Looking at the entire NBA roster, I realized one thing; Gone are the days when a few players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul Jabaar dominated the league with little to no viable competition to speak of. Today, however, there are so many quality players in the NBA that any one of the 20-30 players could win the MVP next year. While some may say that the Kobe Bryants, Tim Duncans and Steve Nashes are the definitive favorites, many youngsters and newcomers are just as valuable to their respective teams as the aforementioned superstars. The following is a list of 5 players who are not at the top of the MVP pecking order, but whose teams would suffer tremendously without them.
1. Chris Paul: This third-year point guard is extremely valuable to his team. The 2008 season has been the Hornets’ best start in a long, long time. And much of its success is due to Chris Paul’s performances thus far. While averaging nearly 20 points and 10 assists per game, Chris Paul has led the Hornest to a 12-7 record. And that is in the West where victories are very difficult to achieve. To take Chris Paul’s MVP argument even further, just take a look at the Hornets’ record when Chris Paul is not in the lineup. It’s pretty pathetic.
2. Shawn Marion: When you play on the same team as Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, the center of attention will rarely, if ever, be on you. This is why the Matrix never gets the respect it deserves. But, Shawn Marion is a more complete player than Nash and Stoudemire. He can score points, block and rebound and his defense is absolutely tireless day after day. In short, it does it all. And without their complete game, the Suns wouldn’t be as good as they are. They would definitely not be on the hunt for the NBA title.
2. Deron Williams – When John Stockton left the Jazz on the heels of Karl Malone, Utah basketball fans were in mourning. But then came the Deron Williams / Carlos Boozer era. They are still not as good as Karl Malone and John Stockton, but they are doing it. In my opinion, they are the best point guard / power forward duo in the NBA right now. Deron Williams showed great poise last year in the playoffs where the Jazz fell to eventual champions Spurs. This year Williams is averaging 20 points and 9 assists per game. But aside from his numbers, it’s his attitude and arrogance that make Williams such an important asset. Now, while relatively young, the Utah Jazz feel they can play with anyone. And they are showing it this year.
Marcus Camby – If you played Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony every night, you’d think your job was relatively easy, right? Wrong! Although Melo and AI are incredible scorers, they have a great aversion to playing defense and doing hard work. That’s why Marcus Camby, a perennial defensive player of the year candidate, is so influential for the Nuggets. Without it, they would still score more than a hundred a night, but give up twice as much. I know it’s a bit hyperbolic, but you get my point. Camby is underrated and absolutely untrue to Denver’s success.
5. Last but not least, Stephen Jackson. Now, I know a lot of people dismiss Jackson as a bully who only fights fans and shoots other joint strip sponsors, but seriously, Stephen Jackson is a huge asset. This year, the Warriors started the season 0-6. Then when Stephen Jackson’s suspension ended, the Warriors began to look like the team that shocked everyone last year by beating the Mavs. They were explosive, talented and strong on both ends of the court. And while the obvious team leader is Baron Davis, Jackson provides the little things that get his team out of the hump. Like all other warriors, he can score. But besides that he is a great defensive player. He can defend the point, second place and even small forwards. Name another NBA player who can do that. Who? Kobe? James? Bruce Bowen? It’s a good company to be in. The ability to score and defend are two great qualities. But the best thing about Stephen Jackson is his energy. Teams that play with excitement and energy can often beat teams with much more talent. Stephen Jackson is definitely the reason for the Warriors’ fortunes change of late.
I doubt that any of these players have a chance to be the MVP this year. But voters should definitely focus on well-rounded, invaluable players for their teams. If so, these five will be in the running.
No Comment