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NBA: 25 players who should have won MVP in retrospect

By Hans Themistode

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 05: NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson speaks during the USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy Player of the Year press conference prior to the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 05: NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson speaks during the USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy Player of the Year press conference prior to the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

NBA: 25 players who should have won MVP in retrospect: 25. Dwight Howard, 2010-11

Derrick Rose didn’t brag, boast or beat his chest during the start of the 2010-2011 season. With only two years under his belt, Rose already pocketed the Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All-Star game. Yet, his goal of becoming the MVP of the league that season seemed to be a bit far-fetched.

Those who doubted him of course were completely baffled when Rose went on to lead the Chicago Bulls to the number one overall seed with 62 wins. The Chicago native also managed to put up truly terrific numbers including, 25.0 points per game, 4.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists. It wasn’t just his individual numbers or dominant team success but it was the continual highlight reel level plays Rose would put on display night in and night out.

Whether he was draining game-winning jumpers or throwing in absurd dunks on the top of defenders heads, Rose was simply ridiculous. Still, even with everything he accomplished, we believe Dwight Howard should have walked away with the award.

Long before Howard became the unproductive journeyman that he is today, he was undoubtedly the best big man in the league. He averaged 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a night that year. Howard also edged Rose in win shares by a hair, 14.4 to 13.1. The Orlando Magic big man dominated the league. He was oftentimes afforded just one on one coverage due to the gluttony of shooters that were at his disposal and he took full advantage.

Believe it or not, Howard began receiving comparisons to former Magic big man, Shaquille O’Neal. While he never quite lived up to those lofty expectations, Howard still turned into a phenomenal player and should have taken home the MVP award that season. With that said, he can always take solace in winning the Defensive Player of the Year that season instead.