Top Five MVP Candidates of 2007-08

With only about twenty-five games left in the NBA season, there are several players vying for the 2007-08 MVP honors. Whereas in past years, this award has been a two or, at most, three-man race, this season features five legitimate candidates, any of which could win based on their finishes.

Kobe Bryant

Why he should win it - One of the biggest knocks on Kobe over the years has been his inability to step up as team leader. While Kobe has never had a problem scoring the basketball, he has never seemed to inspire his teammates to rally around him. Until, that is, this season. Although he still averages close to twenty-eight points a game, Bryant has been taking less shots per game this season and has made a considerable effort to get his teammates more involved. Even better, his team's brilliant acquisition of Pau Gasol has boosted the Lakers to the top of the Western Conference. The fact that Gasol instantly clicked with Kobe and the Lakers only heightens his chances.

Why he might not win it - One could argue that Kobe has the best supporting cast of any of the five candidates on this list. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol are both former All-Stars, and the rest of the team is full of talented, impact players. In fact, for the first time since Shaq left, one can imagine this Lakers team making the playoffs without Bryant.

Odds of winning - 1-1. Even though his supporting talent is tremendous, Kobe has his team on the verge of locking up the top seed in the tougher of the two Conferences. He has been a leader from start to finish and this is his award to lose.

LeBron James

Why he should win it - Somewhat underrated because of the Cavalier's so-so season thus far, LeBron is having a monster season that may very well be the best of his career. In addition to scoring over thirty a night, LeBron is also averaging eight-plus rebounds and seven-plus assists a game, both career highs. He is also shooting a career-high 48.5% from the field. There is no question that LeBron is the most important player to his team this season in the NBA.

Why he might not win it - The MVP, traditionally, goes to a player on a team with one of the better records in the league. After all, the best play in the world doesn't matter much if the end result isn't wins. If LeBron were putting up these numbers and this effort for last year's fifty win team, he would be a lock for the award. But as of now, the Cavaliers stand at 32-26 and are fifth in the East. A record that pales in comparison to the one other MVP candidates' teams hold.

Odds of winning - 8-1. There are too many other stellar candidates this year to overlook the average team record.

Kevin Garnett

Why he should win it - Garnett has been the main reason why the Celtics went from a team with the worst record in the NBA to the team with the best record. He is one of the best big men of all-time and has provided Boston with everything it needed; leadership, rebounding, intensity, and defense. Kevin was considered the early favorite for MVP when the season first started and has done nothing on-the-court to prove he doesn't deserve it.

Why he might not win it - The Celtics, while an excellent team, are at the top of the Eastern Conference, a feat much less impressive than winning the West. Ten Western Conference teams have winning records, as opposed to the five, including the Celtics, that the East can boast of. In addition, Garnett has already missed close to ten games and is averaging ten-year lows in points, rebounds, and assists. While these numbers aren't very important in the long-run, they may be a reason for voters to choose another player over Kevin.

Oddsof winning - 4-1 - Unfortunately for Garnett, what Kobe is doing out West is much more impressive, given the level of competition, as of this point.

Chris Paul

Why he should win it - Last season, Chris Paul was unhealthy for many parts of the year and the Hornets struggled with an average 39-43 record that left them out of the playoff picture. With their star point guard healthy, however, the team has been one of the best in the league all season long. Paul, averaging 20.8 points and 10.8 assists per game, is arguably the best point guard period in the game today and the unquestioned leader of the Hornets. In addition, his 2.7 steals per contest leads the NBA.

Why he might not win it - Pure bad luck is the only reason Paul won't win this year's MVP award. His statistics are terrific and eye-popping, his team will finish with one of the top-five, if not better, records in the league, and his leadership has been key all season. But MVP voters often tend to reward experienced veterans over developing young players. Paul's ripe age of twenty-two, whether right or wrong, will hurt his chances of beating out the likes of Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. Especially when one considers that Bryant has never won a MVP before.

Odds of winning - 10-1 - Not bad odds all things considered, but much lower than Paul deserves. If this decision were up to me, he would be the winner.

Dwight Howard

Why he should win it - How good is the future of the league when three MVP candidates, serious candidates, are under twenty-five years old? Howard has developed into the best big man in the league in his fourth season out of high school and is an absolute beast. He shoots over sixty percent from the field and is leading the league in rebounds per game. And the Orlando Magic have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference thanks to his efforts.

Why he might not win it - Unfortunately, Dwight faces the problems of both Garnett and Paul. Not only is he incredibly young, he also plays in the Eastern Conference where the competition is nowhere near as fierce as in the West. Howard shouldn't be too upset when he isn't called for this award, however, he will be a MVP contender for many years as he continues to mature.

Odds of winning - 16-1 - Even though his numbers and contributions should have him right in the mix with the other four, Howard is often forgotten by telecasters and media. Thus he is a longshot pick for now.

So there you have it. The current consensus is that this award is Kobe's to lose, but in my opinion it should be Chris Paul's. What do you think?