No, there's no official award for the Most Important Player. But there should be. Typically, the MVP goes to the best player on the best team in the league, and rightfully so. However, there are players who have tremendous impacts on their teams, although they may not have the gaudiest stat lines. They change the "culture" of a team. Last year, it was KG changing the culture of the Boston Celtics.
This year, Chauncey Billups deserves the award. No player has meant more to his team. Obviously, the Pistons downfall is a clear indication of his importance, but his impact on Denver is even more telling. For years the Nuggets have been defensively challenged, giving up 100+ on the regular. After trading their top defensive player, Marcus Camby, in the offseason, many thought the Nuggets were prone to get lit up for 150 on a nightly basis. Despite their offensive firepower, first-round exits were the norm in the Mile High City.
Then they picked up Chauncey Billups. Yeah, trading A.I. and his 30 shots a night was helpful, but it's bigger than that. It's not like Billups' stats are ridiculous - he's put up a solid 17.7 points and 6.4 assists, and Melo's 23 PPG is down from his 25 last year. But with Chauncey at the point, the offensive operation is SO much more efficient: J.R. Smith and Nene, are both averaging career-highs, at 15.2 and 14.6 points per night, respectively. The defensive end, though, is where the largest strides have been made. This year, the Nuggets are 19th in opponent points per game, giving up about 100 points per night. Not great, but a hell of an improvement for a team that was next-to-last last season, surrendering over 107 points per night, and traded gave away the leagues best shot-blocker.
Chauncey was the steady rock they need at point. He exemplifies the importance of PGs in basketball. He came in, settled the Nuggets down on O, convinced them that, to win, they had to D up, and CHANGED THE CULTURE. The results are clear: 2-seed out West, and they're playing better basketball than anybody in the L right now.
Big ups to Chauncey. This year's NBA Most Important Player.
Runner up: Mo Williams.
Via: ESPN
Exactly right!
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