The Contenders Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Remember people, this is the MVP, not the player of the year award.
Being the best player on the best team in the league goes a long way into figuring out the not-so-perfect formula for who is MVP. With that being said, it is hard to argue against Nowitzki.
He makes and takes every big shot for Dallas
His numbers are awesome across the board
His name can be found near the top of the efficency ratings
He is the unquestioned leader for his squad
If Dallas keeps up the pace and Nowitzki continues to light it up, the award is his to lose.
Steve Nash, Suns
Enough already Steve. You've proven your point.
Nash's impact on the Suns has been front and center the past two weeks.
With the two-time MVP sporting designer clothes instead of his uniform because of a sore right shoulder, Phoenix went out and lost three straight games. Over the past three seasons, the Suns are 151-49 when he plays and 4-12 when he doesn't. This season they are just 2-4 without him.
Critics said that Nash is a product of the Suns wide-open system. That couldn't be any further from the truth. Nash is the system.
Last I checked, the Suns still trot two All-Stars, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, on to the court each night. That should be good enough to beat the Hawks and Bulls at home and the Sonics on the road.
Without Nash, it wasn't.
Nash is due to return to the lineup against the Clippers tonight. That is a good thing. He has some catching up to do.
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
His shooting percentage is terrible, he plays in the East and his own coach recently questioned his leadership.
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
After a fantastic start to the season, the Lakers have forgotten how to win, dropping five straight and seven of 10.
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Although his team is doing well, James hasn't been the same player since injuring his big toe a few weeks ago.
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Numbers wise, D-Wade deserves to be mentioned next to Nowitzki and Nash. Problem is, the Heat didn't start winning again until Shaquille O'Neal returned to the lineup.
Tracy McGrady, RocketsHe has done all that has been expected of him and then some.
What happens to his stats when Yao returns and will his cranky back force him to miss any more time this season? Close But No Cigar (season averages - last week's rank)
11. Dwight Howard (ORL): 17.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG - (11)
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National Basketball Association, NBA - I LOVE THIS GAME, Part III
