An early assessment of the 2008-2009 NBA MVP candidates.
Though it's obviously too early to make a case for any one player to win the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award, it's not too early to speculate. Plus, such speculation is fun. Keep in mind, though, that MVP candidates typically play on teams that can boast of having one of the league's best record. Here are candidates to consider early on in the season.
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers. Many have argued that James should have won the MVP Award in other years, but his team never had the record to put him over the top. With a 27.6 ppg average to go along with 6.8 rbpg, 6.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.1 bspg, while shooting 51% from the field, James certainly has the stats to claim the award. On top of that, the Cavs are 24-4 and first in the Central Division.
- Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets have been up and down at times, but they're still good enough to boast of the second best record i the Western Conference at 16-8. Paul's been amazing so far this season, averaging 20.2 ppg, 11.7 apg, 5.3 rbpg, 3.2 spg, while shooting 51% from the field and 88% from the line.
- Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic. Howard has established himself as the best center in the NBA, leading the Magic to a 24-6 record. He leads the league in rebounds (13.6 per game) and blocks (3.7 per game), while averaging 19.9 ppg on 55% shooting. His biggest weakness is his Shaq-esque free throwing shooting. He shoots a horrendous 57% from the line.
- Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers. Kobe hasn't been quite as dominant this year as he has in past seasons, but that's mostly because the Lakers haven't needed him to be. Still, he is averaging 26.1 ppg, 5.4 rbpg, 4.2 apg and shooting 47% from the field and 86% from the line. The Lakers lead the Western Conference with a 23-5 record.
Candidates Worth MentioningThese players have been having MVP-like seasons, but simply aren't on good enough teams to make them serious candidates. Whether it's fair or not, the voters tend not to vote for players on sub-par teams.
- Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat. Wade's responsible for the Heat's big turnaround this year. After playing great in the summer Olympics, Wade's averaged 29.0 ppg, 7.0 apg, 5.2 rbpg, 2.2 spg, 1.6 bspg, while shooting 49% from the field. Thought Miami's 15-12 record is much better than last season, it's not enough for Wade to get serious MVP consideration.
- Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets. The Nets are much better than people anticipated, with a record of 14-14. On top of that, Harris is averaging 24.0 ppg, 6.8 apg with great
- Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers. Roy's having a fantastic season, averaging a career high 23.0 ppg, while shooting 47% from the field and 84% from the line. On top of that, he's contributed 4.5 boards and 5.3 assists per game to lead the Blazers to a 19-12 record.
- Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs. Surely Tony Parker may be just as deserving to be mentioned here as Duncan, but missing nine games of 30 is significant. Duncan's averaged a steady 20.7 ppg, 10.4 rbpg, while blocking 1.7 shots per game and shooting 52% from the field to keep the injury-laden Spurs on track for the return of Parker and Manu Ginobili.
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