Let me preface this post by congratulating Kobe Bryant on his first MVP award. Kobe is (in)arguably the best player in the Association. He’s cutthroat. He can score on anyone at nearly any time. He may be the best perimeter defender in the league. He can, and has, willed his team to victory and very possibly another NBA championship. He’s the closest thing we have to Michael.
There’s a newfound love for Kobe in the air. And I’m okay with it. I have no problem with the best player in the league receiving the award, even though that rarely happens (See: the past three winners of the award or any of the years anyone else in the league won when number 23 was still playing).
Some have claimed that this was a lifetime achievement award for Kobe and that voters granted him the trophy for not having won it in the past (he finished 3rd in both 2002-3 and 2006-7). Regardless, his numbers warranted serious consideration and hence, the MVP … 28 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, 5 assists per game, 46% FG. Lakers management finally surrounded him with talent, Kobe’s game matured and he did a significantly better job of incorporating that talent into his all-around game, and ultimately his team’s success.
This blog does not intend to define what an MVP is. Everyone has their own opinion. It’s a subjective award. Some argue the MVP should go to the best player in the league. In that case, Kobe should have won it. Others argue the MVP should be awarded to the player that is most valuable to his team. In that case, Kobe maybe should have won it. Again, I don’t have a problem with Kobe winning the award. It’s too difficult to deal with hypotheticals and what if’s, for example ‘What if you took Kobe off the Lakers or Garnett off the Celtics.’ We can only judge by what we saw on the floor.
What I DO have a problem with was how lop-sided the voting was. Chris Paul, point guard of the New Orleans Hornets, had a spectacular year. Paul averaged 21 ppg, 4 rpg, 11.6 apg and 2.5 turnovers per game. That equates to a 4.6:1 turnover ratio. By the way, he’s increased that notably in the playoffs (84 assists to 9 turnovers = 9.3:1 a/t ratio). More importantly, for most of the season, Paul had his Hornets competing until the very end for the Western Conference’s best record. They finished second. This is a team that won 18 games three years ago. This is a team that played few home games last season and has considered relocating the franchise due to lack of fan support.
Paul has single-handedly put that team, and its city, on his back and rejuvenated them both. Every time you hear Paul speak about his team’s success, he says he’s doing it for the city and the people of New Orleans as if he’s their guardian angel sent from above. Chris Paul’s season was nothing short of phenomenal and in only his third year in the league, he’s already being compared to Nate Archibald, Kevin Johnson and Isiah Thomas. And NOBODY has a problem with those comparisons.
Now, Kobe garnered 82 of a possible 126 first place votes. Paul received 28 of them. Kevin Garnett and LeBron James split the remainder with 15 and 1, respectively. (Dwight Howard didn’t even receive a first, second or third place vote??) Chris Paul also received four 4TH PLACE VOTES!!!! Let me ask you… what basketball season were these people watching? And should we immediately revoke their voting privileges?
Paul’s intangibles translated on and off the court. As he goes, so go the Hornets… and their entire fan base. And they thought they had it good when they had Baron Davis! Again, I have no problem with the best player in the league winning the award. Kobe’s a worthy champion, but I honestly don’t think the decision this year was as clear cut as the voting indicated. Kobe won that MVP in a landslide. He shouldn’t have.
So again, congratulations to Bryant on winning his first MVP. Either way, it’s clear both would rather have an NBA title than an individual award. Who knows, the way things are going, the Lakers will play the Hornets in the Western Conference Finals. Then we’ll find out who the real MVP is.
I disagree with you REVEREND. The results were exactly as it should have been.
Despite the talent of Chris Paul, he did not "single-handedly put that team, and its city, on his back and rejuvenated them both."
He had the help of the Coach of the Year, Byron Scott, who built a system that could accommodate Paul's talents.
Paul had the budding All-Star David West, who had his best season ever. His consistent play at the power forward position all season long prevented opponents from keying in on Paul.
Paul also had Peja Stojakovic to convert a lot of his passes into assists. YOu can say that Stojakovic, when healthy, is arguably the most dangerous long range shooter in the world.
Paul also had Tyson Chandler, who was brimming with confidence after playing with TEAM USA in the summer, and is vastly improved on defense. Not to mention all those alley-oop opportunities he presented for CP3 and his stellar 12 rebounds per game average to solidify the paint along with West.
As Paul had Scott, Kobe had Phillip. Who would you rather have?
As Paul had West, Kobe had Gasol. Who would you rather have?
