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By Aaron J. Haberman

See first part of this feature.

This list consists of players who have meant everything to their respective teams. Before I go into the top 10 MVP candidates, I’d like to explain something. The MVP award goes to the player who is the most valuable to his team, not to he who scores the most or is the most exciting (i.e., Alex Rodriguez is probably baseball’s best player, but he could never win an MVP while playing for the Rangers… Oh, wait; He already did?) If you look at this from the definition of the words, it means this: which player was the most valuable to their team. The top 10 represent players who show that their team needs them to win. The top 10 MVP candidates, as I see it, are as follows:

1. Kevin Garnett, PF, Minnesota.

Can anyone object? KG does everything. He’s the most complete player in the league. He stands as one of the best defensive players, and most polished offensive players. His inside game dominates. He’s so athletic. He has range to shoot from three, yet knows to look for better shots. His five assists per game, 1+ steals per game, and 2+ nightly blocks complement his 24.5 point average and 14 rebounds nightly. Nobody is this statistically dominant, and that makes him the best all-around player. That, along with his vocal, intense leadership and ability to change a game completely, makes him the likeliest candidate to be MVP.

2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio.

Same old story—it’s all been said before. Tim’s game isn’t the prettiest, but he makes everything he does look so smooth; so easy. He’s invaluable for San Antonio. Remember the season where Robinson got injured, and the Spurs wound up with the first pick? If Duncan were to have Robinson’s fate of that season, the Spurs would be a desperate team. He just dominates when he’s on the floor. He’s the prototypical game-changing player, and he’s got a great chance at his third straight MVP award.

3. Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana.

The best player on the best team. He’s the premiere post-up player the East offers, and would rank among the best in the West. He’s an awesome athlete, knows how to play above the rim, and can take any Power Forward off the dribble. He gets to the line and is solid from there. Here’s what he’s done that so important: for the first time since MJ’s second retirement, a team from the East actually has a chance to win the finals.

4. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento.

Everyone knew Sacramento could be a winning team without C-Webb, but did anyone expect them to have the West’s best record more than halfway through the year? Peja has shown that he can fill the role of first option. At 6’9, he’s deadly from three, and can back you up and shoot over you. Not only is he a completely automatic shooter, he knows how to follow shots and get rebounds. He’s becoming even more valuable because he’s game is close to complete.

5. Baron Davis, New Orleans.

Baron has meant everything to the Hornets. They’ve remained a good team while Mash has missed the season to date. He’s also among the most improved players. He’s been the league’s best scoring PG and if he could shoot a little better, New Orleans would be a lot better.

6. Jason Kidd, New Jersey

NJ is winning again, and Kidd is the reason they’re the Atlantic’s best team, and only team with a wining record. He means everything to them—his D, his ability to lead the fast break, and of course his passing. Thanks to the rest in minutes, he’s returned as a top candidate for MVP.

7. Andrei Kirilenko

Rewind this season to the start. Trace back through your mind. If any team in the West is an obvious write-off, it’s the Jazz, right? AK47 is probably the second best overall player. He’s a do-it-all, and the only reason, aside from Jerry Sloan, that the Jazz is actually still swimming in the Varsity pool. The stats he puts up don’t even tell the story. 16 points and 8 boards are very solid, enough so to lead the Jazz, save the injured Harpring. Along with those numbers, Andrei’s good for almost 3 blocks, 2 steals, high-percentage shots along with great range.

8. Ben Wallace

Can’t stress it enough. His D makes this team. Detroit will not score with the best, even if Larry Brown continues to improve that, and without Ben, they wouldn’t win with the best. He cleans the glass, alters, if not blocks, everything, and the stat line doesn’t reveal just how much impact he has on a game.

9. Paul Pierce

He doesn’t need another star to coexist with in order to be equally effective. And he can lead. The Celtics have not been awesome, but they remain in the playoffs, and divisional hunt. His stats are great, with 23+ points, 7 rebounds, and almost 6 assists. A lot of the Celtics flaws—no effective big man, weak at PG—are covered up by Paul’s brilliance.

10. Vince Carter

If anyone disagrees, take a look at this: The Raptors of last year, without Vince for 43 games, were a joke. This year, with a healthy Vince, they stand, as of now, to make the playoffs. He averages nearly 5 rebounds and assists, and is shooting great from beyond the arc.

Honorable Mentions:

Tracy McGrady, SG, Orlando - win a few games and he’s an unquestionable candidate. Tip: learn to beat zone instead of complaining about it.

Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver - alongside Andre Miller, has turned this team into a legit playoff team.

Zach Randolph, PF, Portland - primary option, great scorer and rebounder, needs to be more reliable late in the game.

Brad Miller, PF/C, Sacramento - stepped in at PF with Webber out, and has a complete game. Doesn’t need to score in Sacramento, but he’s definitely capable. Great reason for team’s great record.

Sam Cassell, PG, Minnesota - They’ll get out of the first round this year, and he’ll be the reason. Shooting has been absolutely amazing. Now can he please be on All-Star team?

Allen Iverson, SG, Philadelphia - Mediocre team, but his injury really cost them. Otherwise, he’s been the same player with the same value.