2005-6 NBA MVP;
Crazy side note; Marc Cuban gave out American Airline vouchers to all 19K fans who attended the Mavs/Clips “fan appreciation” game last night. Now he is an incredible owner who truly knows the value of the fan, as well as the publicity such a move makes. Regardless of intention, those lucky fucks get a 60 win team and a flight to Seattle. To contrast this with my own NBA “fan appreciation” experience, I attended the Sixers/Nets game on Tuesday night, and I know I’ve already ranted about the disgusting excuse for an event that I witnessed that night, but I wanted to comment on the marketing strategy of these two very different franchises. The Sixers gave out, during the second quarter, a coupon for a Chik Fil-A sandwich and a sixers cereal bowl, valid only until halftime. What a fucking joke, this move is a good indicator of team success and direction, and since Croce we have had no class as an organization, none; “So I get a shitty plastic bowl and a chicken sandwich, both of which expire in 20 minutes and I have to go to the second floor with the poor people and wait for 12 minutes.” Give me a no look handy from a dancer, or even hip hop, let me sit on the sideline seats where Webber and AI should have been, let me play for 2 minutes since you seem to let any asshole who is 6ft+ get some run, let me tackle an usher, let me do a half time show, fuck, let me do anything except wait in line for a shitty fried chicken sandwich with Tina from Tasker and Jamaal from the five duece. All props and respect due to the Christian based powerhouse that is Chik Fil-A, they make a mean chicken yo, but for the 90 buck tickets (that my parents buy) you think I can get some fucking love y’all?
It's not obscene or crazy, but I find this really funny
MVP talk; No dice Kobe
I love the NBA MVP award. It is the only relevant and meaningful MVP award. Baseball's joke is that they hand out two of them, which is fucking ridiculous and removes any credibility to the distinction. The NFL has separate defense and offense, plus the way it is given out lacks any appeal, much like the pro bowl, it lacks sexiness and meaning. The NBA award however is the greatest since it’s often a several player race that can be argued as the season ends. Statistics and wins certainly play a huge role in the evaluation of the award, but several intangibles exist in the evalutation process in my opinion. For example some players are given that one year in their career when seemingly everything works, their team is contending and they are performing at their peak. Iverson, Kidd or even Nash are examples of players whose MVP seasons were in essence their best years they will ever have. Some players such as Kobe, Duncan, Shaq and now LeBron are to be considered almost every season that they put up 70+ games. But there is an intangible air to a player who is doing his best ever for just that year, lightning in a bottle type shit. Another intangible to consider is the contention clause; most every MVP has been on a true contender, a team widely considered atleast a valid threat for the title, at the least they are on teams that dominated their division and competed for their conference titles. Look it up, almost every MVP has been on a solid 50+ win team that made the league consider them as a threat. These intangibles are the very reason why I love to discuss this award every year. The most important and often disregarded immeasurable factor that makes an MVP is leadership. An MVP was the leader, identity and character of the team he lead that particular season. It makes you evaluate a player’s worthiness in several categories, and it is one of the few awards that often gets it right.
These are true perennial MVPs, Kobe is not among them yet
I've seen far too many MVP articles dissect the top candidate’s faults and merits result in Kobe as the 2006 MVP. If he does win it would mark the first time since 1981-2 that a player on a sub 50 win team would achieve the distinction. Moses Malone won it in 82 having carried a sorry pre-dream Rockets club to 46 wins literally on his back. He averaged 31 and 15, with a crazy 7 offensive boards a game. His numbers and clutch play lead to him deserving the award. For a player to win the MVP with out substantial team success requires extraordinary individual accomplishment. This very premise is how “journalists” everywhere are awarding Kobe the trophy. Even the Sports Guy, who I respect and emulate, bestowed the only meaningful league MVP in sports onto Kobe. “81” and even the 62 he dropped in 3 quarters are incredible feats, numbers few players in the world could ever put up. I just can’t rationalize giving someone an MVP award on a 7th seed team, when that player is partly responsible for both their lack of success and the lack of talent on the roster. Kobe personally accounted for at minimum 20 wins this year, the current Lakers roster is dog cock and would project as a 30 win team with out him. Only that’s true for most any playoff team; remove their single best player and expect a drastic change in the win/loss column. Take Dirk, King James, Wade, Gilbert, Melo or Gasol off of their teams and see what would happen. They may still be competitive, but no where near the threat that they are with their franchise players. I’ve seen many MVP breakdowns use Kobe’s worth to the Lakers as a testament to his greatness, I find that too broad of a measurement.
