MVPs Not Named LeBron
Added on Feb 27, 2013 by Scott in
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It seems like a foregone conclusion that LeBron James will win the 2012-13 MVP. And regardless what anyone thinks about him personally, he is by far the NBA’s most dominating force and totally deserving of the award. That said, James and the Heat’s stellar season has overshadowed some tremendous individual efforts from other players who in any other year would be in the thick of the MVP race. Like these four guys.
Chris Paul (Clippers) – CP3 was the best player on the court at the All-Star game, seizing the game’s MVP. When his knee isn’t acting up, he’s been the engine driving the Clippers excellent season. He ranks second in assists and first in steals, and when he’s missing from the lineup the other team from L.A. is average at best. Paul isn’t the offensive threat he once was, but his leadership and defensive skills are invaluable.
Tony Parker (Spurs) – The number one option on the team with the league’s best record, Parker is enjoying his best season as a professional, averaging 21.1 points, 7.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and shooting 53% from the field — the second highest percentage of his career. Like teammate Tim Duncan, Parker isn’t flashy or a self-promoter, but few players can match his uncanny consistency and tireless work ethic.
James Harden (Rockets) – Harden is definitely earning his free agent money this season. He ranks fifth in scoring and is largely responsible for Houston being in contention for a playoff spot is a crowded Western Conference.The 46 he dropped on Oklahoma City a week ago in a 122-119 victory was indicative of how important he is to the Rockets success. There are a handful of players capable of carrying their team to wins on a nightly basis. Harden is one of them.
Carmelo Anthony (Knicks) – Remove Melo from the Knicks and what’s left? Not much in terms of offensive threats. He is second in league scoring and second on the team in rebounding behind Tyson Chandler. It’s easy to attack Anthony for being a gunner, but without his shoot first mentality, the Knicks would be bottom dwelling in the East, not competing for the number two seed.
