by S. F. Heron

Created on: March 12, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, or Chris Paul-who will be chosen as the next 2008 NBA MVP? The debate over the NBA's Most Valuable Player is one of the most heated arguments that basketball fans have throughout the year. Long before a single game is played, speculation begins on sports web sites and blogs with lists of potential candidates.

MVP status doesn't simply mean a player is the highest league scorer. Nor does the award go to a player who makes the most money. Top contenders for the 2008 NBA MVP will be holding court with some of the best of the best in basketball, among them 6 time MVP Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and 5 time MVP Michael Jordan. They've got to earn the right to be MVP.

The current trend shows the MVP award being given to the player who shows the best leadership on any team in the NBA. This player is the most valuable for many reasons. Unselfish play, creating shots, making teammates better players, and fabulous all around basketball skills are what makes an NBA MVP. It's not simply about the statistics anymore.

The trophy itself is named after Maurice Podloff, the first NBA Commissioner. Podloff was instrumental in joining the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America in 1949 to form the NBA. Originally, NBA players selected the MVP. Since 1981, 124 writers and broadcasters have selected the NBA's MVP. The NBA MVP trophy was first awarded in 1955 to Bob Pettit for leading the league in scoring and rebounding and again earned MVP honors in 1959.

Every one of this year's candidates is strong is so many areas. Stats are great, basketball skills are phenomenal, and leadership qualities abound for every candidate. All candidates are the elite in professional basketball and frankly, the choice will be a difficult one this year.

Kevin Garnett

This Boston Celtics power forward is unique in that he has a pass first attitude despite his position. Garnett motivates the team to make runs and is an outstanding defensive player. He's unselfish on both offense and defense and his teammates feed off his confident playing style. Garnett averages 18.8 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game, and 3.5 assists.

Kobe Bryant

Bryant, a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, seems to be standing out as the leader of the pack. He's a great one-on-one player who's game is only getting better every year. Termed as a complete player, Bryant rallies his team at crunch time and is the uncontested leader of the Lakers team. At an average 28.1 points per game, 6 rebounds per game and 5.3 assists per game, Bryant is right behind LeBron James in highest scoring average.

Chris Paul

This New Orleans Hornets point guard is a relative newcomer to the NBA with just 3 years under his belt. But he has stepped up his game and plays like a veteran player. His supreme court vision has led his team to be a division contender. This young floor general will one day be one the best. Paul is averaging 21.3 points per game, 4 rebounds, and an astounding 11 assists; a true indicator of his unselfish play.

LeBron James

James, a small forward with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is the NBA's leading scorer with an average of 30.8 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. James is the complete basketball package with skill and athleticism. He's considered an unguardable player with 7 triple doubles this season. James has held up his team in addition to be selected for the 2008 All Star Team and being awarded All Star MVP.

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