You see, Kobe is a world class ego (another way of saying asshole). A super star in the truest sense, and not in an entirely positive way, Kobe defines himself by his personal accomplishments. The man has definitely practiced his acceptance award in front of the mirror. I can not give the award to a player who I believe helped dismantle a dynasty. He wanted to prove that he could lead a team all by himself, sans Shaq and the veterans. Two summers ago he used his free agency as a vehicle to create the current Lakers; a team defined by and revolving around his talents. Rewarding Kobe for taking this Lakers squad to the playoffs is like giving the annual northwest sales plaque to a shithead Tacoma sales manager who fires his top salesman but still can keep the office running. He wanted to show the world he could work with nothing and still compete, and he has, but he can not contend. In no way is this Lakers team special or threatening. Despite his potent game, I doubt many teams fear the match up this post season, its not a regular season game against the Raptors, this is the minutia of playoff basketball, and the Lakers have far too many holes to make any run. It comes down to the leadership index; is Kobe a leader? Do his teammates learn from and respect him? They may in some ways, but I truly believe they fear and watch him, they watch in amazement and they fear getting in his way. This team is not very good, not for two years at least, not until they can amass enough cap money to sign a max free agent. Until then it will be the Kobe and the goonsquad show, second billing to a more worthy candidate just on the other side of the wall in Brand and the Clipshow. So here are the top 10 candidates for MVP, I guess its kind of obvious who won’t get the top spot;
The Finalists;
10. Gilbert Arenas; This kid put up 29 and 6apg on 45% shooting. He carried his team on most nights while proving to be an elite streak scorer. I saw him put up19 straight for the Wiz last week. His second fiddle; Jamison, is among the leagues streakiest players himself, and often goes on several game stretches of crack play. For one the man’s name is Gilbert, and he has not only overcome the name, he has made it acceptable. He’s not a complete player yet, as his 3.5 rebounds and high turnovers suggest, but he’s well on his way to selling out Arenas everywhere. (gay but cool)
Good work Shawn; she loves you for you
9. Marion; He is an elite talent, capable of taking over any game. No other player in the world can contribute in so many categories. AK is popularly considered the leagues true 5x5 threat (blocks, steals, assists, points, rebounds), but it is Marion who actually deserves that distinction. His numbers speak for themselves; 22ppg 12rpg 1.7bpg 2spg with 1.2 threes on 52% shooting. He, not Nash has carried the load for the Suns. With Amare out all season and Kurt Thomas missing the final two months Marion has defended the basket and rebounded on the interior with little help. For as revered as Nash is, he can be completely dominated by his opponent; I saw J Kidd hold him scoreless in nearly 30 minutes of burn on 3/27. Nash is a wonderful point guard who can make his whole team better, which is the hallmark of a great player, only his defense is below average for a starting point and that alone leaves him off this list. Can he guard Tony Parker or even Jason Terry when it comes down to it? I don’t believe he can. If you asked me to pick a point for one season, it would not be Nash, it would have to be Kidd. So for all those who regard Nash as the top point in the league, remember that Kidd took his paints down in March and let him know who the realest is. Marion however is the most exciting player on the most exciting team in basketball. They are like the Rams of the NBA, only without the rings. If Amare is back to full force next season they may get some for themselves. They should dismantle the Lakers, despite Kobe’s heroics; the Suns will only lose once in the series.
Pooh Bear got shot up, but he still be rollin (Stop Snitching!)
8. Melo; He took his game to new heights this season. He became the most lethal late game scorer in the league, hitting 7 game winning/tying shots in 2006 alone. His efficiency is impressive as well, improving his fg% by 5 points to 48% on 26.5 per. He also bangs LaLa from MTV and co-owns an IRL team now. His marketing image is now recovering from the repercussions of the “stop snitching dvd” that he participated in. Expect big things from him on and off the court as he grows and Kiki begins to address the team’s holes this summer. Despite a team riddled with injury prone players and the absolute worst shooting talent in the league, Melo has lead them to a division title. Whether it’s the east coast bias or the lack of a true basketball market in Denver, Melo is still somehow underrated. He is not mentioned in the same breath as Lebron and Wade. Maybe its because his game isn’t as flashy and exciting, it’s certainly just as brilliant and effective. I fear for the Nuggets in the playoffs though, facing the vastly improved Clippers and starting on the road no less. Just don’t be surprised when you see Melo hit some game winners in the next few weeks and watch as the national press elevates him to the status he truly deserves.
