2008, April 14: ESPN.com – Rose’s ballot: 2007-08 Most Valuable Player
June 24, 2008
April 14, 2008 – We asked our writers to provide their choices for Most Valuable Player, ranked from 1 to 5.
Here is Jalen Rose’s ballot:
1. Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers
Shooting Guard
Kobe
has been acknowledged as the best player on both ends of the floor for
the last couple of years. But this season, his maturity has enabled him
to allow his teammates to grow. Meanwhile, he still has the ability to
focus and play well through turbulence, whether it’s trade rumors or
several injuries to teammates. In short, Kobe is the definition of Most
Valuable Player.
2. Chris Paul
New Orleans Hornets
Point Guard
Paul
led the Hornets from a team that coming into the season was predicted
to finish around the eighth seed to a team that’s now among the West’s
top three. This suprise surge was accomplished with basically the same
roster as the past couple of seasons. Look for both CP3 and Kobe to
make first team All-NBA and All-Defensive.
3. Kevin Garnett
Boston Celtics
Center
Garnett
was the best player on the best team and largely responsible for the
biggest single-season turnaround ever in terms of wins. KG changed the
culture in Beantown, molding a team that was in the lottery the last
few seasons into a true championship contender.
4. LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers
Small Forward
Only
two other guys besides Lebron have averaged 30-7-7 in a season: Michael
Jordan and Oscar Robertson. However, as in the NCAA tourney seedings or
BCS rankings, strength of schedule counts, so the Cavs’ record and
placement in the East puts Bron here and not higher on the ballot.
5. Amare Stoudemire
Phoenix Suns
Power Forward
Stoudemire,
the most explosive big man in the game, has also been the most
efficient. His numbers have been eye-popping since the Shaq trade. It
will only get worse for his Western conference opponents.
