Kobe Wins His First MVP Honors
May 7, 2008
Kobe Bryant was long considered as one of the best players in the NBA. His several championships and scoring crowns are testaments to his great basketball skills. However in his 11 year NBA career, Bryant never won the coveted MVP honors – until this season.
Kobe Bryant won the Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player after getting 1,105 votes from a panel of sportswriters across the US and Canada. Hornets little big man Chris Paul finished second while Celtics stalwart Kevin Garnett finished third.
Bryant was long labeled as a selfish player and after his trade-drama last year, he turned around his play and showcased his all-around game. Kobe ranks second in the league in scoring with an average of 28.3 point to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
*photo credit: getty images
“I really don’t know what to say, it’s such an honor and a blessing to be here. It’s a very special day for me.” Bryant said after receiving the award.
Personally, I would have chosen Chris Paul to win the award. But it was a real close-call. After all, the Hornets and Lakers finished as the top two teams in the rugged Western Conference. I guess you just can’t go wrong between Kobe and Paul. Chris Paul is still young and he’ll have his chances to win his MVP award(s) and I guess this is really Kobe’s time. Kudos to Kobe Bryant for his first MVP trophy.
-fouledout
May 7, 2008 at 2:18 am
We share our desire to submit Chris Paul’s name for the honor, but as disappointed as I am he did not win, there’s no issue with Bryant having a great season. Yet, it really seems like a “lifetime achievement” award rather than for what most valuable player to your team really should stand for. Perhaps in another year he was the MVP, but not this one.
May 7, 2008 at 4:40 am
[...] the Boston squad was fortunate to have Kevin Garnett in their team. Garnett, who finished third in MVP voting, stepped up and tallied 28 points and 8 rebounds. The starting and back-up point guards of the [...]
May 8, 2008 at 4:09 am
Nicely stated sir…
Sportsattitude: cheap shot! (are you Robert Horry?)
May 8, 2008 at 4:55 am
well,he deserves it..
May 9, 2008 at 12:07 am
Kobe is the best player in the league. I just take the most valuable player literally and at the end of the day think Chris was a touch more important to his team than Bryant. I have no problem with Bryant being named Player of The Year. I’m just being picky and sticking with Paul as the MVP, feeling the Lakers’ supporting cast would survive the horror of not having Kobe a bit more than the Hornets would have without Paul…but don’t get me wrong, both supporting casts on these teams are underrated.
May 9, 2008 at 2:00 am
in my book, i would have chosen paul, but as i said it, you just can’t go wrong with them.. both are very very deserving and too bad only one can win..
May 13, 2008 at 1:46 am
[...] May 13, 2008 Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant headlines the NBA All-Defensive Team after leading the voting and receiving 52 points each from the voting panel. This is Garnett’s ninth Defensive Team selection and Bryant’s eighth. The All-Defensive Team selection will be an additional award for the two players who were recently award NBA Defensive Player of the Year (Garnett) and Most Valuable Player (Bryant). [...]