Despite my assertion that she has a cavern of a cock warmer, she is still a looker
7. Jason Kidd; He is the least celebrated elite player in basketball. Left off the all star team and left off all of the MVP lists I’ve read this season, Kidd is truly the most slept on talent in the league. He isn’t doing much different than his “MVP” level seasons. He is a constant trip double threat who elevates his teammate’s games. He is the real reason Vince is back, he is the reason the Nets won 49 games despite no frontcourt presence at all, and a thin bench. He is their leader in assists, steals, rebounds and three point shooting. A player who is the top player at his position who takes a shallow team to the 3rd seed deserves high praise. With all the failure and dissention on the Knicks, Kidd and the Nets have quietly put together another stellar season in the New York area.
6. Tim Duncan; He should be hire up on this list, but his supporting cast is so stellar and deep. Plus the 5 guys ahead of him are more deserving this season. He is an ultimate gamer, playing 80 games on basically one good leg. He never complains or deflects criticisms, he only wins. His team is stacked and poised for some more rings. Adding Finley and Van Exel to and already champion roster is impressive. Tony P and Manu are both all star caliber players. With Parker becoming an incredibly efficient scorer (third in the league in points in the paint), and Manu creating havoc on both ends, Duncan has incredible support. He’s not exciting or controversial, but he is near diabolical when it comes to winning. Not many realize how competitive and serious he is, he will be regarded as a top 5 player of all time when his career ends.
It somehow fits in there; her father shivers every time, no matter where he is
I know it’s controversial and uncommon to leave Chauncey off this list. I do believe that he has had a great season. I also feel his impact on his team’s success is great, but I do not believe him to be an MVP. No more than I believe that Ben and Rasheed are, or even the unheralded Rip. All four of these players are crucial elements to their success. I don’t believe in the theory that you need to reward an individual when a team is dominant. The Pistons are a team in the greatest sense; their mantra is based on the idea that the core players are all capable of leading and contributing. Their true reward will come in June, when they will be battling for the only trophy that matters.
5. Wade; For a large part of the season I considered Wade among the real MVP nominees. He is a high scoring, high flying assassin who brings it every night. His 28 and 7apg on 50 % shooting is incredible. This new trio of stars (melo/lj/dwyane) are truly well rounded players, all shooting around the 50% mark. The resurgence of Shaq’s game and the Heat’s inability to dominate teams in a weak conference lead me to lower my ranking of Wade this year. He is a remarkable talent that will contend for this award for years to come. It will be interesting to see the transition that takes place as it becomes clear that the Heat are Wade’s team, not Shaqs.
The best action hero in LA
4. Brand; Elton has had a true career year. Finally the Clips are relevant and inspired. For so long Brand has been an undervalued commodity; a dominant defensive big man with an elite post skill set. Name a better true power forward, and I mean that in the most elemental old school sense. Not a hybrid forward like KG or Dirk, or a center/forward like Duncan, but a true back to the basket mean motherfucker. A star power forward should rebound score and defend, be your nastiest and most consistent force, a player in the mold of Karl Malone. Brand is now a 25 and 10 man, with an elite 2.5 blocks. The Clippers are a team no one wants to match up with in the playoffs, and Brand is the main reason for that fear.
The Holy Los Angeles trinity; teeth bleaching, infidelity and a whore dress
3. Kobe; This is where he truly belongs; third. Deal with that shit Kobe. He is not an MVP in any sense of the word. Break that shit down; most valuable, it requires that your team is successful and that you are the major force in that success. 45 wins with that roster is impressive, but I do not believe that he is the main reason for that success. Switch Kobe out with say Wade or even Ray Allen, I still see them at 500 or better. The reason for that in my mind is Phil Jackson. For as prolific as Kobe has been this season, and he has been nuts; 35per is a rare feat (even with the fucked up hand check rules), Phil is a world class coach who can get production out of unlikely sources. PJ made Smush Parker a lot of money this season, forced Odom to be consistant and helped redeem the wasteful career of Kwame. An MVP makes his team better, he is not only measured on his incredible individual feats, rather he is rewarded for his team’s success as well. There is a reason that no player has won the award in 24 years on a team with sub 50, it’s because team success is an integral part of the award. Kobe is just as responsible for their losses as he is their wins, he helped create that roster whether he admits it or not. That team is years from being important. He may very well win this award, which would be fitting; Kobe can sit with it on his coach, cuddling it alone, watching the second round from his wildly expensive couch and television.
