Garnett leading early MVP field

The NBA season is a month old and there are a few subjects I’m already tired of discussing.

First, no more Kobe Bryant trade talk. I really doubt the Los Angeles Lakers’ Mitch Kupchak wants to be remembered as the GM who traded Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe.

Second, can we put a hold on the New York Knicks’ soap opera. There’s always drama on a last-place team, but do we need to talk about it this much.. I doubt it.

Lastly, the Big Three is for real in Boston. Stop waiting for their demise.

So this week I’m focusing on the top individuals in the early going who have separated themselves from the pack as MVP candidates. And, yes, they are listed in order of preference.

1. Kevin Garnett: He, along with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, have transformed the Celtics into America’s team. But, more than any other player, Garnett has given the Celtics his identity.

2. Dwight Howard: He has put the Orlando Magic on his young shoulders. The league’s best center once again resides in south Florida.

3a. LeBron James: He is the 2007 version of Oscar Robertson. Want to know what the Cavaliers would be like without him? Go back and watch their 70-point performance against Boston on Sunday.

3b. Deron Williams: Surprise. Some people think his teammate, Carlos Boozer, leads the way for Utah. Williams, however, is the engine that makes the team go. He’s the reincarnation of Jason Kidd, only with a jump shot.

5. Steve Nash: As each year goes by, he seems to only be getting better.

6. Tim Duncan: His stats might not scream “MVP” but the San Antonio Spurs’ record does. Any person who watches the Spurs realizes Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker live off the Big Fundamental.

7. Tony Parker: Just because you’re living off someone doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t also pay your own rent. Parker is making his own money. After winning the NBA Finals MVP award, he’s having his best individual season.

8. Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are striking range of becoming an elite team. All that might separate them is a five-game winning streak. Kobe is responsible for putting them there.