Comments on: Handicapping the NBA’s Heated MVP Race http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/ The season's over. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:46:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Joejacobi http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10506 Joejacobi Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:05:46 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10506 Chris Paul is just tough, he's amazing to watch - he is relentless, makes great decisions regularly. He's already got the respect from the refs as he gets away with a ton of stuff defensively(i.e Bruce Bowen). He makes his Teammates better (like another western PG, name sounds like cash)by getting them the ball at the right time at the right spot. His jumper is suspect though, sure he can get hot BUT when the playoffs come around and opposing teams hone in on his strengths during a series we may see a frustrated young pg. Not my MVP but top 5 for sure. Chris Paul is just tough, he’s amazing to watch – he is relentless, makes great decisions regularly. He’s already got the respect from the refs as he gets away with a ton of stuff defensively(i.e Bruce Bowen). He makes his Teammates better (like another western PG, name sounds like cash)by getting them the ball at the right time at the right spot. His jumper is suspect though, sure he can get hot BUT when the playoffs come around and opposing teams hone in on his strengths during a series we may see a frustrated young pg. Not my MVP but top 5 for sure.

]]> By: Chris http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10505 Chris Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:40:35 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10505 I think it comes down to LBJ, Kobe, or CP3. LBJ has the best all-around stats. Kobe has the second best all-around stats and is on probably the best team, and CP3 made David West and Tyson Chandler into All-Stars. I agree with both guys top 5, but seriously, Duncan IMO is a little too high. I would put Deron Williams at 6, and then Duncan. I also have a problem with Nash in Andrews while Deron isn't in it. Willaims has been more valuable to his team this year than Nash has been to his. I think it comes down to LBJ, Kobe, or CP3.

LBJ has the best all-around stats. Kobe has the second best all-around stats and is on probably the best team, and CP3 made David West and Tyson Chandler into All-Stars.

I agree with both guys top 5, but seriously, Duncan IMO is a little too high. I would put Deron Williams at 6, and then Duncan. I also have a problem with Nash in Andrews while Deron isn’t in it. Willaims has been more valuable to his team this year than Nash has been to his.

]]> By: HurricaneKid http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10475 HurricaneKid Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:04:48 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10475 This is the best NBA season I can remember in years. With the logjam in the West every game has counted and the play has been outstanding. This year we have four candidates that are all more deserving than anyone in the past 2-3 years. This is the best NBA season I can remember in years. With the logjam in the West every game has counted and the play has been outstanding. This year we have four candidates that are all more deserving than anyone in the past 2-3 years.

]]> By: Greg H http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10474 Greg H Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:16:46 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10474 I gotta go with Chris Paul here - he may not put up the points that Kobe and LeBron put up, but his contributions in assists and steals (and on the defensive end in general) more than make up for what those two do. He's the best at getting everyone involved and maxing out all of the contributions from the role players. I gotta go with Chris Paul here – he may not put up the points that Kobe and LeBron put up, but his contributions in assists and steals (and on the defensive end in general) more than make up for what those two do. He’s the best at getting everyone involved and maxing out all of the contributions from the role players.

]]> By: HurricaneKid http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10473 HurricaneKid Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:08:03 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10473 Chris Paul has been incredible this year. David West was an All-Star and Tyson Chandler was finally made a man all because of CP3. It is criminal how overlooked he has been. In a normal season he should win but this isn't a normal season. Kobe Bryant is probably the best all-around player since Jordan and in his 12th season it is crazy that he has never won an MVP. He is not only the most graceful offensive player in the league; he is also the teams defensive stopper. Every game he defends the opposing team's best player. Nobody since Jordan has excelled at doing that the way he has. And now he has positioned his team to be the favorite to win the NBA championship. LBJ changes the game more than any player in the league. At 260 pounds he is faster and stronger than anyone at his position the game has ever seen. Watching teams play against the Cavs is completely different than watching them play anyone else. Off ball defenders cheat so much to LB that it appears he has 2-3 people guarding him at all times. It is reminiscent of how teams guarded Jordan early in his career. Only LB avg 7.5 assists a game. And with his strength manages to pull down 8 boards a game. The team around him would be the worst in the league without him. It is criminal that he has been forced to carry that sad sack team by himself. Still, in games he has played in they are 35-20 and that is with serious injuries and holdouts to contend with. I just went to a Cavs game and sat courtside just so I could watch this man go about his work. He is currently shooting .535 from below the arc. It is going to be criminal for either LBJ or Kobe to get through this season and not win an MVP. Lets just take Dirk's from last year or Nash's second from two years ago and give it to whoever doesn't win. Chris Paul has been incredible this year. David West was an All-Star and Tyson Chandler was finally made a man all because of CP3. It is criminal how overlooked he has been. In a normal season he should win but this isn’t a normal season.

