As the NBA regular season has come to a close, it is time to hand out the regular season awards; however no award is more glamorous than the MVP award. There are two clear -cut candidates who will add a MVP to their resume, New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul or Los Angles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul had outstanding seasons. Chris Paul led the New Orleans Hornets to a 56-26 record in the regular season, something that was not expected of the Hornets by many experts.
Paul was arguably one of the best point guards in the NBA this season, averaging an astonishing 21 points, 11.6 assists, under 3 steals and 4 rebounds per game for the 2007-2008 campaign. His dominant performance led to Paul’s first all star game selection.
What a season it has been for Kobe Bryant. From the tapes on the internet thrashing his young teammate Andrew Bynum, to the trade rumors ,to now. Kobe Bryant has had one of his best seasons, averaging just over 28 points, over 6 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game this year.
Kobe’s Lakers also have the best record, in what was a jammed packed western conference this year. For the first time since the departure of Shaquille O’ Neal, Bryant has an excellent chance of winning a championship. One of the improvements in Kobe’s game this season is how he has become more of a facilitator, instead of a ball hog.
Honestly you ca not go wrong with Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul. Paul had an outstanding season, he has single handily revamped a basketball franchise and a city that is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina; however if you look at the trend of the NBA MVP award, it usually goes to the best player on the best team in the toughest, conference and that is why Kobe gets the nod.
Kobe is the best player and the best finisher in the NBA period. Bryant should have several MVP awards but he has not always had a championship team like he has right now.
It is very hard not to give Kobe MVP because the Lakers will most likely win the NBA title this season. Kobe is now an excellent teammate, a model citizen and the poster boy for the NBA. Look for Kobe to add an MVP to his trophy case.