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Biggest man, biggest honors

Coming into the season I never thought the first quarter would be The Year (So Far) of the Big Man. However upon further review, big is in.

Of course any MVP debate is, well, subjective. My argument here in naming these Big Five is based on impact. Boy, has it been big so far.

1. Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (25.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 7th overall in Hollinger PER at 26.04, Team record 14-8).

He has made the transition from being arguably the most important player in the league -- he's from China, biggest market in the world by anyone's standard -- to the Rockets' best. Yao's still developing which is scary but his impact has developed to the point to warrant MVP contention.

His true test for the rest of the season may be getting the Rockets into the playoffs. Not the lock you might think -- this team is 9-32 without T-Mac, and he's out indefinitely. Yikes!

2. Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (20.2 ppg. 11.7 apg, 3.0 rpg, 12th overall in PER at 24.95, Team record 15-6).

All he has done the last two-plus seasons is play the point guard position as well as it can be played. He's won it the last two years, his team is in first place in the division and he's having his best season ever statistically. You do the math.

3. San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg, 2nd overall in PER at 27.15, Team record 17-6).

Numbers alone don't do justice for the "best power forward to ever play the game" -- my opinion but shared by many. Nobody in the game dominates both ends the way he does. Plus he's clutch, might also be a little motivated after being ousted Dirk and the Mavs last year.

4. Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer (22.6 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 0.5 bpg, 5th overall in PER at 26.43, Team record 17-5).

He might also be the feel-good story of the year. He doesn't dominate on the defensive end but offers scoring and great knack for always being in the right place at the right time. My question about Booz was, is he really on par with the top power forwards in the game? So far, my answer is a resounding yes. Early on, averaging more points and rebounds than Garnett, Duncan and Brand . . . oh, did I mention the best record in the league?

5. Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard 17.5 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 18th overall in PER at 23.11, Team record 15-10).

The Tim Duncan of the East. While not as polished as the Big Fundamental, becoming every bit as impactful. Quietly he has emerged as arguably the best center in the league! With apologies to the Diesel, for my money Yao and the Baby Beast are a toss up. Did I mention the Magic are the best team in the East? He's only going to get better.

Yes, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade would also get serious consideration.

Kobe's greatness this year has been in his ability to trust his teammates. Carmelo, arguably the best pure scorer in the game, has matured into a better all-around player. Scary when you think just how good he can be.

D-Wade has been as good as it gets. I know Miami's only 9-12, but my God where would it be without his play? Still the team to beat in the East, especially if Antoine Walker decides to show up.