After a mind-numbingly boring All-Star Game, bloggers and columnists around the country are left with the inevitable first half of the season/predictions for second half column. There have been several performers that have stood out, but at this point there’s only one true choice for MVP. I hate to say it as much as anybody, but LeBron James is unquestionably the MVP. James is averaging 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.
Sure, there are other players with inflated stats. Kevin Durant is making an awfully convincing case that he’s the best scorer in the league, but until he becomes a defensive powerhouse like LeBron, or develops James’ intimidating vision, he’ll always be a slight step behind.
Kevin Love has emerged as the best power forward in the game, and if you don’t believe me, Charles Barkley will tell you twenty times that he is. Love’s efforts are being recognized more, and he’ll get an MVP trophy soon enough, but this isn’t the year for him. His shaky defense and Minnesota’s lack of relevance will make it a nearly impossible task to beat out LeBron.
How is anybody supposed to beat LBJ? He plays almost every position on the floor. His transition game is the best in the NBA. His defense is as good as any superstar’s in the league. In the end, we’re all just nitpicking, criticizing LeBron for late game jitters. It makes us feel better to remind ourselves that he’s human. Sure, he isn’t clutch, and he’s as hate-able as any athlete around, but for now, in this regular season, nobody means as much to their team as LeBron does, and this is a team determined to shake the reputation that they can’t win the big one.
