The Next MVP

Who will be this season MVP? Who would have the best shot at the league MVP award if the season ended today? It still a wquestion mark, but Steve Nash is there on the top list...

Steve Nash, PG, Suns: Forget about the Suns' 17-game winning streak coming to an end; Nash is already busy working on another one. Yeah, for the second week in a row Nash was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. He's averaging a gaudy 22.5 points and 15.4 assists over his last five games.

Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Mavericks: While I stick with Team Nash for a third straight week, Team Dirk continues to build support. Example: SI.com's Kelly Dwyer on The Jones this past Sunday ... "Nowitzki's the best player, period. He's doing it all. He's playing defense; he's getting extra possessions for them; he's running the floor; he's being efficient in that slow-down offense... he's awesome."

Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers: I'm sure it has to do with the Lakers dropping four of their last five, but Kobe's camp has been awfully quiet as of late, no? Expect a 60-point explosion and/or a string of triple-doubles games coming soon. Go! Kobe.

Kevin Garnett, F, Timberwolves: He's keeping the Wolves in a playoff race; and he just single-handedly stopped the Suns' run at history by scored 44 points. Add to the fact that besides Kobe, KG's the only name on this list you could argue is top five on both sides of the ball, and well... welcome to the party!

Gilbert Arenas, PG, Wizards: I put my hand upon Gil's hip, and I dipped, he dipped, we dipped him in this the rankings because he's been really struggling with his shot. (40% from the field in January.) He is going better and better!

On the cusp: Tracy McGrady, Carlos Boozer, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.