Kobe Bryant is probably the best all-around player since Jordan and in his 12th season it is crazy that he has never won an MVP. He is not only the most graceful offensive player in the league; he is also the teams defensive stopper. Every game he defends the opposing team’s best player. Nobody since Jordan has excelled at doing that the way he has. And now he has positioned his team to be the favorite to win the NBA championship.

LBJ changes the game more than any player in the league. At 260 pounds he is faster and stronger than anyone at his position the game has ever seen. Watching teams play against the Cavs is completely different than watching them play anyone else. Off ball defenders cheat so much to LB that it appears he has 2-3 people guarding him at all times. It is reminiscent of how teams guarded Jordan early in his career. Only LB avg 7.5 assists a game. And with his strength manages to pull down 8 boards a game. The team around him would be the worst in the league without him. It is criminal that he has been forced to carry that sad sack team by himself. Still, in games he has played in they are 35-20 and that is with serious injuries and holdouts to contend with. I just went to a Cavs game and sat courtside just so I could watch this man go about his work. He is currently shooting .535 from below the arc.

It is going to be criminal for either LBJ or Kobe to get through this season and not win an MVP. Lets just take Dirk’s from last year or Nash’s second from two years ago and give it to whoever doesn’t win.

]]> By: geoff http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10466 geoff Sat, 08 Mar 2008 09:22:54 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10466 i think its kobe's time to be named mvp..he's been the best player on the best team on the tight western conference.. and lebron 4 mvp?!oh come on..if you will only look on the stats to name the mvp, kobe should have been the mvp every year of his career. LAKERS-CELTICS in the finals LAKERS CHAMPIONS..KOBE MVP! i think its kobe’s time to be named mvp..he’s been the best player on the best team on the tight western conference..
and lebron 4 mvp?!oh come on..if you will only look on the stats to name the mvp, kobe should have been the mvp every year of his career.
LAKERS-CELTICS in the finals
LAKERS CHAMPIONS..KOBE MVP!

]]> By: Joejacobi http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10460 Joejacobi Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:12:07 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10460 Kyle, I have to agree with you - Manu is playing great this year, best ever. He's the guy they go to finish games, he's the guy that IS the leader in the locker room (players on the Spurs continually talk about this). He may not be league MVP but is certainly above most players on either list...unfortunately (well, not really but he's a great teammate) he has one of the greatest power forwards of all time on his team so he is sometimes forgotten about. My MVP pick thus far (not it's not NASH - that was for Real and six...lol) would be Kobe with LB a very close 2nd. Kobe gets the nod because he's in the West - I think both guys have had to put up with team injuries/obstacles and flourished throughout. Kyle, I have to agree with you – Manu is playing great this year, best ever. He’s the guy they go to finish games, he’s the guy that IS the leader in the locker room (players on the Spurs continually talk about this). He may not be league MVP but is certainly above most players on either list…unfortunately (well, not really but he’s a great teammate) he has one of the greatest power forwards of all time on his team so he is sometimes forgotten about.
My MVP pick thus far (not it’s not NASH – that was for Real and six…lol) would be Kobe with LB a very close 2nd. Kobe gets the nod because he’s in the West – I think both guys have had to put up with team injuries/obstacles and flourished throughout.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10455 Ryan Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:24:58 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10455 Antoine, maybe I should have said "starting five" instead of "full lineup." I know the Lakers have had the injury bug too, but the Cavs have had it with all of their starters and for significant time and it wasn't long after Bynum went down that LA got Pau. Hey..maybe we'll have co MVPs this year. They both deserve it. Antoine, maybe I should have said “starting five” instead of “full lineup.” I know the Lakers have had the injury bug too, but the Cavs have had it with all of their starters and for significant time and it wasn’t long after Bynum went down that LA got Pau. Hey..maybe we’ll have co MVPs this year. They both deserve it.

