Official MVP Race

[Pelicans78]

Will update every few days or daily.

1. Kevin Durant
2. Lebron James
3. Chris Paul
4. Tony Parker

[StrengthAndHonor]

:lol @ Durant as # 1

[Fireball]

Heat are 8-2 over the last 10 while Lebron nearly shoots field goals at 70% ... he is #1

[TDMVPDPOY]

CP3 wont win it, he has missed 12 games, thats just too much

[Johnny RIngo]

Chris Paul and Parker don't belong there. This is a two person race and everyone knows it.

[gaKNOW!blee]

Lebron



Everyone else

[Bynumite]

Point guards :lol

[resistanze]

1. LeBron

The only reason he doens't win is because they're tried of giving it to him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

even if they are tired of giving it to lebron, durant has no business winning this season, he hasnt done anything that seperates him from lebron or even from last season...

[Clipper Nation]

CP3 wont win it, he has missed 12 games, thats just too much
And the team struggled greatly without him... now that he's back at full strength, the Clippers have had two huge road wins in a row and look like they did in December, tbh....

Personally, I have LeBron and CP3 as 1a and 1b, meaning that the Kang probably deserves it again this year, but if the voters are sick of giving it to him, CP3 is the best choice among the rest...

[Mal]

LeBron is the best player in the league.

[scanry]

It ain't even close and Lebron shooting 70% is not really fair to the rest of the NBA.

1. Lebron


2. Durant
3a. CP3
3b. Tony Parker
4. Melo (Who would've though Melo would actually be in the hunt)

[JamStone]

And the team struggled greatly without him... now that he's back at full strength, the Clippers have had two huge road wins in a row and look like they did in December, tbh....

Personally, I have LeBron and CP3 as 1a and 1b, meaning that the Kang probably deserves it again this year, but if the voters are sick of giving it to him, CP3 is the best choice among the rest...

CP3 is not the best choice among the rest. CP3 doesn't deserve consideration over Durant. After Durant, then CP3 would be next in line along with Carmelo.

[DPG21920]

:lmao Carmelo. TP>Carmelo this year. Easily. CP3 as well. NY has struggled recently a lot due to Melo chucking and not playing defense at all anymore.

Anyone who says Durant>Lebron for MVP should not be allowed to have children IMVHO.

lol at people that act like the Spurs are just ho-hum doing what they are expected to do with an aging Tim (who miraculously turned back the clock unexpectedly), an oft-injured Manu and then a bunch of "scrubs" like Neal, Green, De Colo and a young guy like Kawhi starting. People have been writing the Spurs off for how many years? Then when they win, they act like it's some super top flight talented young team in their prime and it's expected.

[lcastro]

I would put tony parker at #2 with what he is doing without his other 2 guys making up the big 3 for the past decade. He has carried his team winning with role players and the bench making then look great. Kevin durant has had a full cast and CP3 has been hurt for a good amount of games. Lebron is just playing out of his mind keeping him at #1 choice for MVP, but Tony would be my #2 in my opinion

[stretch]

NY has struggled recently a lot due to Melo chucking and not playing defense at all anymore.


They have won 7 of their last 10 games, winning several of them by more than 10, and one of them by a 39 point margin. I don't see a whole lot of struggling lately by the Knicks.

[Juggity]

LeBron has to be number one right now. He's playing the best ball of his career over the last 3 weeks or so.

[stretch]

Lebron

Durant



CP3/Carmello


That's about where it ends. Those are the only guys with any shot to actually win it. And CP3/Carmello has to finish the season #1 in their conference, and hope that Lebron and Durant either get hurt or screw up badly down the stretch to have any chance. Their chances are rather slim.

[DPG21920]

TP>Melo this year.

[stretch]

People have been writing the Spurs off for how many years? Then when they win, they act like it's some super top flight talented young team in their prime and it's expected.

Really? Because last I checked, its been about 6 years since the Spurs won anything legit, and that was when they had Manu and Tony in their primes together, and Timmy just as he started to begin the downside of his career.

[stretch]

TP>Melo this year.

Although I don't agree, I understand why one would feel that way.

Regardless, Melo is in New York, so his accomplishments will be much more noted. TP won't have any remote shot at winning, and Carmello barely has a shot himself.

[DPG21920]

They have won 7 of their last 10 games, winning several of them by more than 10, and one of them by a 39 point margin. I don't see a whole lot of struggling lately by the Knicks.

They have lost 2 of their last 3, including one to the Wizards, then got blown out by the Clippers at home. They barely played .500 ball the entire month of January, lost to POR, BOS, CHI, & BKY at home in January and were doing pretty awful before a 5 game win streak against the likes of ORL, MIL, SAC & DET (4 of the worst teams in the league). Their defensive ranking is now 15th in the league.

They have definitely struggled, primarily on defense, since their hot start.

[DPG21920]

Really? Because last I checked, its been about 6 years since the Spurs won anything legit, and that was when they had Manu and Tony in their primes together, and Timmy just as he started to begin the downside of his career.