A true Classic
2. LeBron; I honestly considered him at 1 since his complete floor game is so rare and becoming legendary. He is greatness, legend. So young, but so damn smart and savvy. His numbers jump off the screen; he is a living triple double, and not a 13 point trip double ala Kidd or a 19 pointer like the 90's Payton, he is a 33 point trip double. People discuss him among the likes of Oscar and Magic, because the list is truly that short. He is the rare case of reality exceeding hype. I’ve read many articles about him and his unfolding greatness. One very good piece discussed his strength and power. Bill Simmons described a play he saw that exhibited the freakish power of King James. I also witnessed a similar play that illustrates his unique power, at the Cavs Sixers game in November he not only put up a trip double (with 36 points no less), but did one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen; In the second quarter I believe, he got the ball on the wing almost out of bounds, Iggy was attempting to look assertive and LeBron gave a quick head fake and began to drive to his left, he shed Andre quickly and without regard, making Iggy look weak and inferior, then he picked up his dribble right outside the paint and went to the air for a lay in, as he leapt Webber and Stephen Hunter attempted to foul him, knowing he was going to score if left alone. Webber did that really lazy bullshit foul he does where he throws both arms on the player while never actually leaving his feat himself, either way Webber is strong and his foul was meant to keep Bron on the ground, as he jumped however he began to shed Webber’s arms, while Hunter grabbed his shoulder to bring him down. With his right arm Lebron lifted the ball and gently layed it in. I mean, he made it look easy, and these two pot head losers were hacking the shit out him, it was a clear and forceful attempt at preventing a lay up, but LeBron didn’t even flinch. In full stride he broke their hold and drove through them, it wasn’t something that LeBron seemed to mind, his strength and speed allow him to do these things. It’s moments like that one that make you realize how great he is. Add this to the fact that his team is dog shit; big Z is a detriment to his game, slowing down the pace that LJ accels at, the bench is weak and the offseason signings have not made the predicted impact (Hughes gets a pass, but Damon and Marshall are simply overpaid). All this considered he won 50 and carried the load every single night, and didn't even have his second talent available to him (could Kobe have done this without Odom for 60 games?). He is barely 21 and is set to dominate for the next 12-14 years. The only thing holding him back is his team and time; with time he will elevate everyone around him, and his team will furiously try to accommodate his growth, fearing the loss of his talents. He was very close on this one, but he’ll have many to come.
1. Dirk Diggler; He has all the criteria met; Winner=60 games, Stats=26.6ppg, 9rpg 48% from the field and 40% from three, Leadership and Value to his team= He is by far the best player on his team. He is always the player they look to in the clutch, and his game allows his teammates to stay involved in every game. He is also fun to watch, has an array of rainbow jumpers, running dunks and back to the basket fade away bank shots that only a handful of players can pull off. He is the best big man shooter in the game, possibly ever. Name a 7 footer who has a game like his; name any player who is tall, blonde, german and named Dirk. He is a cartoon character, a rare talent from a small German town that without the Mavs dope international scouting team would be the tallest pastry chef in the world. I could go on about Dirk for hours. He is more than anything else a winner. He is a player who was traded for Tractor Traylor in the draft (that Bucks GM deserves to be brutally beaten by the way, and the Sixers took Hughes one pick before him, also leaving Paul Pierce on the board). The hallmark of the international players’ ascent in the NBA, Dirk is the 2006 MVP. He is elite, and you have to think that this is the best this Mavs team will be, and that’s not a slight or a sad point, it’s just my opinion, that Dirk is at his peak; a time where his game and his team are truly elite.
Dirk ultimately won
Crazy side note; Marc Cuban gave out American Airline vouchers to all 19K fans who attended the Mavs/Clips “fan appreciation” game last night. Now he is an incredible owner who truly knows the value of the fan, as well as the publicity such a move makes. Regardless of intention, those lucky fucks get a 60 win team and a flight to Seattle. To contrast this with my own NBA “fan appreciation” experience, I attended the Sixers/Nets game on Tuesday night, and I know I’ve already ranted about the disgusting excuse for an event that I witnessed that night, but I wanted to comment on the marketing strategy of these two very different franchises. The Sixers gave out, during the second quarter, a coupon for a Chik Fil-A sandwich and a sixers cereal bowl, valid only until halftime. What a fucking joke, this move is a good indicator of team success and direction, and since Croce we have had no class as an organization, none; “So I get a shitty plastic bowl and a chicken sandwich, both of which expire in 20 minutes and I have to go to the second floor with the poor people and wait for 12 minutes.” Give me a no look handy from a dancer, or even hip hop, let me sit on the sideline seats where Webber and AI should have been, let me play for 2 minutes since you seem to let any asshole who is 6ft+ get some run, let me tackle an usher, let me do a half time show, fuck, let me do anything except wait in line for a shitty fried chicken sandwich with Tina from Tasker and Jamaal from the five duece. All props and respect due to the Christian based powerhouse that is Chik Fil-A, they make a mean chicken yo, but for the 90 buck tickets (that my parents buy) you think I can get some fucking love y’all?
It's not obscene or crazy, but I find this really funny
MVP talk; No dice Kobe
I love the NBA MVP award. It is the only relevant and meaningful MVP award. Baseball's joke is that they hand out two of them, which is fucking ridiculous and removes any credibility to the distinction. The NFL has separate defense and offense, plus the way it is given out lacks any appeal, much like the pro bowl, it lacks sexiness and meaning. The NBA award however is the greatest since it’s often a several player race that can be argued as the season ends. Statistics and wins certainly play a huge role in the evaluation of the award, but several intangibles exist in the evalutation process in my opinion. For example some players are given that one year in their career when seemingly everything works, their team is contending and they are performing at their peak. Iverson, Kidd or even Nash are examples of players whose MVP seasons were in essence their best years they will ever have. Some players such as Kobe, Duncan, Shaq and now LeBron are to be considered almost every season that they put up 70+ games. But there is an intangible air to a player who is doing his best ever for just that year, lightning in a bottle type shit. Another intangible to consider is the contention clause; most every MVP has been on a true contender, a team widely considered atleast a valid threat for the title, at the least they are on teams that dominated their division and competed for their conference titles. Look it up, almost every MVP has been on a solid 50+ win team that made the league consider them as a threat. These intangibles are the very reason why I love to discuss this award every year. The most important and often disregarded immeasurable factor that makes an MVP is leadership. An MVP was the leader, identity and character of the team he lead that particular season. It makes you evaluate a player’s worthiness in several categories, and it is one of the few awards that often gets it right.
These are true perennial MVPs, Kobe is not among them yet
I've seen far too many MVP articles dissect the top candidate’s faults and merits result in Kobe as the 2006 MVP. If he does win it would mark the first time since 1981-2 that a player on a sub 50 win team would achieve the distinction. Moses Malone won it in 82 having carried a sorry pre-dream Rockets club to 46 wins literally on his back. He averaged 31 and 15, with a crazy 7 offensive boards a game. His numbers and clutch play lead to him deserving the award. For a player to win the MVP with out substantial team success requires extraordinary individual accomplishment. This very premise is how “journalists” everywhere are awarding Kobe the trophy. Even the Sports Guy, who I respect and emulate, bestowed the only meaningful league MVP in sports onto Kobe. “81” and even the 62 he dropped in 3 quarters are incredible feats, numbers few players in the world could ever put up. I just can’t rationalize giving someone an MVP award on a 7th seed team, when that player is partly responsible for both their lack of success and the lack of talent on the roster. Kobe personally accounted for at minimum 20 wins this year, the current Lakers roster is dog cock and would project as a 30 win team with out him. Only that’s true for most any playoff team; remove their single best player and expect a drastic change in the win/loss column. Take Dirk, King James, Wade, Gilbert, Melo or Gasol off of their teams and see what would happen. They may still be competitive, but no where near the threat that they are with their franchise players. I’ve seen many MVP breakdowns use Kobe’s worth to the Lakers as a testament to his greatness, I find that too broad of a measurement.
You see, Kobe is a world class ego (another way of saying asshole). A super star in the truest sense, and not in an entirely positive way, Kobe defines himself by his personal accomplishments. The man has definitely practiced his acceptance award in front of the mirror. I can not give the award to a player who I believe helped dismantle a dynasty. He wanted to prove that he could lead a team all by himself, sans Shaq and the veterans. Two summers ago he used his free agency as a vehicle to create the current Lakers; a team defined by and revolving around his talents. Rewarding Kobe for taking this Lakers squad to the playoffs is like giving the annual northwest sales plaque to a shithead Tacoma sales manager who fires his top salesman but still can keep the office running. He wanted to show the world he could work with nothing and still compete, and he has, but he can not contend. In no way is this Lakers team special or threatening. Despite his potent game, I doubt many teams fear the match up this post season, its not a regular season game against the Raptors, this is the minutia of playoff basketball, and the Lakers have far too many holes to make any run. It comes down to the leadership index; is Kobe a leader? Do his teammates learn from and respect him? They may in some ways, but I truly believe they fear and watch him, they watch in amazement and they fear getting in his way. This team is not very good, not for two years at least, not until they can amass enough cap money to sign a max free agent. Until then it will be the Kobe and the goonsquad show, second billing to a more worthy candidate just on the other side of the wall in Brand and the Clipshow. So here are the top 10 candidates for MVP, I guess its kind of obvious who won’t get the top spot;
The Finalists;
10. Gilbert Arenas; This kid put up 29 and 6apg on 45% shooting. He carried his team on most nights while proving to be an elite streak scorer. I saw him put up19 straight for the Wiz last week. His second fiddle; Jamison, is among the leagues streakiest players himself, and often goes on several game stretches of crack play. For one the man’s name is Gilbert, and he has not only overcome the name, he has made it acceptable. He’s not a complete player yet, as his 3.5 rebounds and high turnovers suggest, but he’s well on his way to selling out Arenas everywhere. (gay but cool)
Good work Shawn; she loves you for you
9. Marion; He is an elite talent, capable of taking over any game. No other player in the world can contribute in so many categories. AK is popularly considered the leagues true 5x5 threat (blocks, steals, assists, points, rebounds), but it is Marion who actually deserves that distinction. His numbers speak for themselves; 22ppg 12rpg 1.7bpg 2spg with 1.2 threes on 52% shooting. He, not Nash has carried the load for the Suns. With Amare out all season and Kurt Thomas missing the final two months Marion has defended the basket and rebounded on the interior with little help. For as revered as Nash is, he can be completely dominated by his opponent; I saw J Kidd hold him scoreless in nearly 30 minutes of burn on 3/27. Nash is a wonderful point guard who can make his whole team better, which is the hallmark of a great player, only his defense is below average for a starting point and that alone leaves him off this list. Can he guard Tony Parker or even Jason Terry when it comes down to it? I don’t believe he can. If you asked me to pick a point for one season, it would not be Nash, it would have to be Kidd. So for all those who regard Nash as the top point in the league, remember that Kidd took his paints down in March and let him know who the realest is. Marion however is the most exciting player on the most exciting team in basketball. They are like the Rams of the NBA, only without the rings. If Amare is back to full force next season they may get some for themselves. They should dismantle the Lakers, despite Kobe’s heroics; the Suns will only lose once in the series.
Pooh Bear got shot up, but he still be rollin (Stop Snitching!)
8. Melo; He took his game to new heights this season. He became the most lethal late game scorer in the league, hitting 7 game winning/tying shots in 2006 alone. His efficiency is impressive as well, improving his fg% by 5 points to 48% on 26.5 per. He also bangs LaLa from MTV and co-owns an IRL team now. His marketing image is now recovering from the repercussions of the “stop snitching dvd” that he participated in. Expect big things from him on and off the court as he grows and Kiki begins to address the team’s holes this summer. Despite a team riddled with injury prone players and the absolute worst shooting talent in the league, Melo has lead them to a division title. Whether it’s the east coast bias or the lack of a true basketball market in Denver, Melo is still somehow underrated. He is not mentioned in the same breath as Lebron and Wade. Maybe its because his game isn’t as flashy and exciting, it’s certainly just as brilliant and effective. I fear for the Nuggets in the playoffs though, facing the vastly improved Clippers and starting on the road no less. Just don’t be surprised when you see Melo hit some game winners in the next few weeks and watch as the national press elevates him to the status he truly deserves.
