By Mr. Shamir

Most Valuable Player. Three words. Seven syllables. Infinite definitions.

Every year at the end of the season the MVP race begins to heat up, and the yearly question arrives: just what exactly is the most valuable player? Is it the best player in the world at the time? The player who a team could least afford to lose? Or perhaps is it the player whose impact has been so great that his team has achieved well beyond realistic expectations? Some years have no debate. In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the best player in the world (a title he still claims) on a team that had maximized its potential in the regular season by gaining the one seed in the league. I know most of us have tried to repress that horrible 50-game stretch we called a shortened season, but try to recall Malone's MVP year. Tough isn't it? That's because San Antonio was the most dominating team in that regular season by far. To everyone's surprise Malone took home his second controversial MVP award in three years. Duncan would further prove his MVP worth by becoming Finals MVP that year of the steamroller called the 1999 San Antonio Spurs.

Throughout the year five candidates have come out as the top MVP candidates: Jason Kidd, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber and Tracy McGrady. There have been plenty of supports given to all, and various counter points stated just as easily. But the arguments tend to vary wildly without any standard criteria.

So again the question is asked. What makes up the Most Valuable Player? Again I try to look back at past winners to try to understand what the collective opinion is, but only find myself more confused than before. After cycling through the winners over and over, consistencies began to appear.

There are three areas that MVP candidates are analyzed by: Individual ability, team achievement (especially from the year before), and Value to the team. It is in the weighting of these three characteristics that opinions begin to differ. With my newfound criteria I began to breakdown each of the candidates by these three facets of the game.

Jason Kidd: Point Guard, New Jersey Nets.

Individual Ability: Arguably the most versatile player in the league, Kidd's strength lies in his ability to do everything. The leagues best passer, an All-NBA defender and arguably the best rebounding guard in the league. The knock on Kidd has been the same throughout his whole career, his ability to shoot or lack thereof. Few, if any, players accentuate their teammates abilities like JKidd, and no one puts more pressure on a teams transition defense.

Team Achievement: This is where Kidd's biggest support comes from. A 26 win team a year ago, New Jersey now finds itself on top of the Eastern Conference standings. While Kidd is not the sole reason, or even close to it, his impact can not be denied.

Value to team: Surrounded by a talented cast, Kidd has been the perfect component in making them a well-oiled machine. With no legitimate point guard behind him, Kidd had to bring his "A" game every night, and did just that.

Tim Duncan: Power Forward, San Antonio Spurs.

Individual Ability: The only player in the league to get over 2000 points, and 1000 rebounds this year, Tim Duncan has been the model of consistency again this year. The second best player in the world has already taken a team to the title once and is the same age of Kevin Garnett, who's still looking for his first playoff victory. The elite defensive forward in this league, few can match the outright strengths of his game. Much like Shaquille O'Neal early in his career, Duncan struggles at times with his passing out of double teams from the low blocks.

Team Achievement: The Spurs managed to hold off the Dallas Mavericks for another Midwest crown. However, in comparison to last year, this teams record has dropped from last year when it had the best record in the league.

Value to team: Although the Spurs record has regressed from a year ago, Tim Duncan's importance to the team has increased this year. With a 19-year old starting point guard, and another year added to David Robinson's back, Tim is being asked to carry even more of the load this year.

Shaquille O'Neal: Center, Los Angeles Lakers.

Individual Ability: By far the best player in the world, no one in this league can match a healthy Shaquille O'Neal. An unguardable player in the low blocks, he is now a veteran who has seen every form of a double team you can throw at him. Opposing teams are often at his mercy if they double or not as a result. Shaq has been hampered by a toe injury, which has sapped some of his mobility this year. As a result, the perimeter defenders have less margin for error as the big man has not been able to mask breakdowns.

Team Achievement: Regular season achievements aren't the issue here. This team has won the last two rings, so anything short of the best record in the West should have a negative impact on MVP voting.

Value to team: Roughly .500 without him, Shaq is the player that drives the Lakers into title contention.

Chris Webber: Power Forward, Sacramento Kings.

Individual Ability: One of the elite players in the league, Webber's a capable scorer from both the perimeter and the low blocks while being a terrific passer from all areas of the court. A strong rebounder, Webber has been the biggest key in turning around a once consistently poor franchise.

Team Achievement: 60 wins. The only team in the league to do so, the Kings managed to take the pacific away from the Lakers.

Value to team: Although Webber missed several games this year due to injury, the team still managed to maintain a terrific pace without him. With several players around him capable of stepping up, no injury will be enough to cause this team to fall apart.

Tracy McGrady: Shooting Guard, Orlando Magic.
Individual Ability: A burst of adrenaline in a 6'8" frame, McGrady's explosiveness is rivaled by few. Becoming a better player by the day, Tmac is showing signs of being one of the more complete players in the league, however, while a more then capable defender, he still suffers from lapses.

Team Achievement: The magic made it as the fifth seed in the east, up two spots from a year ago. However being fifth will hurt Tmac's chances at being the MVP.

Value to team: With Grant Hill getting injured for the second year, and without a worthy frontcourt, every phase of the game has been placed squarely on McGrady's shoulders. From distribution, to scoring, to rebounding, Tmac and the Magic have used smoke and mirrors to get this team into the playoffs.

Five MVP candidates, three criteria which they all fill to varying degrees. So which is the MVP? Depends on which criteria you find more important. If you think impact is the most important factor, Jason Kidd easily stands out. If the dominance of the player suits your fancy, Shaquille is probably the winner. If it comes down to reliance by the team, Tim Duncan would appear to be your leading candidate. What is my view? Come back in June when the important MVP award is handed out.