Bench Points

Ever since Michael Jordan left the game (well he left, like, 3 times) the decision of who to give the MVP award to has gotten tougher.

Back in the days of Jordan, we pretty much just handed it over to him. I mean everybody knew he would get it before the season even started.

As much as the media calls this or that player the "next Jordan," there still isn't any player in the NBA as dominating as he is.

This season the race is even closer, but in my view there are three players who stand above the rest. Although they don't necessarily stand over each other, the choice between these three really depends on what your definition of a Most Valuable Player in the NBA is.

Lebron James is averaging 31.7 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game. Those numbers put him in league with some of the most famous players in NBA history: Oscar Robertson and Jerry West to name a couple. Lebron has carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to a winning record this season, and a playoff berth. All this without much of a supporting cast, while Dwayne Wade has Shaq, and Vince Carter has Jason Kidd, Lebron has pretty much done most of it on his own, and yet does get his teammates involved.

Kobe Bryant is the NBA's leading scorer at 35.2 a game, and has numerous games of 40 or more points. Not to mention the spectacular performance against the Toronto Raptors where he racked up a stupendous 81 points! In my mind the Lakers only have a chance at the playoffs now because of Bryant. No matter his personal flaws, the man can ball. All this without any help from his fellow Lakers. Lamar Odom has never really found his role in the Lakers offense, and Kwame Brown sure hasn't helped.

Steve Nash, everybody's favorite Canadian, won the MVP award last year with his pivotal part in a high-speed Pheonix offense. He currently leads the NBA in assists at 10.4 a game. A selfless player, he finds the open guy and is not afraid to give up the ball. This season was even harder on Nash with a wholly revamped Pheonix Suns that did not include standouts from last year like Quentin Richardson, not to mention Amarie Stoudemire's injury problems. Yet they are still going to the NBA playoffs.

These players are clear examples of three different playing styles, and also might represent the three differing opinions of MVP ballot voters.

Lebron James is a cross between a high scorer, and a playmaker, while Bryant is (at least to me) pretty much a scorer, and finally Steve Nash is a pure playmaker.

Whatever your opinion is, all three of these guys are certainly deserving, and the main reasons for the success their teams have had this season.