That doesn't make any sense. It actually helps my point. People share your logic, then when the Spurs ball out the act like the Spurs are stacked and are just doing what they should be doing.

[JamStone]

I think it's close between LeBron and Durant. I give the edge to Durant because his team has a better record, and when an MVP race is close, I think a factor like that can sway the vote one way or another. But it would be no crime to give it to LeBron. He'd be absolutely deserving. And in recent games, he's been a monster. But I'm looking at the whole season up to this point, not just the last 5 games or so. If it were based on LeBron last 5 games or last 10 games, he'd be running away with it. Based on the season up to this point, I think it's closer. And I lean just slightly towards Durant.

Tony Parker deserves top 5 consideration. I don't see the point over arguing whether he's 3rd in line or 5th when no one is close after LeBron and Durant.

I could be convinced to drop Melo down, but I do think he's had a pretty impressive season. He does have the tendency to chuck, but for the most part this season, it's worked out for the Knicks. And his chucking has been less of an issue than three point shooting or lack of secondary scoring when the Knicks have struggled. Still, I think Melo's play has been the main reason the Knicks have a top 5 record in the league.

[stretch]

They have lost 2 of their last 3, including one to the Wizards, then got blown out by the Clippers at home. They barely played .500 ball the entire month of January, lost to POR, BOS, CHI, & BKY at home in January and were doing pretty awful before a 5 game win streak against the likes of ORL, MIL, SAC & DET (4 of the worst teams in the league). Their defensive ranking is now 15th in the league.

They have definitely struggled, primarily on defense, since their hot start.


Meh, most all good teams have a month in their season where things don't go well. And most all teams have a win streak against shitty teams.

They are still among the top teams in the league, and have a solid record so far against the elite teams of the league (beating Miami twice, sweeping the Spurs, 0-1 vs Clips and haven't played OKC yet)

I'd say Carmello deserves to be in the MVP race, even though it's basically Lebron/Durant's to lose.

[stretch]

That doesn't make any sense. It actually helps my point. People share your logic, then when the Spurs ball out the act like the Spurs are stacked and are just doing what they should be doing.

All the Spurs have been doing is exactly what the Suns did from 04-09. Lots of regular season wins, but getting nowhere in the playoffs.

Very few people outside of Spurs fans think they have a legit shot to beat OKC or Miami, despite all these wins, just like very few people outside of the Suns fans thought they had a legit shot to beat teams like SA, Detroit, Miami, and Dallas during their run of all those 50-60+ win seasons.

[TheRealCB]

How can you people say that Durant deserves it more than Paul?

[stretch]

How can you people say that Durant deserves it more than Paul?

Probably because his team has a better record, and he is a better player than Paul.

[Bill_Brasky]

LeBron

[jjktkk]

Point guards :lol

Steve Nash :lol

[skmblz]

100% LeBron

his numbers are crazy tbqh... the only thing he could improve would be his FT%... another member of the elite 50-40-90 club then

[TheRealCB]

Probably because his team has a better record, and he is a better player than Paul.

His team may have a better record,but Durant is certainly not a better player than Paul.Plus,you take Durant out of the Thunder and they are an average team.You take Paul out and clips are lottery-bound.That has to count for something.

[jjktkk]

Really? Because last I checked, its been about 6 years since the Spurs won anything legit, and that was when they had Manu and Tony in their primes together, and Timmy just as he started to begin the downside of his career.

So if your basing tp's chances off this, how do you have cp3 in the mvp race? What exactly has cp3 won?

[stretch]

His team may have a better record,but Durant is certainly not a better player than Paul.Plus,you take Durant out of the Thunder and they are an average team.You take Paul out and clips are lottery-bound.That has to count for something.

Jamal Crawford
Eric Bledsoe
Caron Butler
Blake Griffin
DeAndre Jordan

Chauncey Billups
Willie Green
Matt Barnes
Lamar Odom
Ryan Hollins

Looks like more than a lottery team to me. That is a solid team and a solid bench.

[Cry Havoc]

All the Spurs have been doing is exactly what the Suns did from 04-09. Lots of regular season wins, but getting nowhere in the playoffs.

Did I miss something? When did the Thunder win the championship?


Very few people outside of Spurs fans think they have a legit shot to beat OKC or Miami, despite all these wins, just like very few people outside of the Suns fans thought they had a legit shot to beat teams like SA, Detroit, Miami, and Dallas during their run of all those 50-60+ win seasons.

Those people are idiotic. Last year's WCF was incredibly close, and OKC doesn't have their 2nd or 3rd best player anymore. As constructed, the Spurs could very well knock them out this year. SAS is MUCH better with Tiago's emergence, Kawhi coming on strong, and the bench getting more settled.

[stretch]

So if your basing tp's chances off this, how do you have cp3 in the mvp race? What exactly has cp3 won?

That actually has absolutely nothing to do with TP being in the MVP race at all. Try reading, instead of being ignorant.

[stretch]

Those people are idiotic. Last year's WCF was incredibly close, and OKC doesn't have their 2nd or 3rd best player anymore. As constructed, the Spurs could very well knock them out this year. SAS is MUCH better with Tiago's emergence, Kawhi coming on strong, and the bench getting more settled.