Despite my assertion that she has a cavern of a cock warmer, she is still a looker
7. Jason Kidd; He is the least celebrated elite player in basketball. Left off the all star team and left off all of the MVP lists I’ve read this season, Kidd is truly the most slept on talent in the league. He isn’t doing much different than his “MVP” level seasons. He is a constant trip double threat who elevates his teammate’s games. He is the real reason Vince is back, he is the reason the Nets won 49 games despite no frontcourt presence at all, and a thin bench. He is their leader in assists, steals, rebounds and three point shooting. A player who is the top player at his position who takes a shallow team to the 3rd seed deserves high praise. With all the failure and dissention on the Knicks, Kidd and the Nets have quietly put together another stellar season in the New York area.
6. Tim Duncan; He should be hire up on this list, but his supporting cast is so stellar and deep. Plus the 5 guys ahead of him are more deserving this season. He is an ultimate gamer, playing 80 games on basically one good leg. He never complains or deflects criticisms, he only wins. His team is stacked and poised for some more rings. Adding Finley and Van Exel to and already champion roster is impressive. Tony P and Manu are both all star caliber players. With Parker becoming an incredibly efficient scorer (third in the league in points in the paint), and Manu creating havoc on both ends, Duncan has incredible support. He’s not exciting or controversial, but he is near diabolical when it comes to winning. Not many realize how competitive and serious he is, he will be regarded as a top 5 player of all time when his career ends.
It somehow fits in there; her father shivers every time, no matter where he is
I know it’s controversial and uncommon to leave Chauncey off this list. I do believe that he has had a great season. I also feel his impact on his team’s success is great, but I do not believe him to be an MVP. No more than I believe that Ben and Rasheed are, or even the unheralded Rip. All four of these players are crucial elements to their success. I don’t believe in the theory that you need to reward an individual when a team is dominant. The Pistons are a team in the greatest sense; their mantra is based on the idea that the core players are all capable of leading and contributing. Their true reward will come in June, when they will be battling for the only trophy that matters.
5. Wade; For a large part of the season I considered Wade among the real MVP nominees. He is a high scoring, high flying assassin who brings it every night. His 28 and 7apg on 50 % shooting is incredible. This new trio of stars (melo/lj/dwyane) are truly well rounded players, all shooting around the 50% mark. The resurgence of Shaq’s game and the Heat’s inability to dominate teams in a weak conference lead me to lower my ranking of Wade this year. He is a remarkable talent that will contend for this award for years to come. It will be interesting to see the transition that takes place as it becomes clear that the Heat are Wade’s team, not Shaqs.
The best action hero in LA
4. Brand; Elton has had a true career year. Finally the Clips are relevant and inspired. For so long Brand has been an undervalued commodity; a dominant defensive big man with an elite post skill set. Name a better true power forward, and I mean that in the most elemental old school sense. Not a hybrid forward like KG or Dirk, or a center/forward like Duncan, but a true back to the basket mean motherfucker. A star power forward should rebound score and defend, be your nastiest and most consistent force, a player in the mold of Karl Malone. Brand is now a 25 and 10 man, with an elite 2.5 blocks. The Clippers are a team no one wants to match up with in the playoffs, and Brand is the main reason for that fear.
The Holy Los Angeles trinity; teeth bleaching, infidelity and a whore dress
3. Kobe; This is where he truly belongs; third. Deal with that shit Kobe. He is not an MVP in any sense of the word. Break that shit down; most valuable, it requires that your team is successful and that you are the major force in that success. 45 wins with that roster is impressive, but I do not believe that he is the main reason for that success. Switch Kobe out with say Wade or even Ray Allen, I still see them at 500 or better. The reason for that in my mind is Phil Jackson. For as prolific as Kobe has been this season, and he has been nuts; 35per is a rare feat (even with the fucked up hand check rules), Phil is a world class coach who can get production out of unlikely sources. PJ made Smush Parker a lot of money this season, forced Odom to be consistant and helped redeem the wasteful career of Kwame. An MVP makes his team better, he is not only measured on his incredible individual feats, rather he is rewarded for his team’s success as well. There is a reason that no player has won the award in 24 years on a team with sub 50, it’s because team success is an integral part of the award. Kobe is just as responsible for their losses as he is their wins, he helped create that roster whether he admits it or not. That team is years from being important. He may very well win this award, which would be fitting; Kobe can sit with it on his coach, cuddling it alone, watching the second round from his wildly expensive couch and television.