As Paul had Peja, Kobe had Odom. Who would you rather have?
As Paul had Chandler, Kobe had Bynum for most of the season. Who would you rather have?
Again, I'm not saying Kobe shouldn't have won it. I just think the voting should have been a touch closer. Heck, that was evident in all the debates we had on the blogosphere about who should win.
Remember, Chandler was horrible on the Bulls. With Paul, he's playing like a man possessed. What's the control in this experiment?
The Hornets came together as a TEAM this year because they didn't have major injuries. That was the key.
And it made CP3 look good. Real good.
He was already an awesome player. But everything came to fruition when they finally had a healthy team.
I think CP3's success is due largely to Byron Scott, who's been a terrific mentor to him.
Another reason why the majority of voters chose Kobe is that Bryant is a more complete package than Paul.
An MVP finds ways to win both on offense and defense.
Yes, Chris Paul led the league in steals but in crucial moments of a playoff game would CP3 be able to guard the opponents best player or best SG or SF? I don't think so.
Kobe can defend a PG, a SG, and SF. Not to mention he averages 2 steals per game and he's a threat to score and get to the line at any time.
That's what defines a most valuable player because an MVP can do it all. And Kobe is a more complete player, not to mention outside shooter as well.
Nonetheless, Paul's accomplishments were big time. But at the same time he had a tremendous amount of help to make his numbers look good.
If Paul weren't surrounded by All-Stars, do you honestly think he could score 50 and will his team to win? I don't think so. But Kobe sure can.
And lastly, before Pau arrived the Lakers were on pace to win 56 games. Then Bynum got hurt and Gasol filled in. And the Lakers still maintained their pace and won 57.
That's all due to Kobe being the leader that he is. He was able to lead his team to where they maintained focus the whole time despite all the roster and mental adjustments that were being made throughout a very unstable Laker year. Not to mention all the injuries to key Laker players.
Otherwise, if L.A. had a full squad they would have won 62-67 games. And I think that's what the voters saw.
Nice to see I set off another Kobe homer. I push the buttons, Dizz.
And since when is the MVP award based on how good a player is defensively. Dirk and Nash have won the last three awards and they can't play a lick of D.
I'm just asking for a little consistency from the voters.
I agree. It was way too lopsided given certain facts. I felt from the voting that they were trying to apologize to and make peace with Kobe and his fans were not voting for him from other years even though he never deserved it those other years.
My opinion, I know many will disagree, should have been Garnett but I don't do the voting. It should been extremely close with Kobe, Paul, and Garnett. That's why I felt insulted by the results that Kobe got 65% of the first place votes.
This season really shows how much the MVP does NOT indicate individual success.
Obviously, basketball is about winning, and Kobe's team won games.
But the fact that LeBron James had a HISTORICAL season individually, as in, only TWO OTHER PEOPLE have done it in the HISTORY OF THE NBA, and he only received ONE FIRST PLACE VOTE (ONLY 1?!?!) really indicates to me that the MVP has little to do with a player's individual contributions and everything to do with being popular and on a really good team.
The only reason I think this is a shame is because the best teams are going to be playing for championships (which mean more anyways) so why have a regular season award if it's just going to probably be given to someone who has a great shot at winning a post-season award?
You don't see this in any other NBA award - whether it's Rookie of the Year, 6th man, Coach of the Year etc. Those awards are simply about individual contributions. The MVP is really starting to feel like the Championship Trophy received for winning the regular season - only in the name of 1 player.
Anyway, Kobe had another great year. It was his turn anyways. However, I'd like to point out that when LeBron James put up the kind of numbers Kobe did this year (last year) he didn't even make 1st team All-NBA!
Tsunami, great point. As I mentioned, voting is inconsistent from year to year. But you're right, being the best player on the best (or one of the best) teams seems to be a common theme.
If they give it to the best player in the league, just keep it consistent. Although in all honesty, with all the talent in the league these days, that's getting more and more difficult to determine.
Reverend Rhythm How ironic is that after a decade in the league Bryant is finally getting the accolade he's so richly deserved. Especially when you consider that in previous years he's put up far more statistically offensive numbers. Is this the NBA writers' form of an apology of having ignored him in the past ? If so it's been a hell of a long time coming !
I've a new post up under this guise titled Under The Radar No More .....! Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece as and when you're ready ? I'll look forward to reading your comments .
rampant' aka tophatal .........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on May 7th at 1:42 PM.
