Chris Paul deserves the M.V.P.

By Matt Coller
STAFF WRITER

Every once in awhile an NBA player has a legendary season. Mike Jordan in 1995-96, Magic Johnson in 1986-87 and Steve Nash in 2005-06. A season that fans will look back on and talk about for years to come.

Add Chris Paul’s 2007-08 season to the list.

Paul’s 21 points, 11 assists and almost three steals per game are comparable to Nash’s back- to-back MVP seasons, but the most important statistic is being overlooked by analysts: turnovers per game.

Paul, a point guard, averages only 2.5 turnovers a game. That may not seem all that important until one dives deeper.

During Johnson’s MVP season of 1986-87, he averaged 3.8 turnovers per game. Nash had 3.5 in 2005-06.
Both fellow point guards averaged less steals than Paul, who takes the ball away more than he gives it up, a feat almost impossible at that position.

Paul’s personal statistics amaze, but what may be more astounding is his ability to get the most out of his teammates.

“Paul is clearly the MVP, he’s made the most impact by far,” said Jeff Van Gundy, NBA analyst and former head coach of the Knicks and Rockets. “(David) West was an all-star because of him and he’s gotten a lot out of (Tyson) Chandler, as well.”

Before joining Paul in New Orleans, Tyson Chandler averaged just five points and nine rebounds a game in Chicago, but since he’s improved to an 11-point, 11-rebound powerhouse at center.

Paul’s leadership abilities have shown through while winning the South West division and during multiple wins against the league’s best team — the Boston Celtics.

So, why are fans and analysts picking Kobe Bryant or LeBron James for MVP?

Because Paul lacks the media coverage of a LeBron and Hollywood star power of Kobe. He isn’t featured during every commercial break or seen at any movie premiers.

Beside star influence, flashy scoring and ESPN highlight reels give James and Bryant the edge, but their numbers just don’t add up to the true MVP’s.

Bryant’s 28 points and six rebounds per game are impressive, but averaging three turnovers and just five assists per game leaves him far short of Paul when it comes to being a complete player.

One must also consider that the acquisition of star-power forward Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies midway through the season has made life a lot easier on Bryant this season.

As for James, playing in the abysmal Eastern Conference makes him automatically less valuable than Bryant or Paul.

Plus, as a shooting guard, James averages more than three turnovers a game and shoots just .315 from beyond the arc.

To add to James’ poor shooting, 71 percent from the free throw line falls well short of Paul’s 85 percent.

Though being a humble leader, unselfish passer and intelligent decision-maker don’t often end up on the stat sheet, they are the categories in which Chris Paul has truly stood above the rest. His 2007-08 season has been, well, Magic-al.

A recent fan poll on ESPN.com had Bryant getting 50 percent of the MVP vote, but luckily it isn’t up to the Powerade-drinking, basketball-shoe-wearing NBA enthusiast.

We can only wait and hope that the sports writers don’t award simply scoring and stardom.

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