Footnote to the MVP Discussion

I really wasn't paying attention to the hullabaloo surrounding the MVP race, primarily because I thought it was a no-brainer, but also because I really don't care. The only hardware that interests me is the championship trophy.

That changed after I saw Jalen Rose discuss his four leading MVP candidates, none of which were KG.

My thoughts regarding those who did make the cut:

1. Kobe Bryant:

At the time of the Pao Gasol trade the Lakers were three games ahead of the eighth place team in the West. After the Gasol trade, the Lakers bolted to the top spot. It was a short-lived stay at the top, but they got there only after Gasol was in the mix. The Celtics dominated the Lakers twice this year, including once in Los Angeles where the purple were so badly humiliated that they quit playing with seven minutes to go in the fourth.

I think I'm missing the MVP credentials here. Gasol makes the Lakers better and Kobe's the MVP?

2. LeBron James.

The opposite of Kobe. LeBron is the only reason the Cavs got to the Finals last year and the only reason they have a chance this year. Surround him with 11 NBDL guys, and the Cavs still finish around .500. Yet even with an NBA supporting cast, the Cavs have managed to lose 24 games, twice as many as KG's Celtics.

3. Chris Paul.

Great player on a good team, a team with the best record in the West at the All-Star break. Paul is the Dwight Howard of the West. Howard was in the MVP running earlier in the year, when the Magic had a better record than they do now. So talk to me later in the year and let me know what the Hornets' record is then. If they have less than 25 losses come season's end, then he's in the hunt. Otherwise, throw him on the All-NBA Team and let's return to talking about serious MVP candidates.

4. Manu Ginobli.

I kid you not. Manu was number four on Jalen Rose's list of MVP candidates. Ah, er, ever hear of a guy named Tim Duncan? Manu is Ok, but MVP candidate? Over KG? ...I'd need to take a massive dose of sedatives to even muster up a comment.

Which leaves the Big Fella, the one omitted from Jalen's list.

5. KG

Granted, he has the best supporting cast among the candidates. Yes, the supporting cast went 5-2 without him. But take a poll of NBA coaches and ask them why the Celtics are 46-12. The answer is unanimous. KG. His is the best player on the best team in the NBA. He's the heart and soul of the club, not to mention the quarterback of their league-leading defense.

Jalen Rose notwithstanding, I fully expect KG to bring home the hardware in May.

I want the Banner in June more, but KG also deserves the hardware.

UPDATE:

Another talking head explained why Bryant was his pick.

"No disrespect to two-time MVP Steve Nash, but he might not get a shot off playing one-on-one with Bryant."

And this is relevant why?