One could argue that Martin somehow fits this team better. His ability to play off the ball better than Harden definitely helps Durant and Westbrook.

What hurts about Harden's departure is when the team pulls both Durant and Westbrook out of the game, they have nothing now. But they should never have both of them out of the game at any point except in the case of a blowout.

In the long run, not having Harden is going to be a mistake, but for this year alone, they really aren't missing much, and arguments could be made they are superior right now. Martin is playing lights out and looks incredibly comfortable, much more than I (and most) expected him to be.

[jjktkk]

That actually has absolutely nothing to do with TP being in the MVP race at all. Try reading, instead of being ignorant.


Not trying to be ignorant. My bad. Thought you were dismissing tp as a mvp candidate.

[stretch]

Not trying to be ignorant. My bad. Thought you were dismissing tp as a mvp candidate.

I don't think he is a legit MVP candidate. But that statement had nothing to do with him and his candidacy.

[jjktkk]

Did I miss something? When did the Thunder win the championship?



Those people are idiotic. Last year's WCF was incredibly close, and OKC doesn't have their 2nd or 3rd best player anymore. As constructed, the Spurs could very well knock them out this year. SAS is MUCH better with Tiago's emergence, Kawhi coming on strong, and the bench getting more settled.

This and the Spurs being better, overall, defensively.

[Brunodf]

One could argue that Martin somehow fits this team better. His ability to play off the ball better than Harden definitely helps Durant and Westbrook.

What hurts about Harden's departure is when the team pulls both Durant and Westbrook out of the game, they have nothing now. But they should never have both of them out of the game at any point except in the case of a blowout.

In the long run, not having Harden is going to be a mistake, but for this year alone, they really aren't missing much, and arguments could be made they are superior right now. Martin is playing lights out and looks incredibly comfortable, much more than I (and most) expected him to be.

:lolDid u watch OKC in the playoffs? Westbrick disappeared, Harden was their man in crunch time.
:lolThunder is better without Harden.

Kmart is worse on both ends/can't create his own shot.

[Pelicans78]

:lmao Carmelo. TP>Carmelo this year. Easily. CP3 as well. NY has struggled recently a lot due to Melo chucking and not playing defense at all anymore.

Anyone who says Durant>Lebron for MVP should not be allowed to have children IMVHO.

lol at people that act like the Spurs are just ho-hum doing what they are expected to do with an aging Tim (who miraculously turned back the clock unexpectedly), an oft-injured Manu and then a bunch of "scrubs" like Neal, Green, De Colo and a young guy like Kawhi starting. People have been writing the Spurs off for how many years? Then when they win, they act like it's some super top flight talented young team in their prime and it's expected.

Durant had a big lead, but Lebron is on pace to pass him and I think he will. But Durant does the heavy lifting for OKC. Westbrook hurts more than help. Just a fact.

[Pelicans78]

Everyone is forgetting at how awesome of a year Durant is having. Lebron has had a great stretch recently, but Durant has done it the whole season and his team does have a better record. I think Lebron will pass him eventually, but up to this point, Durant is ahead.

[Pelicans78]

Jamal Crawford
Eric Bledsoe
Caron Butler
Blake Griffin
DeAndre Jordan

Chauncey Billups
Willie Green
Matt Barnes
Lamar Odom
Ryan Hollins

Looks like more than a lottery team to me. That is a solid team and a solid bench.

It is a solid team, but they did struggle without CP3. He really controls the game similar to Lebron. Not as good, but offensively and defensively, he's elite.

[O.J. Simpson]

Everyone is forgetting at how awesome of a year Durant is having. Lebron has had a great stretch recently, but Durant has done it the whole season and his team does have a better record. I think Lebron will pass him eventually, but up to this point, Durant is ahead.

LeBron has had a great stretch for the whole season. He's just having a god-like stretch over the past week.

[Pelicans78]

LeBron has had a great stretch for the whole season. He's just having a god-like stretch over the past week.

True. But Durant is playing at a monster level as well. Honestly, alot of it is due to FT shooting, but that still counts as production. Its neck and neck, but Durant has the slight lead. However, Lebron is on pace to pass him and I think he will.

[JamStone]

It is a solid team, but they did struggle without CP3. He really controls the game similar to Lebron. Not as good, but offensively and defensively, he's elite.

A little off topic... couple things to note about the Clippers without CP3. While they have struggled especially in recent games before CP3 returned, they did end up going 6-6 without CP3 so far on the season. And also noteworthy is that every game CP3 missed due to injury was compounded by the fact that his would-be replacement was also out with injury in Chauncey Billups. Billups would have been a nice security blanket the Clippers could have relied on had he not also been injured.

[TDMVPDPOY]

the only chance of that spurs hero winning mvp...is winning 60wins or best record in the league...

[DPG21920]

All the Spurs have been doing is exactly what the Suns did from 04-09. Lots of regular season wins, but getting nowhere in the playoffs.

