2008 Woodie Awards
The NBA MVP race
Zach Roddy
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Sports
New Orleans Hornets' point-guard Paul is someone who many fans talk about when they describe the success the Hornets have had this season. Paul is averaging a double-double (21.2, 11.5) and has displayed flashes of brilliance at the defensive end, averaging almost three steals a game. The impact he is having on the game, and how he has lifted his team to another level, at his age is inconceivable. Should this be enough?
The recent lecture by Paul MVP voters has been the pieces he's working with and how much less substantial they are those Bryant's. Granted, Bryant has been working with one of the best line-ups he has had in some time, but let us dissect some of the players whom Mr. Paul is working with.
Power forward David West is putting up 20.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game, which was high enough to afford him his first all-star game. Sharp-shooter Peja Stojakovic is averaging 16.4 points a game and is currently fourth in 3-point shooting at 45 percent. Tyson Chandler is a reliable double-double man, averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds a game. Does this seem like that bad group to distribute the ball to?
When it comes down to it, voters will have to clarify what an MVP is. If Paul is the player chosen for the prestigious award, then we will know that the voters care more about how a three year player has led a franchise from the bottom of the barrel to the very top in the conference. The inspirational story would be clearly existent in the way the Hornets have given the city of New Orleans something to be passionate about again after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. It would be the feel-good story, and those kinds of stories will always sit well with fans, but is that really what defines the most valuable player?
The league's most valuable player should be a scorer, passer, leader, go-to guy and the team's ultimate motivator. A team should look to this individual when the game is on the line and they need a crucial basket. This person should have the ability to put his teammates on his back and carry them to the finish line when circumstances seem improbable. It would be difficult to overlook what Bryant has done for his team in these regards.
Hopefully, these traits of a champion will be recognized when the ballots go out and the voting begins. Hopefully they'll know to give it to Bryant.
The recent lecture by Paul MVP voters has been the pieces he's working with and how much less substantial they are those Bryant's. Granted, Bryant has been working with one of the best line-ups he has had in some time, but let us dissect some of the players whom Mr. Paul is working with.
Power forward David West is putting up 20.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game, which was high enough to afford him his first all-star game. Sharp-shooter Peja Stojakovic is averaging 16.4 points a game and is currently fourth in 3-point shooting at 45 percent. Tyson Chandler is a reliable double-double man, averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds a game. Does this seem like that bad group to distribute the ball to?
When it comes down to it, voters will have to clarify what an MVP is. If Paul is the player chosen for the prestigious award, then we will know that the voters care more about how a three year player has led a franchise from the bottom of the barrel to the very top in the conference. The inspirational story would be clearly existent in the way the Hornets have given the city of New Orleans something to be passionate about again after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. It would be the feel-good story, and those kinds of stories will always sit well with fans, but is that really what defines the most valuable player?
The league's most valuable player should be a scorer, passer, leader, go-to guy and the team's ultimate motivator. A team should look to this individual when the game is on the line and they need a crucial basket. This person should have the ability to put his teammates on his back and carry them to the finish line when circumstances seem improbable. It would be difficult to overlook what Bryant has done for his team in these regards.
Hopefully, these traits of a champion will be recognized when the ballots go out and the voting begins. Hopefully they'll know to give it to Bryant.
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