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As always, when deciding on these MVP rankings, we factor in individual player production (via both standard stats and advanced metrics) as well as team performance/success…
 
Front Runners:
 
1. Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls (24.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 8.1 apg):
The 2010-2011 MVP is shaping up as a two horse-race, as D-Rose and D-Howard are separating themselves from the pack.  However, Rose has been widening his lead over the last few weeks.  The Bulls have won four straight and eight of their last 10.  Chicago, finally playing with a full and healthy roster, are now a jaw-dropping 18.5 games ahead of second place Indiana in the Central Division.  Chicago, currently 12-0 versus Central foes, is also attempting to become the first team to go undefeated for a full season within their own division since the NBA re-aligned to six divisions in 2004.  And all season long, it has been Derrick Rose that has been the engine driving the Bulls toward their considerable success.  His numbers are incredible as he has clearly established himself as an All-NBA performer.  In fact, when you factor in the games missed due to injury along the Chicago frontline thus far this season, Rose’s impact becomes that much more impressive.  Furthermore, far be it from me to disagree with the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of Nikes.  Michael Jordan, who knows a thing or two about winning MVPs in the Windy City, was asked what he thought about Rose after watching Derrick carve up his Bobcats.  MJ’s response: "MVP of the season," Jordan said about Rose after the Bulls’ 101-84 win over his Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. "He deserves it. He’s playing that well. He deserves it. Without a doubt. And if he doesn’t get it, now he’ll see how I felt a lot of years."
 
2. Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic (23.0 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg):
Just how vital is Howard to the Magic’s success? Well, he leads the team in scoring, rebounds, FG%, blocks, and steals.  He’s undoubtedly the most dominant defensive player on planet earth, and his offensive game is slowly but surely improving as well.  Very players in recent NBA history have that type of impact on both ends of the floor.  The Magic have restructured the team around him via two major trades this season, yes Dwight has been the anchor in the middle all season long.  However, Howard served a one-game suspension earlier this week, and the Magic, unsurprisingly, ended up losing to the Blazers with Howard on the bench in street clothes.  Dwight needs to keep him temper and check and avoid technicals the rest of the way; Orlando obviously needs him on the floor as they make a postseason push. 
 
3. Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks (22.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.5 apg):
Heading into the Mavs’ Thursday night matchup with the Knicks, Dirk was averaging 25 points per game over his last five contests, while shooting a sizzling 60.8% from the floor.  The blowout victory over the Knicks, in which Dirk contributed 23 points and nine boards, gave the Mavs their 20th win in their last 23 contests.  Just how competitive has Dallas been over that stretch? Amazingly, those three games they lost were all just one-point losses!  Some additional stats as to why Dirk is Mr. Maverick: Nowitzki began the 2010-11 season as the Mavericks’ all-time leader in points (21,111), rebounds (7,802), field goals (7,348), 3-pointers (1,131), free throws (5,284), free throw percentage (.876), starts (895), games (920) and minutes played (33,732).
 
4. LeBron James – Miami HEAT (26.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 7.1 apg):
Prior to the HEAT’s impressive win over the Lakers on Thursday night, the pressure mounting on LeBron and his teammates was generating headlines across the country.  One of the main subplots causing angst in Miami has been the HEAT’s awful record against the best teams in the league and their inability to close out contests.  Per NBA.com, the HEAT are just 1-18 in games in which they were tied or down 1-3 points in final ten seconds. Amazingly, they are just 1-6 when UP 1-3 points in final 30 seconds.  However, beating the mighty Lakers in a game that was tied with under two minutes remaining should buy LeBron and the HEAT some much needed breathing room.  Nonetheless, it was D Wade who was primarily responsible for carrying the HEAT home.  LeBron is the best player in the NBA over the first 46 minutes of any NBA game, but in the final two minutes, Miami would likely prefer the ball to be in Wade’s hands.    
 
5. Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers (25.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.8 apg):
The Lakers were riding an eight-game winning streak until the HEAT cooled them off on Thursday.  Kobe had some big three-pointers in the fourth, but D Wade effectively locked him up in crunch time.  But if we know anything about Kobe, we know he’ll be back with a vengeance.  For those that saw the stories this morning, Kobe spent 90 minutes AFTER the heat game shooting around inside the American Airlines Arena.  Just one more example of what separates Kobe from his immensely talented peers.  "I want what all men want. I just want it more."

In the Race:

Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder (28.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.8 apg):
Durant proved his MVP-mettle in heroic fashion Wednesday night in Philadelphia.  The Thunder were down five points to the Sixers with under a minute left in regulation.  Durant promptly hit a runner in the lane and then a clutch three-ball, over the outstretched hand of Andre Igoudala, in the final seconds to force overtime.  KD helped power OKC to another victory in OT, finishing with 34 points and 16 rebounds.    
 
Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder (22.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 8.5 apg):
{AUTHOR_BOX}Kevin Durant isn’t the only superstar in OKC these days.  Westbrook has proven he also deserves to be mentioned as one of the NBA’s truly elite players.  Russell ended up 27 points and 12 assists (his 29th double-double of the season) in the aforementioned OT victory over Philly.  He chipped four of those 27 points in overtime.  In fact, Westbrook leads all NBA players in points scored in overtime this season, with 44 total.  Durant has the second highest total in the league (36).  Unsurprisingly, the Thunder are 7-1 in OT this season. 
 
Manu Ginobili – San Antonio Spurs (17.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.0 apg):
With by far and away the NBA’s best record, it is only fair that at least one member of the Spurs gets some MVP-love.  Considering Tony Parker recently missed some time with an injury, and Timmy D’s numbers are down a bit, we’ll go with Manu, who is enjoying one of the best all-around seasons of his career.
 
Dwyane Wade – Miami HEAT (25.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.4 apg):
In the aforementioned Miami win over the Lakers, D Wade was the difference for the HEAT and the MVP of the fourth quarter.  Which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering Wade is currently second in the NBA in 4th quarter scoring (nearly 7 ppg).  Wade scored eight points in the 4th versus L.A., and also came up with great defense on Kobe down the stretch, including a steal in the final two minutes, which lead to the go-head points on a dunk by LeBron (on assist from Wade). 
 
Chris Paul – New Orleans Hornets (15.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 9.6 apg):
Paul’s MVP credentials have taken a significant hit over the second half of the season, as his numbers have dipped and the Hornets have struggled.  Now CP3 is dealing with the effects of a scary concussion.  Hopefully Paul is able to return to full health real soon.      
 
Amar’e Stoudemire – New York Knicks (26.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.6 apg):
Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups arrival in New York effectively ended any shot Stoudemire had at serious MVP contention.  That much star power, as we have discussed with Miami and OKC’s candidates, dilutes the votes any one player might receive.  However, you know that Amar’e isn’t complaining.  
 
Honorable Mention: Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LaMarcus Aldridge, Al Horford, Paul Pierce, Kevin Love, Pau Gasol
 

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