Very few people outside of Spurs fans think they have a legit shot to beat OKC or Miami, despite all these wins, just like very few people outside of the Suns fans thought they had a legit shot to beat teams like SA, Detroit, Miami, and Dallas during their run of all those 50-60+ win seasons.

Dude, the point is that MVP is a regular season award. Mav fans of all people should realize this. I don't classify getting to the WCF as getting "no where" in the playoffs either, but that point is moot. With regards to this topic, people always count out the Spurs for the most part, admit they don't have a lot of talent but when they start to do what they do in the regular season (they've also gotten past the first round every year except once) they immediately act like the Spurs have LA's stacked talent and that it's completely expected.

[jjktkk]

I don't think he is a legit MVP candidate. But that statement had nothing to do with him and his candidacy.

Its actually a two man race between James and Durant, but tp is a legit candidate imo. Playing for the team with the best record, averaging 20.1 points and 7.6 assists per game.game. Hes definitely in the discussion.

[Pelicans78]

Parker is definitely a top 5 candidate and he's a better candidate than Melo. However, its a two man race between Lebron/Durant. I expect Lebron to win it in the end.

[stretch]

Dude, the point is that MVP is a regular season award. Mav fans of all people should realize this. I don't classify getting to the WCF as getting "no where" in the playoffs either, but that point is moot. With regards to this topic, people always count out the Spurs for the most part, admit they don't have a lot of talent but when they start to do what they do in the regular season (they've also gotten past the first round every year except once) they immediately act like the Spurs have LA's stacked talent and that it's completely expected.

And my point is, when has anyone ever acted like the Spurs have LA's stacked talent? I don't ever see that from anyone except Spurfans.

[DPG21920]

And my point is, when has anyone ever acted like the Spurs have LA's stacked talent? I don't ever see that from anyone except Spurfans.

Plenty of times, which is why TP doesn't really get credit. They simply say: "Duncan is still a dominant beast, they have Manu Ginobili to close games and blah blah blah". Even though Tim's resurgence this year is a new development and Manu is and has been in and out with injuries. Spurs fans know they don't have top flight talent outside of the big 3, but we understand our "scrubs" are solid role players that fit the system well and a lot of that is because of how good TP/Tim/Manu are.


And your point was not that. It was about the playoffs hence you referencing that in this discussing when it has no merit.

[DPG21920]

Parker is definitely a top 5 candidate and he's a better candidate than Melo. However, its a two man race between Lebron/Durant. I expect Lebron to win it in the end.

Agreed.

[stretch]

:lolDid u watch OKC in the playoffs? Westbrick disappeared, Harden was their man in crunch time.
:lolThunder is better without Harden.

Kmart is worse on both ends/can't create his own shot.

I agree Harden is a better basketball player than K-Mart.

I'm just saying an argument can be made that K-Mart fits the team better than Harden did (mainly because of Westbrook's desire to dominate the ball).

Harden isn't exactly a strong defender himself, and he definitely isn't as good of a spot up shooter, or as good playing off the ball as Martin. He is better overall offensively, but the team needed a better spot up shooter and off-ball scorer, and Martin fits those needs.

This is no different than the argument that took place that Al Jefferson is a better basketball player than Tiago Splitter, but Splitter fits the Spurs needs more than Jefferson would, so a trade of the two guys would not be very smart for the Spurs.


It is a solid team, but they did struggle without CP3. He really controls the game similar to Lebron. Not as good, but offensively and defensively, he's elite.

I agree completely.

[Brunodf]

I agree Harden is a better basketball player than K-Mart.

I'm just saying an argument can be made that K-Mart fits the team better than Harden did (mainly because of Westbrook's desire to dominate the ball).

Harden isn't exactly a strong defender himself, and he definitely isn't as good of a spot up shooter, or as good playing off the ball as Martin. He is better overall offensively, but the team needed a better spot up shooter and off-ball scorer, and Martin fits those needs.

This is no different than the argument that took place that Al Jefferson is a better basketball player than Tiago Splitter, but Splitter fits the Spurs needs more than Jefferson would, so a trade of the two guys would not be very smart for the Spurs.



I agree completely.
But Splitter is much better defender and AJ is slightly better on O.
Harden is better everywhere

[DPG21920]

Durant had a big lead, but Lebron is on pace to pass him and I think he will. But Durant does the heavy lifting for OKC. Westbrook hurts more than help. Just a fact.

Come on now - this is just silly. While WB has his flaws and moments where he hurts OKC, his overall level of play is extraordinary. He's easily a top 4 PG in the league and does way more good than bad and he's a huge reason they are as good as they are.

The only reason I can't say Durant is MVP is because Lebron does everything on offense just as extraordinary as Durant, but he's so far ahead of him defensively and anchors the defense that I just can't give it to Durant. Durant is on an excellent defensive team that anchors him in that area which allows his skill set to shine (offensively). Lebron shines about as well offensively but he's the main reason his team is great defensively too. It's remarkable.

