The Case For Dirk’s MVPs
Glory comes in many different facets throughout the winding roads of life. And like all, one aspires to end their life in a blazing representation of a momentous career. However, the person as an individual lacks the credibility to rate or rank oneself. Instead, they rely on the ever-flowing opinion of the public to dictate their status. And for the sport of basketball, the audience honestly does decide where you sit in there very own hierarchy of skill. This subject has always been a fascinating topic to contemplate about, as the factors behind an individual’s rank have still left the rest of the sports world in an utter state of dismay. I, along with you, are guilty of subjecting ones career to a very specific set of categories, focusing on a very refined example. However, an almost coherent judge of one’s career is the number of MVPs an individual has won.
For Dirk Nowitzki, his legacy in the league could’ve been so much more. As throughout his luxurious life in the league, he’s experienced a variety of different situations. However, once, and only once, was he able to indeed, acknowledge and take in the most significant individual regular-season award to this date. The MVP. This is the topic in which this blog pertains to, as I’m here to discuss how Dirk should’ve become one of the best players of all-time, merely through the achievements of a few more MVPs.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy possibly one of the most biased blogs you’ve ever read.
2005
The 2005 season was a special one. It signified the start of Dirk’s prominent, star-studded career. However, what you, or possibly the rest of the world have failed to notice or fathom, is that Dirk almost left this season with his first MVP. As he finished third behind players like Shaquille O’Neal, and the 2005 winner, Steve Nash. Throughout this section, I’ll give a rundown of each of the three players season, then how that ultimately stacks up in my MVP race. And so, hopefully, this will show you how Dirk had been snubbed from the 2005 MVP award.
First, we’ll start off with sheer statistics. Steve Nash, played the game differently than your average point guard. Sure, he thrived offensively in a fast-paced system, but his 14.5 PPG and 11.5 APG leaves a prominent gap regarding pure scoring, where, coincidentally, Shaq and Dirk seemed to thrive. Now, to fully articulate my opinion, I will have to ramble from time to time. So, let’s continue with it. The Suns, at least throughout the early to mid-2000’s, were a dominant team. Their “run’n’gun” offense often left the defense in dismay. As in often cases the Suns would have already scored by the time you looked up. However, I would credit the entirety of Phoenix for Nash’s MVP win then Nash himself, as the Suns had a healthy, exciting team. Due to that, Phoenix found a way to massacre most opponents. Meaning, regarding sheer appearance, the Suns, by far, looked to be the most entertaining team out there. Which, in turn, put a brighter, tented spotlight on Nash. One that shifted and morphed his statistical worth, into something extraordinary. And I’ll admit, Nash had the storyline. Which, when judging the weight of an MVP-like season, factors in quite a bit. The storyline, in my opinion, profoundly favored Nash. As that was the main reason, he was even considered at first. If I were to step back, and ponder about the situation at hand, to dismiss the storyline and accurately judge the individual’s performance, Nash wouldn’t even be in the top three. However, as I’ve only picked three examples to narrate, Steve luckily falls in at the number three position.
A physical prowess like Shaquille O’Neal has always found a way to dominate the game. In 2005 we saw a different man then years prior, as this season signified his first on the Heat. I will admit, the 2005 Miami Heat did play great. Wade and O’Neal led their squad to a 59–23 record, securing them the top spot in the East. However, as I’ve already mentioned, this was all done with the two at full strength. Shaq had help. Something Dirk never honestly had throughout his career. And yes, I’m implying that O’Neal, because of this, had an unfair advantage. He had someone who could indeed help him, actually, in fact, he had someone who could take over the game when he at times, failed to do so. Which raises questions about the true nature of the 2005 MVP race, as a tactic I use to identify a player’s overall contributions to a team is merely subtracting them from the equation. Because, as they say, the MVP award stands for the Most Valuable Player. So, merely identifying if the player meant much at all to the team during there time on the court ultimately solves the question at hand. However, I don’t obtain the power to discover the answer genuinely. So, along with you, I’m left to guess in the best way I know how. Shaq, this season, averaged a mere 22.9 PPG while pulling down 10.4 RPG. This is what leaves me in awe. As these stats, although looking rather impressive, seem minuscule to Dirk’s eventual argument. However, as I did take record into account, O’Neal has found a way to land at the number two spot. Leaving only one, eventual, and unanimous MVP candidate left to talk about, Dirk.
Dirk serves as an ambassador in this league for many different reasons. Possibly the biggest and most important though is his genuine talent for changing the game. His post-oriented play has changed the style of the league. However, Nowitzki’s game came at a much later date. At first, he was merely known as a great player, on a lackluster team. Now though, he’s an all-time great. Sitting amongst the names of Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley in the fables of NBA history. Sadly, his case to be the best has yet to be found. As without the accomplishment of merely a few more luxurious regular-season awards, his claim for fame looms just a little darker than the others. However, in 2005, I believe that Nowitzki had the opportunity to assert himself into that legendary spot at a much younger age, as the Mavericks had won a shocking 58 games that season, allowing them to fit in at that two-spot in the West. Unfortunately for Dirk, he lacked two of the most useful tools there are when entering his MVP bid. As without a storyline and marks of widespread popularity, he was subjected to merely the 3rd spot in the race. For Dirk, the league robbed him of even a more significant shot at fame and glory. As in that season, Nowitzki went on to average 26.1 PPG while tanking down 9.7 RPG. An astonishing uprising from the previous season. And yet, Dirk completed this all, the jaw-dropping individual season and inspiring team season, with little help at all. His wingman was Jason Terry, a promising player that never indeed made a lasting impact on the Mavericks. However, votes are, and always will be skewed. And for Dirk, he saw this first hand.
Bias aside, I without a doubt believe that Nowitzki deserved this MVP. His overall contributions to the team truly seemed to be unrivaled compared to the likes of Nash and O’Neal. As this individual win for Nowitzki could’ve been the start of something special.
Instead, it was, in turn, the start of looming sequence of bad-luck. Something Dirk had to endure all the way up until his eventual Finals victory.
2006
This season was one of optimism around the league. As during this year, the league saw Lebron James, one of the best players to have ever lived, emerge into the spotlight he was destined to bear. However, in a shocking sequence of events, James nor Nowitzki won the MVP. Instead, it was yet again Nash. This, understandably, infuriated a variety of fans. Which, is why I’ve decided to pull this year out of the rifts of time, as this season’s most valuable player award should’ve been won by one of the two most significant NBA players at that time. Instead, we saw Nash, perplexingly, walk away with it once again, leaving us all in dismay. This race, in my opinion, is possibly one of, if not the closest races I have embedded inside this blog.
First, we’ll start with the last. As Nash, out of the top three, was in my opinion, the least deserving out of them all. I don’t know, just something about his statistical showcase flat-out just ruins his argument for me. His minimal claim in conventional categories such as points per game and steals per game leaves much to be desired. And, what perplexed me, is that his stats worsened from the previous season. They dipped. Meaning he fell have just a little bit. But, somehow, he still won the award. There are a couple of factors I see playing into Nash’s chances to win it again, one, of course, being the storyline. And, surprisingly, my second reason is how relatable he was. Similar to how we saw it in Curry, we saw Nash, a man that looked just as physically athletic as you or me, somewhat take the league by storm. It was this emergence from Nash that made him so highly liked amongst a populous of fans. As without his come up, and his success in the Sun’s, he would be just another point guard. However, that’s just not how it was meant to be. And although I can’t change the past, I to this day hold firm with my thoughts, as I believe Nash should be without two MVPs to his name. Which, surprisingly, baffles most of the NBA’s fans. Their claim, almost every time, is centered around team success. On how the Sun’s thrived with Nash on the court and worsened without Steve’s presence. That is a fact that isn’t applicable to just about any Steve Nash claim, as I do agree, team success is also a factor, but the Suns finished 3rd in the West. Falling one spot behind the Dallas Mavericks, and MVP candidate Dirk Nowitzki. So, other than the sheer bogus idea of a storyline, Nash had nothing going for him. Which, is why yet again I have Nash at the number three spot. However, if possible, I would subject Nash to the depths of the race. As his MVP bid, this season was already worse than last seasons.
Now, as I want to relay, I do believe that this award could have gone either way. Both Lebron and Dirk had great, fulfilling seasons. However, in the end, only one can hoist the glimmering assortment of metals into the air. Rejoicing over what was a historic season. Which, is why I sit here today, contemplating the very reality of my thoughts, as my instinct is to back the prowess and skill of Lebron. And, in turn, provide a cut-throat argument to compel King James’s side into coaxing away with another MVP. Also though, the strings of my heart pull and bend to. Dirk, as he is my favorite player of all time, to this date. So, I put bias aside which granted me my final answers.
Well, the time has come. Who will be the eventual winner, and loser, when this is all set in stone, as I’m not only re-analyzing history but reshaping it. And in my predicted future, in the very reality I believe should’ve existed, I have Lebron remaining where he was on the list, even though that may be controversial. However, it just wasn’t his time to shine. The MVP, or Most Valuable Player award, is something that spans across a variety of different points in the basketball world, as James’s singular success lay most in awe. However, team success, one of the most vital pushing points behind one’s MVP bid, was just not there. Well, in retrospect to the Mavericks at least, as the Cavaliers finished their 2006 campaign with a 50 and 32 record. This, in turn, granted them the 4th spot in the East. While, on the other side of the nation, we saw the Mavericks accomplish yet again, another 60-win season. This sheer difference in individual success, contributing to team success, is the reason why Lebron lays here, as his time is soon to come. But, for now, he is left to dwell in the mere shadows. Waiting for his opportunity to clinch the trophy, and rejoice.
Now, the time has come. The previous seasons MVP has yet again, one another. This is but two trophies Dirk would add to his flourishing collection. As we’ll eventually see, Nowitzki will finish off his career as a certified legend. Having his legacy displayed throughout tones of greatness. However, at first, I must explain to you, the reasons I believe Dirk should have won this award, again. I’ll start it off like this. Regarding bland stats, Dirk reigns superior. As all voters alike focus their gaze on the assortment of numbers that lay before them. Nowitzki averaged 26.6 PPG, while also pulling down 9.1 RPG. This is amazing. As the combined baggage of his stats should’ve been the weight that would tip the tides in this discussion. However, I’m far from done. There are two more vital elements to Nowitzki’s MVP bid. The first reason being team success. Which, if you count out the 2017 MVP race, is a critical factor in someone’s conclusion. The Mavericks, led by Nowitzki, had secured there season as one of which to be remembered. As going 60–22, Dallas was able to advance, until you simply couldn’t improve anymore. So, the finals had become the Mavericks hotspot that season. And, it looked like a championship win would be all but confirmed in the dying seconds of game two. However, we knew what happened. And, that’s beside the point. What I was trying to express, was Dirk’s intangibles he held for the team. Without a single other All-Star on that squad, he had merely carried the team. Until, sadly, he could carry no more. This, coincidentally, brings me to my second, and final point, as Dirk was probably one of the only players to have this trait, and ultimately fail to win the ultimate prize. And that is none other than the storyline. A vital component of any race, MVP or not. However, in my reality, in the one I do readily believe should’ve gone down, I have Dirk winning his second in a row. Capping off this two-year stint, as one of his best, and most enjoyable, ever. Leaving his legacy, at the moment, to have already been surrounded by the tools, trophies, and accolades, to make and stamp his name into the beautiful prints of the game.
[C]Winning his second straight MVP, Nowitzki’s career would be all but fulfilled. That is, at least, from an individual standpoint, as his long-awaited championship ring was yet to come. However, what follows, at least in the very reality in which I’ve morphed this blog into, will genuinely shock, yet amaze you.