First the Reverend has said all along while we waited to hear that he though CP3 should win. As a Lakers fan first and a Hornet fan second I'm biased for sure and I think it was closer than the voting. Love J-Dizz to death but CP3 is a lot closer to the MVP than either Nash or Dirk was the last 3 years I think. Kobe deserves it however as the Reverend now admits.
Still this was a great debate between the Reverend and the Dizzle and I liked it. Then when it started winding down Tsumani comes firing in with his Lebron flag. LOL I loved it.
The Celtics are led by three player, not one and you could argue that Allen and Pierce were as much or more responsible for Boston's success as KG was.
You can't make that argument for any two players on Paul or Kobe's teams.
LeBron played fantastic but he took a step backward with respects to making his teammates better.
Paul's team was injury free and contrary to popular opinion, he has a TON of talent surrounding him too.
Kobe gets the nod because his team had the best record and he led while playing with a torn tendon in his pinkie finger.
The fact that he played through injury should make him even more valuable. If he hadn't, the Lakers probably wouldn't have made the playoffs.
Having said (written) all of that, I'm surprised Paul didn't receive more first place votes.
"So again, congratulations to Bryant on winning his first MVP. Either way, it’s clear both would rather have an NBA title than an individual award. Who knows, the way things are going, the Lakers will play the Hornets in the Western Conference Finals. Then we’ll find out who the real MVP is."
If that happens, who do you think the REAL MVP will be Rev?
J-Dizzle, I know you are a Kobe homer which is fine. I'll throw a case to show why you are a little off.
Bryon Scott, ok Paul could have improved from him but you can't tell me that Scott is better than Phil Jackson. Kobe has him, a guy with nine rings with 2 different teams on top of that.
I don't know much about West so I won't comment on him.
I like Stojakovic and all but I know he was playing badly the last 2 years. That's why I was excited he started playing good again.
As Rev said, Chandler was not great with Chicago. Sure he was with Team USA, which isn't really an honor now because of previous humilations in the Olympics. Remember, the team they started building in 2006 for the 08' Olympics wasn't done for the best NBA players but the ones that could be the most compatible.
Hoffman, I think Garnett would be more responsible just due to the fact he won Defensive Player of the Year but that's my opinion.
I also never saw the deal about the pinkie finger. It shouldn't have an impact on how anyone's performance what so ever. I just can't see it.
Got to agree Rev, I thought we would see almost a dead heat. The stunner is Howard more then Paul. As good as Bryant, Paul, KG and the King are Dwight Howard has virtually nothing helping him and is a 1 man wrecking machine most nights.
I agree with the Rev and have stated the same on replies to the Lakers blogs.
Dizzle, "It was as it should have been?"
That's an opinion.
Apparently, society has changed so much that Citizenship is no longer an award qualifer.
Citizenship: Of good moral character contributing to the team success.
Kobe was a cancer to the team/NBA during the offseason/early season. Kobe used a boxload of Ginsu knives on the franchise.
I awarded points to CP3.
I'm a Laker fan and I think that Kobe deserved the MVP but I didn't think it would be this close. I don't think it should have been super close but it should have been a bit closer between KB24 and CP3. Lebron did the same thing Kobe did the past few years which is score a lot and not really make your teammates better.
"Chandler was horrible on the Bulls. With Paul, he's playing like a man possessed. What's the control in this experiment?"
The control is Byron Scott. You pose the question regarding the coaches.
Some coaches mesh better with some players than others. Scott has proven he can take young teams with talent to the promised land. That's what he did in NJ and that's why he is a good fit in NO. Byron would not have done what Phil has done with the Lakers and vice versa because the Lakers roster was built to accommodate the triangle.
"As Paul had West, Kobe had Gasol. Who would you rather have?" It depends on the makeup of the rest of the team.
"As Paul had Peja, Kobe had Odom. Who would you rather have?" It depends on the makeup of the rest of the team. If it were the Kobe-Shaq Lakers, I'd take Peja.
"As Paul had Chandler, Kobe had Bynum for most of the season. Who would you rather have?" He did not have Bynum for most of the season. Andrew has missed 50+ games.
I can see where you're coming from REV. It seems that it should be closer because New Orleans came out and just shocked the world with their excellent season.
But in reality, most GM's (at least 75% of them) right now would probably take Kobe over Paul if you ask them who they would build their team around.
And let's just say the Lakers make quick work of the Hornets in the West Finals, would your opinion change about how far apart the disparity was between the votes?