[stretch]

Plenty of times, which is why TP doesn't really get credit. They simply say: "Duncan is still a dominant beast, they have Manu Ginobili to close games and blah blah blah". Even though Tim's resurgence this year is a new development and Manu is and has been in and out with injuries. Spurs fans know they don't have top flight talent outside of the big 3, but we understand our "scrubs" are solid role players that fit the system well and a lot of that is because of how good TP/Tim/Manu are.

So Duncan still isn't one of the top 3 big men in the game? Ginobili still isn't one of the better closers and creators in the game?

I don't ever see anyone saying they are stacked with talent. They just have an incredible big man, an incredible coach, and a very balanced team where everyone knows their roles and plays their roles the way they should. That's how the Bulls were so successful in the 90's, despite not having a ton of talent outside of MJ and Scottie. They had a bunch of players who knew their roles, and played their roles nearly to perfection, and it resulted in winning 60+ games almost annually and 6 championships.


And your point was not that. It was about the playoffs hence you referencing that in this discussing when it has no merit.

You said this:


People have been writing the Spurs off for how many years? Then when they win, they act like it's some super top flight talented young team in their prime and it's expected.

But no one ever acted like it was some top flight talent, and the only way people wrote them off was in their chances to win a title. Outside of morons, no one was saying they would be a lottery team or anything like that. In general, people still felt they would consistently win 50+ games, get to the playoffs, but not win a championship.

tbh you are letting your little-man syndrome affect you in your basketball discussions a little too much imo

[stretch]

But Splitter is much better defender and AJ is slightly better on O.
Harden is better everywhere

AJ is much more than slightly better on offense.

and Harden is not better everywhere. He is a better overall player, but not in certain aspects of the game, like I mentioned. And those particular aspects (off ball offense, spot up shooting) are exactly what the Thunder needed more of.

[Pelicans78]

Come on now - this is just silly. While WB has his flaws and moments where he hurts OKC, his overall level of play is extraordinary. He's easily a top 4 PG in the league and does way more good than bad and he's a huge reason they are as good as they are.

The only reason I can't say Durant is MVP is because Lebron does everything on offense just as extraordinary as Durant, but he's so far ahead of him defensively and anchors the defense that I just can't give it to Durant. Durant is on an excellent defensive team that anchors him in that area which allows his skill set to shine (offensively). Lebron shines about as well offensively but he's the main reason his team is great defensively too. It's remarkable.

Its not that silly. Westbrook's usage is so ridiculously high, more than Durant or even Lebron. He takes 19 shots per game, shoots only 42% from the field and only 32% from the FT line. He's so inefficient at times and he takes shots away from Durant. Durant is doing the heavy lifting on that team and his defense isn't bad at all when you consider his rebounding and shot blocking. The numbers show he does more defensively than Westbrook as well. Durant's offense is only ahead of Lebron right now because of the FT shooting, but its still ahead based on production. I agree than Durant has more help defensively, but Durant's defense is really good overall. Westbrook just isn't an efficient player and his offense takes alot away from Durant. Honestly, having him as the number two guy will hurt OKC's chances of winning a title. At least Harden was there last season, but not anymore.

[JamStone]

LeBron is a better defender than Durant, but Durant is actually underrated in that regard. He has become not only a competent defender, but actually a good and reliable one. He does have solid help from teammates on defense. But I'm betting that most people don't realize that statistically Durant is putting up just as good a defensive season as LeBron, and is a tick better based on advanced defensive metrics.

LeBron
6.9 DRPG
1.63 SPG
0.85 BPG
102 DRtg
2.6 DWS

Durant
6.9 DRPG
1.55 SPG
1.22 BPG
101 DRtg
3.2 DWS

Now steals and blocks don't necessarily equate to good defense, as we've seen in the past with guys like Marcus Camby and Allen Iverson. But that's why I also included the advanced metrics (from basketball-reference). Again, Durant is surrounded by some very good defensive teammates so that skews the numbers some. But it does give some insight on the fact that Durant is actually underrated defensively. No, he's not as good as LeBron defensively. That's not what I'm arguing. But he's better than what some people claim, and at least statistically, he's doing his part defensively for his team as well.

[monosylab1k]

I'll take Splitter over Jefferson. Jefferson's offense doesn't balance out his horrible defense the way Splitter's defense balances his somewhat lacking offense.

[DPG21920]

So Duncan still isn't one of the top 3 big men in the game? Ginobili still isn't one of the better closers and creators in the game?

I don't ever see anyone saying they are stacked with talent. They just have an incredible big man, an incredible coach, and a very balanced team where everyone knows their roles and plays their roles the way they should. That's how the Bulls were so successful in the 90's, despite not having a ton of talent outside of MJ and Scottie. They had a bunch of players who knew their roles, and played their roles nearly to perfection, and it resulted in winning 60+ games almost annually and 6 championships.



