The Halfway Mark

It’s the halfway mark of the season, which means it’s time to discuss the top 5’s. That is the top 5 teams, MVP candidates, and top 5 starters for each conference. It’s also time to start the watch for all of the other end of season awards.

Western Conference Team

C- Kevin Love

This should come as no surprise; he has been on a tear for the past several years and has been one of the most consistent players game in and game out. This is his first start in the All-Star game and he is a player almost every guy would love to play with.

PF- Marc Gasol

Marc has been a really good player, solid, and often underrated. In a league with very few good big men these days, Marc is one of the truly good, fundamental players left. 

SF-  Kevin Durant

What can you say about this guy right now, other than he is unstoppable. Playing offense like a man unconscious, and playing decent defense to boot. He is carrying the Thunder on his shoulder while Westbrook is still out.

SG- James Harden

This is his second year with the Rockets and he isn’t cooling down yet. Still putting up good numbers and trying to lead the team to another playoff run with newcomer Dwight Howard.

PG- Stephen Curry

Good defense and out of this world offensive ability. Along with Klay Thompson, Steph looks to lead the team to a strong second half.

Eastern Conference Team

C- Roy Hibbert

He is a true 7-footer, and he uses it to his advantage. Playing well with the best team in the Eastern Conference he doesn’t look like he can be stopped.

PF- Chris Bosh

Normally I think he is overrated, but this season he has been playing like a true All-Star. Filing a much needed gap in the absence of an oft injured Dwyane Wade, he has put up great numbers in some great individual and team efforts this season.

SF- Carmelo Anthony

Better defense than the typical Melo, but his offense is just as good as always. The Knicks really need for him to keep the pace for the second half of the season.

SG- Lebron James

No surprise here. He has been one of the best two way players in the game for the past 8 or so years. He has played at an MVP caliber level again this year.

PG- Kyrie Erving

Great young player and only getting better. The Cavs aren’t making the playoffs, but the draft should help this team next year to make a strong push.

Top 5 Contenders

5. San Antonio

Good team with lots of talent, but will their age get the better of them this year? Should make a strong push in the playoffs this year, but does the good ol’ gang have enough left in the tank.

4. Golden State Warriors

Young team with al the talent in the world. They haven’t been there before, so do they know what it’ll take to win it all or will their youth get the better of them. All we know at this point is they put on one exciting show.

3. Miami Heat

The fulcrum to their success is the health of Dwyane Wade. If he’s in the lineup they could make it a three-peat, without him it might be too much for the rest of the team to handle, even with Lebron James.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Without Russell Westbrook, they have a good chance; with him they are one of the most dangerous teams.  A loaded and deep line-up they match up well with any team.

1. Indiana Pacers

Best team in the league right now, hands down, and they are only going to get better. Danny Granger is back in the lineup after a very long time off, so once they get him acclimated to the system I don’t know if anyone will be able to stop this team.

Top MVP Candidates

3.  Paul George

Really deserving as he is the true leader of the best team in the NBA. Needs to keep it  up not only to keep his team in the hunt for the 1-seed, but to keep his MVP chances afloat.

2. Lebron James

Although he has probably won a few of these in the past that he hasn’t deserved, the days he is deserving of all the praise he receives.  He has some real competition this year  to get yet another MVP award.

1.       Kevin Durant

He has probably deserved one of these before now, but this should be his year. He has put the team on his back and carried them to one of the best records in the NBA . Lets just see if he can keep it up for the rest of the season and when Westbrook comes back.