Possible 2008 NBA MVP Candidates

An early look at possible NBA Most Valuable Player Candidates for the 2007-2008 season.

There's still a few months left before the start of the 2007-2008 NBA season, but it's never too early to start speculating about what could happen. With so many roster changes, many NBA teams are showcasing a whole new look, which makes the doors wide open for NBA awards like Most Valuable Player.

Here's a look at the most likely candidates for the 2008 NBA season MVP Award.

• LeBron James should be considered the top candidate for MVP. It seems like once a player really proves himself in the playoffs, he's given much more media respect the following season (see Chauncey Billups making the All Star team after earning NBA Finals MVP). Last year, James took a step back with a poor FT% and a slight decrease in other stats. What hurts him is that the Cavs haven't been successful in getting him any kind of help. If they sign Earl Boykins, that could help offensively. However, he'll still have to carry this team and it's about time people started recognizing that.
• Expect Dirk Nowitzki to start the season fired up and lead the Dallas Mavericks to a great season record again. Part of the reason for their struggle against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs is that they don't match up well against smaller, faster teams (that and the fact that Nowitzki completely disappeared in that playoff series). Even though Nowitzki might be worthy to repeat as MVP, he could get slighted because of his disappointing performance in last season's playoffs. Even though this is a regular season award, playoff performance in the prior season can be a factor in the back of voter's heads.
• Steve Nash is in great shape and though he's getting older each year, he still should have enough fire to post great numbers again. Moreover, it's not like he's ever had to expend any energy by playing defense. He'll be considered for the award again.
• Jason Kidd will usually get overlooked for MVP, though he might be more deserving than any. His scoring has declined slightly each year for the past four seasons or so. However, Kidd's brilliance is not often realized by his scoring, but by the many other things he does on the court to help his team win basketball games.
• Kevin Garnett will certainly get a lot of attention sporting his new uniform, but because the Boston Celtics have an incredibly shallow roster, they may not win enough games to put Garnett in serious running for MVP.
• Just because he's been the sole reason the Lakers have made the playoffs in the last few years, Kobe Bryant should be a serious candidate for MVP. However, that's not how the award works and the Lakers won't win enough games for him to be seriously considered.
• Tim Duncan is a playoff stud and had a pretty good season last year averaging about 20/10/2. Duncan has an outside chance to win the award.
• If the Heat make it back to the playoffs and Dwayne Wade actually stays healthy for a change, he should get a serious look at MVP honors.

Summary:

Prediction on how it will be:

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
4. Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers
5. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

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