You said this:



But no one ever acted like it was some top flight talent, and the only way people wrote them off was in their chances to win a title. Outside of morons, no one was saying they would be a lottery team or anything like that. In general, people still felt they would consistently win 50+ games, get to the playoffs, but not win a championship.

tbh you are letting your little-man syndrome affect you in your basketball discussions a little too much imo

That doesn't make any sense :lol. I recall plenty of people calling Tim "done" and "old man Duncan" and "TOSB" and saying Manu lost a step and is injury prone. I don't recall anyone saying they would consistently win 50+ games every season just 2-3 years ago when they got bounced by MEM and had not made a deep playoff run in a while. I also remember people calling Green "scrub" and other players too and making fun of Tiago Splitter.

Then when they start winning (top seed several years and again this year) they act like Tim is a "top 3 big man" and like that was expected. They act like Manu never has injuries and is playing prime Manu ball. They act like Danny Green and Tiago are "perfect role players" and that the Spurs are a lot more talented than people give them credit for.

You seriously are going to say you see none of that on ST? Many people wrote them off not only from a title perspective, but from making any noise in the playoffs at all. Hell, even you just did it when you claim they haven't really done anything when they were in the WCF just last year and up 2-0!

Random throw away jokes aside from you, TP is a top MVP candidate and the Spurs playoff success has nothing to do with it. It's a regular season award, Spurs continually have the best record and TP is the Spurs best player and tied with Tim for most important. That's all I was saying.

[monosylab1k]

And LeBron is at the Jordan point in his career where he should be league MVP every season by a mile, but they'll give it to other people just because they don't want to give it to him constantly.

Durant is a distant second.
CP3 is an even more distant third.

[stretch]

That doesn't make any sense :lol. I recall plenty of people calling Tim "done" and "old man Duncan" and "TOSB" and saying Manu lost a step and is injury prone. I don't recall anyone saying they would consistently win 50+ games every season just 2-3 years ago when they got bounced by MEM and had not made a deep playoff run in a while. I also remember people calling Green "scrub" and other players too and making fun of Tiago Splitter.

Then when they start winning (top seed several years and again this year) they act like Tim is a "top 3 big man" and like that was expected. They act like Manu never has injuries and is playing prime Manu ball. They act like Danny Green and Tiago are "perfect role players" and that the Spurs are a lot more talented than people give them credit for.

You seriously are going to say you see none of that on ST? Many people wrote them off not only from a title perspective, but from making any noise in the playoffs at all. Hell, even you just did it when you claim they haven't really done anything when they were in the WCF just last year and up 2-0!

Random throw away jokes aside from you, TP is a top MVP candidate and the Spurs playoff success has nothing to do with it. It's a regular season award, Spurs continually have the best record and TP is the Spurs best player and tied with Tim for most important. That's all I was saying.

Oh, so basically you are taking what trolls like koolaid, rogue, and m>s say seriously, or what other people were saying just to piss off spursfans, and getting butthurt over it :lmao

Yeah, I'm not wasting any more time on this crap.

[Bill_Brasky]

AJ is much more than slightly better on offense.

and Harden is not better everywhere. He is a better overall player, but not in certain aspects of the game, like I mentioned. And those particular aspects (off ball offense, spot up shooting) are exactly what the Thunder needed more of.

I agree with a lot of what you said in this thread but OKC needs Harden more than Martin. He was their main facilitator last year and the reason they lost in the finals is that he wasn't filling that role.

[stretch]

I agree with a lot of what you said in this thread but OKC needs Harden more than Martin. He was their main facilitator last year and the reason they lost in the finals is that he wasn't filling that role.

I don't necessarily disagree either. I'm just saying a good argument can be made both ways.

I also think they are better off with Harden, but it does seem like the offense flows a little more smoothly in general with Martin spotting up and running the break.

[JamStone]

I agree with a lot of what you said in this thread but OKC needs Harden more than Martin. He was their main facilitator last year and the reason they lost in the finals is that he wasn't filling that role.

I tend to agree with this. I think it will be more clear in the playoffs. At the end of close games, Harden was invaluable because he would often take the ball out of Westbrook's hands when Westbrook started chucking, especially because Durant would sometimes show an inability to keep Westbrook in check in those situations. Harden often became the de facto point guard in those end of game situations. His ability to facilitate, pass, get to the rim, and get to the line made him so vital to OKC's success. Kevin Martin doesn't have that type of skill set and doesn't have the juice or trust to do that. In the playoffs, that may be a deciding factor as to how far OKC goes this year.

[Venti Quattro]

LeBron deserves to win another MVP but they'll probably give it to Durant.

[Venti Quattro]

4. Tony Parker

:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao

I remember det poster last season who blew up because Tony Parker was being snubbed as an MVP candidate. :lol

[JamStone]

And LeBron is at the Jordan point in his career where he should be league MVP every season by a mile, but they'll give it to other people just because they don't want to give it to him constantly.


Don't really disagree with that. LeBron this season and probably for the last couple seasons has probably been the greatest basketball player in the history of the game. He's been that good. But at least statistically, Durant is putting up just as good a season as LeBron. So while LeBron is the better player, there is an argument statistically that the race is at least very close between the two.

[jjktkk]

I'll take Splitter over Jefferson. Jefferson's offense doesn't balance out his horrible defense the way Splitter's defense balances his somewhat lacking offense.

