http://www.nba.com/mvp-ladder/2011-12/index.html

Parker propels

March 23 -- We've gone for months this season with Tony Parker involved in the MVP conversation. But we've never mentioned him as prominently as the Spurs' biggest fans feel he should have been mentioned.

Well, it's never too late to right certain wrongs. And it was wrong of us, and anyone else, to dismiss Parker as simply an afterthought in any serious discussion about this season's truly most valuable player.

Parker makes his long-awaited leap up the KIA Race to the MVP Ladder this week -- coincidentally the same week that a hamstring injury and general fatigue led to him being rested as the Spurs embark on an arduous six-games-in-eight-days grind.

He goes from the No. 10 spot he has held down since joining the list up to the No. 6 spot. There's plenty of room for him to keep climbing if he continues playing well and the Spurs keep up their winning ways with him as the catalyst.

Just how good has Parker been with Manu Ginobili dealing with injuries all season and Tim Duncan taking a back seat? When the San Antonio Express News handed out grades for the first 44 games of this season, Parker received an A-plus and this breakdown of his performance:

"With Manu Ginobili's injury, Parker became the team's focal point in the recent surge that powered him into an All-Star berth and even prompted serious discussion of him as a potential MVP candidate. During the second third, Parker shot 50.4 percent from the field, 80.7 percent of his free throws and averaged 22.8 points and 8.2 assists per game. Included in the surge were a 42-point game against Oklahoma City, seven 30-point games and the first surge of three consecutive 30-point games in his career. His hamstring injury and his recent claims of being tired are a concern as the team peaks for the playoffs, but Parker provided some of the best basketball of his career over the last few weeks."

Parker's been spectacular this season, even if few of us outside of San Antonio have taken the time to make a fuss about it. But he will no longer be overlooked around here.

Parker isn't the only player making moves on our list. Kevin Durant takes over the top spot from LeBron James, who drops one spot to No. 2. Kobe Bryant moves up to No. 3 from No. 4, swapping places with Dwight Howard. And Dwyane Wade continues his climb up the rankings, making it into the top half, at No. 5, for the first time this season.

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose drops out of the Top 10 completely this week, his injury absences and the Bulls' continued domination of the competition without him forcing our hand. Reigning MVP of The Finals Dirk Nowitzki finally pushes his way into the Top 10, shaking off that sluggish start to the season and rounding into his usual form.

-- SEKOU SMITH


Current Rankings
Rank Status Player
1 ^ Kevin Durant
2 v LeBron James
3 ^ Kobe Bryant
4 v Dwight Howard
5 ^ Dwyane Wade
6 ^ Tony Parker
7 -- Kevin Love
8 ^ Russell Westbrook
9 v Chris Paul
10 NR Dirk Nowitzki


The next five: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls; Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics; Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers; Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers; Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks.

Falling out: Derrick Rose, Bulls