Writer explains why he didn't vote for LeBron for MVP

Should we be offended that someone didn't vote for LeBron for MVP?

5/6/13 in NBA   |   Pat   |   5100 respect

May 5, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (center) holds his fourth MVP trophy next to head coach Erik Spoelstra (left) and Heat president Pat Riley (right) at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsThere has been a lot of buzz about Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, who was the only writer to vote for someone other than LeBron James as the 2012-13 MVP.

Lots of people are flabbergasted at the idea that someone could select anyone other than LeBron.

I can't blame them, since it seems clear that LeBron is playing an another level compared to the rest of the league. There's no one in the NBA who can compare to LeBron's overall skills, when you look at his offensive and defensive effectiveness.

But is it that crazy that no one else could possibly be considered the MVP?

Washburn voted for Carmelo Anthony, which further complicates things, since most people believe that despite his offensive skills, Anthony is a liability in almost all other aspects. He isn't a great passer, he's a subpar defender, and he only rebounds when he feels like it.

LeBron, on the other hand, is one of the better passers in the league, rebounds extremely well, is one of the best defenders in the league, and elevates the play of everyone around him. He did it in Cleveland, and he's doing it again in Miami. He's one of the greatest players the league has ever seen, and even Washburn believes that LeBron will eventually win 7 MVP awards.

So why Carmelo? Washburn says that he means more to his team, pointing to the fact that the Knicks really don't surround Anthony with a lot of talent, while the Heat have guys like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh around him.

Is that a good enough reason to pass over an obviously superior talent? Personally, I don't think so. I'd go with LeBron. Washburn went with Carmelo Anthony. What do you think? Should he be criticized for his choice? Or is it not that big of a deal?
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5/7/13   |   kobe_lova   |   59052 respect

No one should be offended. I would've voted for Durant myself.  Melo is the MVP to his team which I personally think is what the MVP trophy is for. Being on that side of the argument makes it easy for me to understand his pick. Has LeBron been great? Indeed. Does LeBron benefit from having the same core team for the last 3 seasons? Complete with another superstar? Hell yes. That's a luxury that Melo doesn't have. LeBron deserved it more in Cleveland than now I think, but I understand how these crap votes work so no big deal.

5/6/13   |   PurrsAlot   |   1600 respect

lol.  Offended?  Last time I looked it was a free country.  Unanimous ... is rare.   There were other players that warranted consideration.  And the voter was probably weary of the LeBron factor.  Though you wont get an argument from me that he is a mega-talent.  

5/6/13   |   marcus_nyce   |   25778 respect

I really don't think his vote is that big of a deal, but his rational should most definitely be criticized. Even if  'The Best' versus 'Most Valuable' semantics debate is legitimate, they aren't mutually exclusive. This is just an example of 'MVP fatigue' that afflicted Jordan's career as well. Look I'm a HUGE Knicks fan, and even I know that vote was a stretch. Being in the conversation is one thing, but actually talking yourself into it is another.

5/6/13   |   Jess   |   32568 respect

I don't think it's a huge deal; he probably knew that in the grand scheme of things his vote wouldn't affect the outcome. Sounds like he was being different just for the sake of being different. He makes an okay case regarding Anthony meaning more to the team than LeBron, but other than that it doesn't sound like he has a lot of anything for reasoning. LeBron's talent shouldn't be overlooked simply because he's got a better team around him. Obviously he's going to be great anywhere.