Race for MVP

I thought I would take a moment to look at the race for the MVP this season. Most people seemed to realise fairly early on last year that Lebron was a virtual certainty to add to his number of MVP awards. There were whisperings that the points machine from Oklahoma (Durant) was in with a shout due to his excellent efforts on the Thunder team but in the end Lebron won and it was completely deserved.

This year I see only a handful of candidates that can win the MVP award. Pre season there was talk of CP3, Howard, Lebron, Durant, Westbrook and a few other stars. However from what we have seen so far this season I think the list can already be narrowed down to 4 names that have a realistic hope, with a 5th that deserves a mention but in reality will not win it this year.

1) Lebron James: Odds, evens (bwin): In my opinion I really don't see any other player stopping King James from retaining his MVP status this year. Hes showing us night in night out why he is the best player of this generation, carrying Miami through some tough games thus far with Wade far from his best. The only way Lebron does not win the title again this year is if the league feels that a change is needed and gives it to someone else (which could happen).

2) Kevin Durant: Odds, 29/10 (bwin): Durant again is having a superb season with the Thunder posting excellent numbers and entertaining the crowd. Hes passing more than ever but still putting up over 20 points a game for his team. If Thunder win the Western conference I think he may have a good chance of stealing the MVP title from Lebron's grasp just as Rose did a couple of Years previously. If Durant carries on the season he's having I wouldn't be totally shocked to see him holding the coveted trophy aloft come the end of the season.

3) Kobe Bryant: odds 9/1 (bwin): In my opinion, for betting purposes Kobe offers the best value for MVP this year. He is an NBA legend that many people keep waiting for him to decline, however even though the Lakers are going through some tough times thus far this year you couldn't really argue that Kobe is at much fault for this ( I know people are saying his defense is suspect now and hes a ball hog, only plays for stats chucker etc), but you cannot ignore his level of offense so far this year scoring over 30 points a game many times. Kobe is a lock hall of famer and maybe, just maybe this will be his last elite season, and he may get the nod over Lebron because of this and be awarded another MVP title.  What may count against him is the poor form of the Lakers which could mean Kobe gets edged out in the end, however at 9/1 hes a great outsider.

4) Carmelo Anthony: odds 7/1 (bwin), I don't want to talk too much about Melo as I do not think he will end up winning the MVP this year. However its great to see him take the off season seriously and get his weight down to acceptable levels, which is really helping his game this year. Hes been the driving force for the Knicks great start to the season putting up MVP level performances night in night out. I question whether he can keep this up all season though. But its great to see him playing so well thus far this season.

5) Russel Westbrook: odds 20/1 (bwin): I have only included Westbrook because hes having such a great season so far, putting up great number and really playing well with Durant. However I do not believe Westbrook will win the MVP this year due to his team mate Durant. If Lebron was not to win it this year and they hand it to someone else, I cannot see people over looking Durant for Westbrook, it would just not happen. This may be a little unfair on Russel but Durant is the number one guy there, Scoring champ and will be favored over Westbrook every time. However he still deserves an honorable mention.

let me know your thoughts,

Dave