Who is the NBA MVP - A quarter of the way into the Season...

At Sports Analytics INC, we believe after a quarter of the way through the season, it's important to think about who is the best of the best after 20+ games into the NBA season. This season the usual suspect's production whilst still effective is a little off, so analysts and sports fans might be a little surprised with the list we've compiled

Dirk Nowitzki

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
22	36.1	24.7	7.5	2.2	0.7	0.8	.560	.395	.856

Dirk has been a top ten player in the NBA for the past 6-8 seasons peaking back in 2007 when he became the first European basketballer to be named MVP. This season the Mavericks have been playing inspired basketball currently on a 12-game winning streak and Dirk posting more efficient numbers this season than his MVP season. The most damning stat is Dirk is shooting a staggering 58.9% from the field during the past 12 wins

Amare Stoudemire

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
23	37.1	25.7	9.1	2.3	1.0	1.9	.531	.556	.781

Seven straight games of 30+ points, six games total of 30 points, 10 rebounds (vs. eight in whole 2009-10) whilst the Knicks are currently on a 7 game winning streak and their best record a quarter of the way in since 2002. Over the past 12 games, Stoudemire has averaged 29.9 points and 10.2 rebounds, while shooting 58.3 percent from the field to help the Knicks go 11-1.

Derrick Rose

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
19	38.7	25.1	4.3	8.2	1.1	0.6	.456	.372	.774

Rose has taken his game to another level this season and has carried the Bulls with Boozer missing much of the first quarter of the season. Over the Summer Rose developed a jump shot and this allows him to blow by defenders who overplay him with his sublime skills to get to the hoop and score. Rose is arguably the best small man since Allen Iverson to get banged up on the way to the hoop and score. The only player in the NBA averaging at least 25 points and 8.0 assists.

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That's right, Sports Analytics believes at this point there are 3 contenders for MVP. Honourable mentions are Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Russell Westbrook and co, but these stars are still lacking the night in night out consistency which the above 3 are bringing on a constant basis and carrying their teams on their back...

Stay tuned for mid-year to see if the second tier bang down the door and widen the race to the NBA Most Valuable Player