By Dan Savage

The NBA’s MVP trophy is perhaps the most coveted individual award for any player in any team sport.

Perhaps, it’s because in basketball a single player can completely affect the outcome of an entire game. For example, while reigning NFL MVP Peyton Manning produces offensive numbers at an astronomical rate, he’s really unable to assist his team in any fashion once the defense hits the field.

So in basketball, a game where its players can produce at both ends, it’s imperative that the league’s MVP be a premiere asset to their team on each side of the court.

And that’s why there’s not a better candidate for this year’s MVP trophy than Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard. More than any other player in the league, Howard dominates with a capital ‘D’ at both ends.

On the defensive side, there’s simply Orlando’s Superman and then everybody else. He's about to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and blocked shots in two consecutive seasons. Let's face it, he protects the paint better than the military guards Fort Knox.

So the only question is: Does he produce enough on the offensive end to be considered with the league’s other explosive players. This season, he’s answered with a resounding yes.

Howard is the leading scorer and key offensive cog on the league’s third-best team. Orlando’s Top 10 offense operates through an inside-out game, which simply wouldn’t function without it’s All-Star center. He has the highest field goal percentage in the NBA, ranks third in offensive rebounds and leads the league in double-doubles.

He’s displayed improved footwork this season; a variety of post moves; flashes of a jump shot and consistently makes the right decision when drawing double and even triple-teams.

“No one can stop him,” said teammate Matt Barnes, who’s played with several former league MVPs. “Teams put three guys on him and still can’t stop him. I don’t think anyone else can do that.”

By Josh Cohen

When evaluating who the NBA’s Most Valuable Player should be, there are important steps to take to properly select a winner. A voter must analyze each candidate’s statistics, merit, value to their respective team and how they impact how opponents perform against them.

Dwight Howard, undoubtedly, has immensely improved offensively this season. But, would it be fair to suggest that he is “more valuable” offensively than other MVP contenders such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant? It seems to me, furthermore, that Howard’s defensive prowess and superiority sets him apart from the rest of the field.

Superman ranks No. 1 in the league in blocked shots and rebounds, and typically causes All-Star opponents to struggle when he is on the floor.

For example, Howard recently limited Tim Duncan to a career-worst 1-of-10 shooting and Andrew Bynum to five points.

He also tends to disrupt premier guards from attacking the basket. Kevin Martin, for instance this season, went 1-of-7 from the field in a game against Orlando and rookie sensation Stephen Curry shot just 3-of-12 with D12 protecting the paint.

It’s easy to suggest that any of the other MVP aspirants deserve the honor because of their spectacular offensive abilities. James, Durant, Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are the top four scorers in the league and are generally profiled in SportsCenter highlights and YouTube videos.

Defensive dominance needs to finally be recognized as something more than just an asset. Too frequently, glitz and glamour is rewarded.

But unlike recent seasons, the NBA now possesses a player who controls the game with his defensive presence.

I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that Howard is most intimidating defensive player since the days of Bill Russell. And remember, the legendary Celtic won five MVP awards.

It's the perfect time for Howard to be rewarded for what nearly all others don't tend to do: Dominate on defense!