REVEREND: YES, I am aware you said you're "not saying Kobe shouldn't have won the award, right?"
It seems like I'm going off on you but I'm not.
I definitely see your point.
But in support of Kobe's voters, I have to point out what I believe influenced their opinion because all those other people blogging saying that CP3 should have won it really don't know what they're talking about. They're basing it on stats between Kobe and CP3 alone, when in fact MVP is not based solely on individual statistical accomplishments otherwise Lebron would have won it.
You're right. The MVP was never based on how good a player is defensively. But I brought up the example of Kobe being able to guard numerous positions because my point is that a real MVP should be able to do EVERYTHING needed for his team to win. That's the true definition of MOST VALUABLE.
That's why Dirk and Nash, although winners of the award, have never won squat. They can't do everything needed for their team to win. They're fake MVPs.
I agree that Paul is the player he is because of Scott, but so is Kobe because of Phil, so that's a wash.
Gasol over West any day of the week. The makeup of the teams are as they are. No hypotheticals or ifs, remember.
Odom over Peja on THIS Laker team. Shaq plays for the Suns, or currently the Phoenix police force.
I'll give you that Bynum's season was incomplete but he was a force while in the lineup. You'd still have to side with Bynum over Chandler if starting a franchise.
I do agree that most GMs would take Kobe, although the mere fact that you said at least 75% would says something for Paul's talent.
And I also agree that the Lakers are the better team. We should get to see plenty of minutes where Kobe GUARDS Paul. Talk about must see tv.
Look, the playoffs are so good and each respective conference finals will be even better, that if the NBA postseason were on PAY PER VIEW, I'd pay per view.
Like always, great debating and talkin hoops with you.
DEHBASHI: "the team they started building in 2006 for the 08' Olympics wasn't done for the best NBA players but the ones that could be the most compatible."
Precisely. Key word - compatible. Why do you think TYSON CHANDLER is doing so well? Because his style of play fits perfectly with Paul's style of play and it has made Chandler a solid player.
And compatibility is the same reason Tyson could not fit in Chicago. For one, he was young and undeveloped as a center. In this league it takes a solid 4-5 years for centers to really find their niche in the game.
Secondly, Tyson did not have a coach who could utilize his talents in Chicag not to mention a great PG. You put Tyson alongside D-Williams, Andre Miller or Steve Nash and he would catch just as many alley-oops.
well....I think Kobe was the MVP of the league. But CP3 was MVP to his team. I don't think that's the same thing. Kobe makes everyone else play better around him. LBJ and CP3 don't....yet.
Compare all you want. I'll even compare Lebron's year to that of Kobe's 2002-2003 year
Lebron 30 points 8 rbds 7 asst. 48%
Kobe 2002-2003 30 points 7 rbds 6 assts 45%
One rebound more (with Kobe being a guard) and One more assist in which (Kobe wasnt the only ball handler in the triangle.
One HUGE DIFERENCE!
Kobe was A 1ST TEAM ALL NBA DEFENDER that year.
So of course even though lebron had a phenominal year. Kobe's 2002-2003 was better. And Kobe was only 24.
And if it makes you feel better. Kobe didnt win the MVP that year. And Kobe's team won 5 more games than the Cavs that season playing in the Varsity Conference.
Since you're talking about "individual" play.
I'll bet you what ever. Lebron "IS NOT ON THE 1ST TEAM ALL DEFENSE" this season.
So I ask you. Who had a better season. Lebron's
30 points 8 rbds 7 assts. 48%
Or 2002-2003 Kobe's
30 points 7 rbds 6 assts. 45% 1st Team All Defense
Which one?
I ask all of you which one? Remember Tsunami said "individual".
Worst....and Tsunami....you both claim the award to be given to the most popular player on a great team. Is Nowitski, Nash, or Duncan (a combined 6 MVP's) really all that popular. I see more Bryant, James, and Jordan jersey's than anyone else. When the Lakers won 3 straight rings a few years ago, they had the 2 best players in the league on the same team and garnered just 1 MVP between them. Just food for thought. I guess the PER thing didn't work out to well. The name of the game is to win.............
Turn-ons: Gator national championships ; Sushi; NBA Playoffs; A Tribe Called Quest; Women; Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels while eating sushi; Women who dream of more Gator national championships while eating sushi and drinking Jack Daniels during basketball season, The Red Zone Report
Turn-offs: Waking up early; The inevitable media coverage Bobby Bowden will get when he finally retires; Drama; Prejudice; Chicken liver; Work of any sort
