brand may never get his just due. However, another season like this one and the voters may not have any choice but to select Brand. He’s that good.

Paul Pierce: Boston Celtics 15:1
I can’t believe that Danny Ainge was even thinking about trading this guy. All Pierce has done since the all-star break is go absolutely bonkers while helping to resurrect the Celtics slim playoff chances. Like Bryant if Pierce wasn’t carrying the C’s right now, they would probably be in contention for the first pick in the draft. Incredibly, Pierce is leading the Celtics in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. I don’t know whether that is a testament to Pierce’s wonderful all-around game or the lack of a competent big man. Whatever the case, Pierce should get some serious consideration for the award.