First off, what constitutes an MVP?
It's not stats. Stats are misleading, and are often misused. Take Kevin Love. He has had an awesome year, setting an impressive modern era double-double streak. Although commendable, his streak was the product of opportunity. High rebound totals and put-back shots are the result of a miserable offensive team. Those are skewed numbers. Kevin Love wouldn't do the same thing in L.A. or San Antonio. Numbers, an MVP does not make. It's about the intangibles. That special something that makes a player a leader. The type of player that makes the team better. The type of player that is a winner.
Why NOT LeBron James?
MVPs rise to the occasion. LeBron has failed to do so. He may be the most talented NBA star, but he is not the best player. He has failed to assimilate a team filled with too many stars and low-end role players. While remaining extremely dominate for stretches of any given game, his inability to close has been a major sticking point. LeBron does not always have to make the game winning shot, but he does have to make the most of that possession. Time and time again, he has failed to do so.
Why NOT Dwight Howard?
Dwight may be the most impressive specimen this league has. A truly intimidating presence on the court. An incredible defensive player who has developed a deadly offensive game. However, he has trouble dealing with the gnats. Too often he has let hackers frustrate him, to the point where loses self control. Technicals hurt the team. Suspensions doom it. You can't be the MVP if you take yourself out of the game.
Why NOT Kobe Bryant?
The same reason Michael Jordan only won 5 MVPs; after years of greatness, it is difficult to correctly assess his contributions. Although still playing at a hight level, Kobe's talents have long since plateaued, and he is now in the twilight of his career. Kobe has also had trouble leading a championship team through a roller-coaster season. Some more solidity would have cemented his position in the league. Not this time.
Why NOT Dirk Nowitzki?
Although the MVP award is intended to honor the merits of players during the regular season, most voters take into account post-season performance. Is this not fair? Sure, maybe, but it's telling. Dirk is one of the most fundamentally sound players of the last decade, and any team would be thrilled to add them to their starting line-up. Unfortunately, his failure to lead his team to the next level will always be a mark on an otherwise stellar career.
Why Derrick Rose?
Derrick Rose may be the most improved basketball player of his generation. He went from being an impressive talent, to a venerable threat. In only his third season, he has assumed the leadership role on a team that has not had one for 13 years. He carried a squad whose two largest assets, Boozer and Noah, were absent for half the season. He has led that team to the best overall record. He adapted his game to a rookie coach who had a clear purpose and agenda. He worked in the off-season and it paid off. Rose's ability to drive the lane, take advantage of openings and pick apart defenses is as good as anybody's. His newfound outside shot keeps you honest. Rose has also improved the play of his entire team, and has brought out the best in an, until now, quiet Luol Deng. All the while, he has remained humble. The NBA could do no better in finding a new face of the league. He is their MVP.
I'd love to be able to claim that I envisioned Rose's triumphant rise earlier this season, but I won't lie to you. If anyone claims they saw it coming, you should be weary of them.
Although... I do recall someone calling it at the beginning of the season....
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