The MVP in the National Basketball Association, that title carries with it admiration and status that every little boy playing hoops in his driveway, local YMCA, or school playground dreams of achieving someday.

The NBA has changed tremendously than what it was, even 10 years ago. Of course, even more than what it was 30 or 40 years ago, but there is one constant question remaining. What are the duties and responsibilities of the NBA’s MVP? We all have our own idea and opinions on what the MVP should and shouldn’t be.

Is it the numbers game? Me, personally, I’m a numbers guy, I always have been, I have stated that fact numerous times over. If numbers weren’t important, they wouldn’t keep them. We habitually judge a players ability on the court by his numbers…fact.

But it of course, is more. How much does it have to do with the team’s success? It should hold quite a bit of warrant behind this one. With basketball, one player, if that great, can turn a franchise around. We have all witnessed it on several occasions. When one player is carrying 20% of the team, they can have a colossal impact on the team’s success. Winning is without doubt significant.

How about clutch? How they are liked by the public? All of it certainly is subject to discussion, but it shouldn’t be a popularity contest, it’s not the MPP. Clutch takes a lot of attention, and it certainly is fantastic to have a clutch player on your team, but we have seen some great players who didn’t always perform in the clutch. As well as some okay players who were “money” when the game was on the line (we all remember “Big shot Bob” Robert Horry, right?(7.0 ppg for his career) So, as much as clutch, personality and popularity are great for highlights, and jersey sales, I take it into minor consideration for my MVP.

But now, let’s break it down to the valid MVP candidates and who should be getting serious consideration for the trophy.

Dirk Nowitzki 32 yrs, PF, Dallas Mavericks (46-17); 22.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 53 FG%, 87 FT%, 42 3pt FG%.

Derrick Rose 22 yrs, PG, Chicago Bulls(44-18); 24.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 8.1 apg, 1.0 spg, 44 FG%, 84 FT%, 33 3pt FG%.

Amare Stoudemire 28 yrs, PF/C, New York Knicks (33-29); 26.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51 FG%, 79 FT%.

Dwight Howard 25 yrs, C, Orlando Magic (40-24); 23.1 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.3 bpg, 1.2 spg, 60 FG%, 59 FT%.

LeBron James 26 yrs, SF, Miami Heat(43-21); 26.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 7.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 50 FG%, 75 FT%, 34 3pt FG%.

The reigning MVP is having another stupendous season. But there hasn’t been a threepeat MVP since Larry Bird did it from 1984-1986. Even though, my pick for MVP is LeBron James. The Heat are not the only team to see his magnitude with, they have won before without him, with better coaching and Wade managing his team. But, the Cavs fall into oblivion is more telling than anything the importance of James to a team. If he wasn’t playing for Miami, if they had just Wade and Bosh, they would likely be a 41-46 win team. James brings a whole new dilemma to opponents. Regardless of how you like him, or how he handled his business, he’s is the NBA’s best player in the league right now. I compare a player’s worth to other players at his position, and at the 3 spot, there really is no other SF who plays the game like LeBron.