A true Classic
2. LeBron; I honestly considered him at 1 since his complete floor game is so rare and becoming legendary. He is greatness, legend. So young, but so damn smart and savvy. His numbers jump off the screen; he is a living triple double, and not a 13 point trip double ala Kidd or a 19 pointer like the 90's Payton, he is a 33 point trip double. People discuss him among the likes of Oscar and Magic, because the list is truly that short. He is the rare case of reality exceeding hype. I’ve read many articles about him and his unfolding greatness. One very good piece discussed his strength and power. Bill Simmons described a play he saw that exhibited the freakish power of King James. I also witnessed a similar play that illustrates his unique power, at the Cavs Sixers game in November he not only put up a trip double (with 36 points no less), but did one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen; In the second quarter I believe, he got the ball on the wing almost out of bounds, Iggy was attempting to look assertive and LeBron gave a quick head fake and began to drive to his left, he shed Andre quickly and without regard, making Iggy look weak and inferior, then he picked up his dribble right outside the paint and went to the air for a lay in, as he leapt Webber and Stephen Hunter attempted to foul him, knowing he was going to score if left alone. Webber did that really lazy bullshit foul he does where he throws both arms on the player while never actually leaving his feat himself, either way Webber is strong and his foul was meant to keep Bron on the ground, as he jumped however he began to shed Webber’s arms, while Hunter grabbed his shoulder to bring him down. With his right arm Lebron lifted the ball and gently layed it in. I mean, he made it look easy, and these two pot head losers were hacking the shit out him, it was a clear and forceful attempt at preventing a lay up, but LeBron didn’t even flinch. In full stride he broke their hold and drove through them, it wasn’t something that LeBron seemed to mind, his strength and speed allow him to do these things. It’s moments like that one that make you realize how great he is. Add this to the fact that his team is dog shit; big Z is a detriment to his game, slowing down the pace that LJ accels at, the bench is weak and the offseason signings have not made the predicted impact (Hughes gets a pass, but Damon and Marshall are simply overpaid). All this considered he won 50 and carried the load every single night, and didn't even have his second talent available to him (could Kobe have done this without Odom for 60 games?). He is barely 21 and is set to dominate for the next 12-14 years. The only thing holding him back is his team and time; with time he will elevate everyone around him, and his team will furiously try to accommodate his growth, fearing the loss of his talents. He was very close on this one, but he’ll have many to come.
1. Dirk Diggler; He has all the criteria met; Winner=60 games, Stats=26.6ppg, 9rpg 48% from the field and 40% from three, Leadership and Value to his team= He is by far the best player on his team. He is always the player they look to in the clutch, and his game allows his teammates to stay involved in every game. He is also fun to watch, has an array of rainbow jumpers, running dunks and back to the basket fade away bank shots that only a handful of players can pull off. He is the best big man shooter in the game, possibly ever. Name a 7 footer who has a game like his; name any player who is tall, blonde, german and named Dirk. He is a cartoon character, a rare talent from a small German town that without the Mavs dope international scouting team would be the tallest pastry chef in the world. I could go on about Dirk for hours. He is more than anything else a winner. He is a player who was traded for Tractor Traylor in the draft (that Bucks GM deserves to be brutally beaten by the way, and the Sixers took Hughes one pick before him, also leaving Paul Pierce on the board). The hallmark of the international players’ ascent in the NBA, Dirk is the 2006 MVP. He is elite, and you have to think that this is the best this Mavs team will be, and that’s not a slight or a sad point, it’s just my opinion, that Dirk is at his peak; a time where his game and his team are truly elite.
Dirk ultimately won
before reading this I felt Lebron was the MVP, but you've changed my mind. Dirk deserves the MVP, plus he and the Mavs have 10 more wins then Cleveland.
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:12 AM
I would vote on tackling an usher for fan appretiation night. I would obviously love to play a few minutes but tackling an usher would allow philly fans to take out some aggression and maybe give them something to do during the game besides scoping out the talent in the stands
Posted by
Anonymous |
2:33 PM