[Brazil]

Lebron is a clear number one but the gap with Durant is imo closer than people might think. If Durant was playing with a PG with a brain, he would be even better.

Then it's close between CP3, TP and Melo but I'll give the 3rd spot to CP3. TP is playing in a well oiled machine, he knows exactly what to do when to do it. CP3 is doin' a bit of all, team is lost without him on the floor. On top of that, I think he is the only PG capable to prove Dok theory wrong thanks to his mid range game that is imo more reliable than TP's one.

I'd consider Melo at 5, as highlighted by Jam he is having a very solid season.

[Grit and Grind]

Melo >>> TP9 . You guys act like Tony plays great defense

[Brazil]

Melo >>> TP9 . You guys act like Tony plays great defense

well he is playing good D for most part of the year tbh

[Clipper Nation]

CP3 is doin' a bit of all, team is lost without him on the floor. On top of that, I think he is the only PG capable to prove Dok theory wrong thanks to his mid range game that is imo more reliable than TP's one.
His defense is also extremely impactful, unlike most point guards... considering the primary focus of the Clippers' defensive scheme is to play the passing lanes aggressively and force turnovers, CP3's unrivaled ability to get steals (4-time NBA steals leader, soon to be 5-time) is the linchpin of what is a top 5 defense in the league when healthy...

Offensively, he isn't pigeonholed into being JUST a pass-first PG like Ra'on "Assist Whore" Rondo or a scorer like Westbrick.... he can assume either identity at any time and be just as dominant....

It also helps that CP3 is arguably the best closer in the game.... despite his size, he almost always seems to get the perfect shot off in a clutch situation....

It won't be easy, but yes, CP3 is probably the only point guard in the league right now who could defy DoK's theory, tbh.....

[DMC]

You have to consider the entire season as the body of work.

You also have to consider how they did when faced with adversity, carrying the team while others were out and being successful at it.

TP has done that very well. He's stemmed runs by opponents and carried the Spurs to wins time and again, and they have the best record in the league right now.

You can argue based on your emotional attachments to this or that player (Stretch) or you can argue based on how the race has historically been decided. You're either arguing for who you think should win or who you think will win.

I think Lebron will win. I think someone else should win, but the season is still young.

[spurraider21]

Lebron unless voters are bored
/thread

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol if durant wins mvp....lookout for westbrick to ballhog in the playoffs and finals if they make that far and win it....i can see this clown actually costing the okc a ring with his me, myself and i mentality

lebron is just coasting atm even with those crazy efficient stats

[Grit and Grind]

well he is playing good D for most part of the year tbh
So is Melo

[Brazil]

So is Melo

I didn't say a word about Melo D. Nobody is acting like TP is a great Defender but people saying that he is a bad defender are not paying attention.. at all. So whats your point ? are you saying Melo >>> TP because of D ? I understand people saying Melo should be ahead of parker on mvp race, it's not my opinion but it is clearly arguable but saying Melo >>> parker like it is not even close is not accurate.

[DPG21920]

So is Melo

No

[Killakobe81]

Lebron

Durant



CP3/Carmello


That's about where it ends. Those are the only guys with any shot to actually win it. And CP3/Carmello has to finish the season #1 in their conference, and hope that Lebron and Durant either get hurt or screw up badly down the stretch to have any chance. Their chances are rather slim.

This. And Sure TP has been very good but I doubt he finshes higher than Melo ...
Oustside of a few clunkers (like the Honey-nut game) Melo has played very well ..

[Pelicans78]

So is Melo

No he's not.

[Killakobe81]

LeBron is a better defender than Durant, but Durant is actually underrated in that regard. He has become not only a competent defender, but actually a good and reliable one. He does have solid help from teammates on defense. But I'm betting that most people don't realize that statistically Durant is putting up just as good a defensive season as LeBron, and is a tick better based on advanced defensive metrics.

LeBron
6.9 DRPG
1.63 SPG
0.85 BPG
102 DRtg
2.6 DWS

Durant
6.9 DRPG
1.55 SPG
1.22 BPG
101 DRtg
3.2 DWS

Now steals and blocks don't necessarily equate to good defense, as we've seen in the past with guys like Marcus Camby and Allen Iverson. But that's why I also included the advanced metrics (from basketball-reference). Again, Durant is surrounded by some very good defensive teammates so that skews the numbers some. But it does give some insight on the fact that Durant is actually underrated defensively. No, he's not as good as LeBron defensively. That's not what I'm arguing. But he's better than what some people claim, and at least statistically, he's doing his part defensively for his team as well.

agree whole-heartedly. Durant has gotten better on defense ... but this year Lebron has alo gotten better on offense especially, the last 3 weeks. I Also dont think it is a stretch to say starting with last years huge game against Boston, through the Olympics and through this year's ASB Lebron has put up one of the most dominant stretches of elite basketball since at least 1980 .. I never saw bill or Wilt and Im not a huge stat guy ... but I saw MJ and sure MJ was a greater scorer ... but you can not tell me MJ played much better than James is right NOW. his defense though slightly overrated (MJ's too) is elite for this era especially as a help defender, his passing is almost as impressive as his drives and that fall back jumper has become increasingly reliable. I still think his post game is ugly but he is effective kind of like 2000 Shaq.

