by Mark Huber

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

This NBA season has been one of the most fascinating in recent memory. There have been monster trades, involving multiple Hall-of-Fame players. But, now that the dust has settled on the regular season, with a handful of distinct choices for the MVP of the 2008 NBA season this year, but none more deserving than Kevin Garnett. This statement, most likely, will cause many NBA fans to shout, "Are you crazy?! What about Kobe? What about Lebron? And, oh yeah, how about Chris Paul?" Those are all legitimate choices but hear me out.

While Kobe has lead his team to the best record in the West, Lebron is leading the East in scoring (and head above-the-rim dunks), and Chris Paul looks like the 21st century version of Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Garnett is the meat and potatoes, man in the middle, cornerstone of the best of the best. Garnett is the heart and soul of the best team in the NBA. The Celtics threw together a sparkling 66-16 record this year, and dominated the 'mighty' Western Conference.

But if you want to focus on statistics, the other three are obviously better choices. Chris Paul, for example, averaged an eye-popping 21.1 points and 11.6 assists per game. But, don't be so quick to overlook KG's 1.25 blocks per game or his 1.41 steals. Numbers are great, but I argue that Garnett's impact on the Celtics goes far beyond the numbers. KG's rock-solid defense in the middle has made Boston's defense the most formidable in the League. Also, his 24/7 in your face intensity, has raised the level of play of young point guard, Rajon Rondo, and big-man, Kendrick Perkins. Yes, Mr. Garnett is finally out of the shadows of Minnesota and on a real team, where he is displaying the winning intricacies within his game. I can't say that Garnett is guaranteed to bring another championship to Beantown, but that is not how the MVP is decided; it is based solely on the effect the player has on his team during the regular season. The bottom line is that KG is the best player on the best team, and that's why I give him the nod for the 2008 MVP of the NBA.

My MVP Rankings

1ST place- Kevin Garnett
2nd place- Kobe Bryant
3rd place- Chris Paul
4th place- Lebron James

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