]]> By: Harold http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10450 Harold Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:56:03 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10450 Lets change it up and give the MVP to the Memphis GM for handing the lakers Pau. Thanks for another ring! All joking aside Kobe deserves it but Queen James will get it. Lets change it up and give the MVP to the Memphis GM for handing the lakers Pau. Thanks for another ring! All joking aside Kobe deserves it but Queen James will get it.

]]> By: REALESTVOICE http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10447 REALESTVOICE Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:01:06 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10447 well, i guess i have to chip in here....very factual column...i have to agree, almost agree...im not going to list my top ten or whatever because that would take forever...but i will say this...i really do believe the race is only down to 2 people now, King James and Kobe....but i do think that team success plays a big part in this...the Lakers record (which honestly surprised me so far this year) and the Cavs trying to hang in there just wont cut it...Nobody here or on any other website or newspaper or magazine can tell me that they thought Boston would have the best record in the NBA this season...nobody knew about the trades coming up but it happened, and even after that, nobody thought they would blend together but it happened...Boston is just way too strong this year and i have to be biased and push Garnett...his move made the biggest difference in the NBA this year..YES i know Pierce and Allen are on the team also and i believe thats the reason KG wont get this...because most people will think that hes not the real reason Boston is killing everyone this year because he was injured and the Celts still won games...well i guess we just have to wait and see... CP3 has been amazing this year but i wouldnt place him that high up...to place him ahead of Garnett or Howard doesnt look right....i guess im just old school and just think that he hasnt paid his dues long enough yet...LOLOL.... personally, i think Baron Davis is doing great this year and he should be in there but Nash and Dirk? Andrew, whats goin on? not even close on those 2....Dirk, maybe top 10, NASH? well, i guess u can call me a hater...LOLOL...but i am glad 2 see that someone is actually recognizing Pierce even though by his usual standards his numbers are way down....i guess when your team is winning you start looking better... The post is well written though...much props and respect to you guys... well, i guess i have to chip in here….very factual column…i have to agree, almost agree…im not going to list my top ten or whatever because that would take forever…but i will say this…i really do believe the race is only down to 2 people now, King James and Kobe….but i do think that team success plays a big part in this…the Lakers record (which honestly surprised me so far this year) and the Cavs trying to hang in there just wont cut it…Nobody here or on any other website or newspaper or magazine can tell me that they thought Boston would have the best record in the NBA this season…nobody knew about the trades coming up but it happened, and even after that, nobody thought they would blend together but it happened…Boston is just way too strong this year and i have to be biased and push Garnett…his move made the biggest difference in the NBA this year..YES i know Pierce and Allen are on the team also and i believe thats the reason KG wont get this…because most people will think that hes not the real reason Boston is killing everyone this year because he was injured and the Celts still won games…well i guess we just have to wait and see…

CP3 has been amazing this year but i wouldnt place him that high up…to place him ahead of Garnett or Howard doesnt look right….i guess im just old school and just think that he hasnt paid his dues long enough yet…LOLOL…. personally, i think Baron Davis is doing great this year and he should be in there but Nash and Dirk? Andrew, whats goin on? not even close on those 2….Dirk, maybe top 10, NASH? well, i guess u can call me a hater…LOLOL…but i am glad 2 see that someone is actually recognizing Pierce even though by his usual standards his numbers are way down….i guess when your team is winning you start looking better…

The post is well written though…much props and respect to you guys…

]]> By: Brian Spencer http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10442 Brian Spencer Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:21:40 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10442 That is one stupid f-up on my part. Thanks for pointing it out--fixed. That is one stupid f-up on my part. Thanks for pointing it out–fixed.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/comment-page-1/#comment-10441 Ryan Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:14:10 +0000 http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/07/handicapping-the-nbas-heated-mvp-race/#comment-10441 This is the 3rd or 4th legitimate, knowledgeable blog, that I've seen refer to Deron Williams as a '2nd year' point guard at some time this season. I know his rookie season was somewhat overshadowed by Chris Paul's... but come one! This is the 3rd or 4th legitimate, knowledgeable blog, that I’ve seen refer to Deron Williams as a ‘2nd year’ point guard at some time this season.

I know his rookie season was somewhat overshadowed by Chris Paul’s… but come one!

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