[Jodelo]

LeBron
















LeBron











CP3
Durant











Howard

[ffadicted]

How can you people say that Durant deserves it more than Paul?

His team is winning more, he's better, and he hasn't missed games with injury? lol How can ppl say paul over durant tbh :wakeup It''s clearly a two man race

[Clipper Nation]

His team is winning more, he's better, and he hasn't missed games with injury?

I love how people keep bringing up CP3's injury as a detriment to his chances, as if he could somehow control in advance whether or not JJ Redick bumped knees with him and opted for the injury... and again, the Clippers mostly played like shit without him, falling out of the top 5 in offensive and defensive efficiency and enduring some ugly losses to lottery teams... clearly that proves CP3 is extremely valuable to the Clippers' success....

Durant will have plenty of chances in the coming years to get MVP's, it should be CP3's time if LeBron doesn't get it....

[Josepatches_]

LeBron

[racm]

And LeBron is at the Jordan point in his career where he should be league MVP every season by a mile, but they'll give it to other people just because they don't want to give it to him constantly.

Durant is a distant second.
CP3 is an even more distant third.

This. I think the voters will take into account the following:

LeBron James' case for MVP:

1. Mindblowing stats
2. All-around play
3. Leading the best team in the East

Kevin Durant's case:

1. likely to join the 50/40/90 club
2. team has the second best record and has the best point differential
3. losing Harden to Houston means he gets the "I have less help" storyline

[scanry]

Lebron's stats are out of this world. On top of it, he's shooting almost 70%.

[TIMMYtoZO]

1. LeBron

The only reason he doens't win is because they're tried of giving it to him.

[JamStone]

I love how people keep bringing up CP3's injury as a detriment to his chances, as if he could somehow control in advance whether or not JJ Redick bumped knees with him and opted for the injury... and again, the Clippers mostly played like shit without him, falling out of the top 5 in offensive and defensive efficiency and enduring some ugly losses to lottery teams... clearly that proves CP3 is extremely valuable to the Clippers' success....

Durant will have plenty of chances in the coming years to get MVP's, it should be CP3's time if LeBron doesn't get it....

It doesn't matter whether CP3 had control of his injury or not. For the record, imo if CP3 plays the rest of the season, I don't think his missed games will be a big enough reason to leave him out of contention. But even if he didn't have control of the injury and say he missed 40 games, he simply wouldn't be a legit candidate for MVP, whether he has control over his injury or not. I don't even understand why you made that comment about him having control of his injury. It doesn't matter.

The Clippers are 6-6 without CP3 this season, and I mentioned this before in another thread, but when CP3 got injured, the Clippers were also without Billups for every game CP3 missed. That compounded the Clippers problem when CP3 went down. And as for falling out of the top 5 in defensive efficiency, are you sure?

With CP3, Clippers allowed 93.7 PPG and .436 FG% by their opponents.

Without CP3, Clippers allowed 92.8 PPG and .431 FG% by their opponents.

Where did you get your defensive efficiency stats?

The MVP shouldn't be determined by whether another candidate will have plenty of chances in coming years to win MVPs. That's just bad logic. That's the reason Shaq only has 1 League MVP when he should have probably 3-4.

[noob cake]

We have the "Bill Russell Finals MVP", time to create LeBron James MVP Trophy

Because I don't see anyone winning it other than LeBron for the next 4-7 years.

[FlaSpursFan]

I would give it to Lebron with Durant as a close second.

Not to crazy to put Parker in their considering he he has the second highest field goal % of players averaging over 20ppg(Lebron is the only one higher) and is the best player on the best team in the league right now. Duncan actually has the 4th highest PER rating too FWIW. But really after Lebron and Durant no one is even close.

[StrengthAndHonor]

I hope the media stops playing with this award. Just give it to the best damn player. Enough politics and BS. I don't like Lebron much but this year he really has earned my adoration. He's so good the referees are literally forced to hold their whistle when Lebron drives to the basket. Reminds me of prime Shaq where every replay shows he's fouled but referees turns a blind eye.


As amazing as Durant is, he's simply not on Lebron's level and that idea "Player of the Team with the most wins" needs to be shredded for good.


Lebron is driving an Enzo Ferrari in this race right now, he's shifting from third gear to fourth gear with every turn while the rest of players in the league are riding their Skyline (Durant) Mustang (Melo) and Porsche 911 (CP3) trying to pull away in their 6th or 7th gear. Lebron doesn't need much anyway, but the moment he puts that foot in the pedal the rest of the league will be seeing dust.

[JamStone]

Don't disagree that LeBron is on another level than everybody else. But to be fair about the referee point, they also hold their whistles when LeBron fouls on defense. So maybe it evens out.

[Latarian Milton]

shit's gonna be a lock between bron and durant imho. CP3 misses too many games to challenge the top dogs, while TP isn't really that good to begin with