NBA MVP candidates: Take I

With the NBA season quickly coming to a close, it is time to look forward to playoff season, drafts, free agency and of course, post season awards. While we can’t crown a champion until June, we can take a look the 2013 MVP candidates. While there is an obvious standout, that doesn't mean there is an obvious winner. With there never having been a consensus among judges about who the MVP is, debate is always welcome. This week, I’ll focus on the possible NBA MVP candidates, starting with Chris Paul.

While he was already making a splash in the NBA as a Hornet, Chris Paul cemented himself as one of the best PGs in the league after heading to Clipper-land. Paul, along with some young talent, turned the laughing stock of Los Angeles into a legitimate title contender. In less than two seasons, Chris Paul has turned the franchise around, and even upended fellow staple center occupants, the Lakers, as the hottest team in La La Land. For these reasons, Chris Paul is an absolute MVP candidate.

Before becoming the staple of the Clippers, Chris Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. After a stunning prep career, Paul went to Wake Forest where he led his team to two NCAA tournament appearances, and was named ACC rookie of the year. After his sophomore year he entered the NBA draft, and was picked No. 4 overall by the New Orleans Hornets. Since then, Paul has continued to collect the accolades, being named NBA Rookie of the Year, a six-time All-Star, the NBA All-Star MVP, as well as earning two gold medals with Team USA in the Olympics.

Though he has struggled with injury this year, Paul was instrumental in helping the Clippers win their division for the first time since becoming the Clips, as well as having  (at the time) a season-high 17-game winning streak. If that isn't enough to sell you on CP3, maybe this is.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo