NBA MVP

Derrick Rose appears to have all but locked up the 2011 NBA MVP award. The Chicago Bulls have clinched first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 59-20, second only to the San Antonio Spurs (61-19).

While Rose's accomplishments are great, I'd like to remind everyone to look at another player. While many have decided to hate LeBron James for leaving Cleveland the way he did, it's hard to deny his greatness on the court. LeBron currently beats Derrick in PPG (+1.7), RPG (+3.4), SPG (+.4). The only category Derrick has better numbers than LeBron is APG (+.9).

In fact, James has better numbers than Kobe Bryant PPG (+1.5), RPG (+2.4), APG (+2.3), SPG (+.3); Amar'e Stoudemire (in all but rebounds), Dwight Howard (Also with exception of rebounds), Kevin Durant (With exception of points -1.9). LeBron has better numbers than all the "bigs" in the NBA despite the fact that he is on a team with another superstar and an all-star.

If the numbers alone don't make the case, consider this. Last year, with Lebron James, Cleveland finished with the best record in the league at 61-21. This year, without James, they are tied for the worst record in the league at 17-63. He was certainly the most valuable player for Cleveland. Last Year, Miami took 5th place in the East with a 47-35 record. Tomorrow, they go up against Boston (55-24) to try to grab the number 2 spot. Yes, the team also has Wade and Bosh, but the fact is, Miami went up 3 places in the standings with the addition of LeBron James at the beginning of the season. Chicago went from 8th to 1st place, but Rose played for Chicago last year.

As much as I would hate to see Boston lose to Miami, I think the only way James will see a (much deserved) MVP trophy this year will be if Miami takes the finals. Even then, he will have a tough time convincing the skeptics that he deserves another MVP award.