Dirk Nowitzki Weighs in on the NBA Finals MVP Award

LeBron James has been an absolute animal through five games of the NBA Finals. Even his detractors must admit that the way he has kept the Cleveland Cavaliers alive and competitive despite losing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to injuries has been impressive. So impressive that there’s been speculation that the two-time Finals MVP could capture his third such award even if his team is on the losing end of the series.

It would be only the second time in league history the feat was accomplished. Jerry West won it way back in 1969 when his Los Angeles Lakers fell to Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics in seven, thrilling games despite The Logo averaging 37.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.

More from The Smoking Cuban

The Cavaliers could very well win the final two games of the series, rendering the issue moot. If LeBron can lead a comeback down 3-2 the way he did against the Spurs in 2013 there’s no doubt he’ll take home the hardware. But the whole team appears to be worn down and Golden State has all the momentum.

So if the Warriors close out the series and win the title should LeBron be awarded with the Finals MVP anyways? Not if it were up to Dirk Nowitzki. The future Hall of Fame power forward – and winner of the award himself – weighed in on the subject while answering questions at the Dallas Mavericks Basketball Academy Hoops Camp.

Despite what LeBron has done in the #NBAFinals, Dirk doesn't think he should be MVP if GSW win. "It's gotta be somebody from the winner."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) June 16, 2015

I must say that I tend to agree. LeBron has been spectacular, no doubt, but the Finals MVP has got to go to a member of the winning team. And it’s not like there are no deserving candidates for the Warriors.

Andre Iguodala has averaged a well-rounded 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while hounding James into tough shots and playing a crucial role in changing the course of the series in Games 4 and 5.

League MVP Stephen Curry has had some slow starts and has struggled with the physical defense of Matthew Dellavedova at times, but who wants to tell me that 26-6-5 – his current Finals numbers – with a huge performance in Golden State’s critical Game 5 victory isn’t worthy of the MVP?

What LeBron has accomplished this postseason has been for the history books. But come on, what’s next? Participation ribbons for the runners-up?

What do you think?

Next: Get to Know Potential Maverick Danny Green

More from The Smoking Cuban

More from The Smoking Cuban

Schedule