Aloha,
I was thinking more about how both Lebron and AD we slighted in the MVP and DPOY awards. I believe the problem is based on to much value being placed on analytics and not enough value given to the eye test. The fundamental flaw in rankings is the notion that the eastern conference and the western conference are equal in talent, which hasn’t been the case for years. The Bucks were the number one defense in the NBA last year, while the Laker were number 4. But the west had 7 of the top 10 offenses in the NBA and the East has 8 of the 10 worst offenses in the league. So the Lakers played the best 4 times to 2 for the Bucks and the Bucks played the bottom 8, 4 times to the Lakers 2. Put the Lakers in the East and the Bucks in the West and everything things reversed. Even the best record earning home court for the finals is wrong. The league should at least rotate home court in the finals. If the Lakers had been in the East both Lebron and AD would have won their respective awards going away. One more thought if you asked those same MVP voters who they would want leading their teams in the playoffs, the Greek Freak or LeBron, how many would actually vote against Lebron. Not many, if any at all.
Great points, Michael. The other issue I have is the media making the decision. The league should come out with its own version called Player of the Year, which would be voted on by the general managers, coaches, and players maybe in a 25/25/50% ratio. That would yield a fairer and more respected result.
Excellent points Michael and I couldn’t agree more. The fact is there’s always been a bit of bias in terms of media pundits not respecting west coast teams in the NBA, the Lakers in particular. It’s why Steve Nash won 2 MVP’s to Kobe’s 1, why LeBron and AD were under-rewarded this season, and why people always get down on when people ask to be traded to the Lakers but don’t bat an eye when Paul George forced his way to the Clippers. Double standards abound. I suppose I’ve grown accustomed to it…