2007
Dirk, at least in this season, legitimately won the MVP award. Well, at least in the very reality we’re all living in. As if this season was a mirror image of the reality I painted, I believe, that sadly, Nowitzki would leave this season without the glorious achievement, as the NBA wants to change. And so do we. Meaning that the award would’ve fallen to whoever was the runner-up, initially. This, of course, would completely change the face of the league, and, in turn, the outcome of the playoffs. As without the MVP award that Dirk had so rightfully desired, his dedication to proving the voters wrong would’ve doubled. Propelling his skills, at least for the Mavericks embarrassing playoff run, turning Dallas into the team they should’ve become, a legit title contender. This would’ve reshaped the entire league in whole. Reinstating the Mavericks dignity along the way, as the pressure of performing with such an honor would be all but gone, as Dirk’s MVP goal would’ve been fulfilled, leaving him with the sheer desire of winning it all. And although I do believe the Mavericks would find a way to fall short in the playoffs, one way or another, I believe there run would last far longer than it did initially. So, who was the one that stepped into the vacant role? Clinching the covenant award in his hands, gazing across the blinding lights.
Triumphant is at least one of the words to describe Kobe’s legendary career. His actions made history, while systematically changing the future. However, his long lasting life in the league is often overshadowed. As he’s completed all but one of his goals, insurmountable singular success. I’m not regarding his stats. Instead, his lack of MVP awards. Only one, Bryant was just able to win one. However, in the new, improved timeline, I see that amount doubling. His two MVPs should give him the respect he deserves. Whether that comes from him moving up in our hierarchy of rankings, or him merely being regarded as a better player, him winning just one more of these luxurious awards would have wholly morphed the mold of the future. He averaged absurd stats that season as well, putting up about 32 points a game, his ability to score the rock, while dominating the game, was at an all-time high. This was, quite simply, the thick of Kobe’s prime. And him winning this award would be the cherry on top to another fantastic season. And although I don’t see the Lakers amounting to much, come playoff time, Bryant has still never been so valuable to his team as he is right now. This is something I feel doesn’t need to be elaborated on more. As without Dirk in the distinct role to win it, it seems like a no-brainer for Bryant to swoop in and clinch the opportunity. This would genuinely be intriguing, especially for the minds of us fans. However, I cannot change the past, nor future. And the reality both you and I are manipulating throughout this blog is the reality I so desire to improve, something that’ll never happen.
Legacy
Nowitzki’s entire career would change following the skewed outcomes that I brought into this reality. His status would become firm in the eyes of others, and the respect he deserves will be the respect he’s given. As adding merely one more MVP completely changes the viewpoint of fans onto his career. As currently, we see it as lackluster, regarding a legend at least. Mainly because of the failed opportunities that had wilted away. However, concluding the success in his second MVP season, I believe that he would be fulfilled, at least, with his fixation of singular gain. Instead, his goal would be to aid the team. To have Dallas forge it’s on route on their path to success. Not follow the measly, tattered trail of land that had been blazed nearly a century ago. And although I didn’t quite get into detail on the matter, I believe that Dallas’s embarrassing loss to the Warriors in 2007 would’ve never happened. It would’ve ceased to exist. Thus, possibly aiding the Mavericks in winning their first title, ever. However, my dreams aren’t the reality, sadly. As my powers fail to stretch beyond this text, you see before you. However depressing that may be, it seems glorious, yet exciting, at the mere fact that I can create a new world. Or quite simply, a new legacy.
That concludes the content of this blog. This is a first, changing the very fabric of reality. And so, I hope you enjoyed. I welcome every comment or argument you wish to bring up down below, as it quite merely boosts my reputation. In reality, I do hope you guys agreed with me, and my points. However, I quite simply acknowledge the fact that most of you will not. So, for those of you that think differently, focus on the writing. Focus on the smaller, minuscule details in which I wrote this blog on. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed.
