Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThis could be the most anticipated NBA season in the history of the league. Mostly, we have LeBron James to thank for that. His move from Cleveland to Miami was one of the most visible in the history of professional sports, and now fans all over the world Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
want to see how that decision will play out on the court.Since entering the league in 2003, LeBron's production has been nothing short of remarkable. Even though he's going to play with two other top 10 caliber players, I expect his numbers to wow us once again. I recently questioned whether anyone would challenge LeBron for the MVP award this year. His team should lead the NBA in regular season victories, and it's quite possible that James could be in the top 10 in both points and assists. That would be hard to look past on an MVP candidate's resume.LeBron, along with Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, are probably the top four challengers for the award. Is there anyone else who could possibly make a run at it?Dirk Nowitzki– He took home the award in 2007 after averaging 24.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. The Mavericks won 67 games that year, and many people thought they might avenge their controversial Finals loss to the Miami Heat.As we all know, Dallas was upset in the first round by eighth-seeded Golden State, and they've been known for playoff busts ever since.A lot of different things would have to fall in place for Dirk to win his second MVP award this year.Dallas would have to be contending with Los Angeles for the best record in the West at the end of the regular season, and Kobe's numbers would have to be down due to increased production from guys like Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest.Dwyane Wade and Lebron James would have to take plenty of MVP votes from each other, and Kevin Durant and his team may have to take a slight step back from where they were last year.Plus, Dirk has to produce of course. Of everything I just laid out, Dirk producing is most probable. His style will allow him to be successful for years to come. Andrew Pierluissi recently laid out how Dirk can reach 30,000 points for his career.This season, he will average at least 22 points per game and his percentages will once again be high. To get very serious MVP consideration, he may need to average closer to 25 or 26 points per game.Likely? Maybe not. Possible? Absolutely.Dwight Howard- The interstate rivalry in Florida is about to start searing. The Magic have Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
had an iron grip on the division for the last three seasons, but you can almost feel that loosening up already.Who Will Win the 2010-2011 NBA MVP Award?Who Will Win the 2010-2011 NBA MVP Award?Lebron James22.3%Kevin Durant29.9%Kobe Bryant15.1%Dwyane Wade4.8%Other27.9%Total votes: 251A lot of people have already handed the Southwest Division title to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat. They're obviously the most upgraded team in the league, and arguably the most talented.The fact that so many have written off Dwight and the Magic should be a good source of motivation for the league's best center.To win the MVP, Howard will need to have the best offensive season of his career. If he can average 22 to 23 points per game, he'll likely be in the conversation.We already know he'll be among the league's best in rebounds and blocked shots.Also, the Magic would most likely have to beat out the Heat for the Southwest Division title. This task may be more difficult than any individual goal on Dwight's plate.Orlando's advantage at center is huge since Miami is one of the weakest teams in the league at that position. So, Howard will have a leg up in head to head matchups between these two teams. Those games could go a long way toward deciding the division this year.Steve Nash- He's already won the award twice, and his numbers last season weren't far off what they were the year he won his first MVP. Nash is not slowing down, and this year he may have to carry more of a scoring load after the departure of Amar'e Stoudemire. Nash will play off the ball a little bit this year due to the emergence of backup point guard Goran Dragic and the acquisition of point forward Hedo Turkoglu. He'll get more catch-and-shoot opportunities, which is scary considering how good he is at shooting off the dribble.Statistically, Nash may be the greatest shooter of all-time. His career percentages are 49 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free throw line. Like I said before, most of his shots come off the dribble. Typically, that is much more difficult than spotting up, catching the ball and shooting it. That being said, his percentages could be above his career numbers this year.So, Steve may score a few more points this year. But come on, this is Steve Nash we're talking about. He is still the best playmaker in the NBA. You can be sure he'll average at least 10 assists per game once again.What really holds his chances at the award in the balance is the overall success of the team. A lot of people have already written off the Suns. Some don't even see them making the playoffs. If Steve can lead them to around 55 wins again, while averaging somewhere in the neighborhood of 19 points and 11 assists a game... he should be in the conversation.David Ramos/Getty ImagesPau Gasol- OK, I know you just called me crazy as you read that name, but hear me out.Pau averaged 18.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game last season. He shot 54 percent from the field and finished 10th in player efficiency rating (Kobe finished 15th in that category).Kobe has put a lot of basketball miles Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
on his body and he is starting to wear down. For the Lakers to be a dominant team, he may have to defer to theSpaniarda bit more. Gasol could average around 22 to 23 points and 11 rebounds per game.If the Lakers lead the NBA in regular season wins, and Pau is once again more efficient than Kobe, he'll have a chance at the award.Concerning the Lakers having the most regular season wins: it could happen. If Lakers players would ever adopt the kind of mentality that teams like Boston and San Antonio play with, they'd likely win at least 65 games. A high percentage of Los Angeles losses are due to their own apathy.Who Will Win the Award?LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are the favorites for the MVP award this year. However, it's not set in stone (obviously, we haven't even seen a single game yet). I've laid out some dark horse candidates that may steal the show from the favorites.Is there anyone else who could crash the Party? Or, will one of the favorites win? Who's going to be the MVP of the most anticipated season in history?
没有评论:
发表评论