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His team sits atop the standings. He has changed their losing culture. And he sets an example on both ends of the floor. Despite his accomplishments, Boston's Kevin Garnett continues to slip in the MVP race. For example, 2006-07 MVP Dirk Nowitzki ranked Garnett fourth in the race for the league's greatest individual honour ... The AM Take: His team sits atop the standings. He has changed their losing culture. And he sets an example on both ends of the floor.

Despite his accomplishments, Boston's Kevin Garnett continues to slip in the MVP race. For example, 2006-07 MVP Dirk Nowitzki recently ranked The Big Ticket fourth in the race for the league’s greatest individual honour.

Why is the post no longer receiving MVP love?   

• The competition has stiffened. LeBron James’ has carried Cleveland on his wide shoulders, while New Orleans’ Chris Paul has emerged as the world’s best table-setter. Out west, Kobe Bryant’s less-is-more game has drawn rave reviews and become fashionable with media (myself included).

• Paul Pierce has taken some of Garnett’s national shine. ‘The Truth’ is also a ‘legit’ MVP candidate, averaging an impressive 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game for Boston.     

• Garnett's biggest contribution has been on defence, which isn't flashy. Getting stops helped the ‘Celts’ sweep their Texas road trip against San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.  

• MVP races are influenced by what-if theories based on how a team plays without their superstar. Fair or not, this impacts voters. Boston went 7-2 with Garnett injured, which may have hurt his MVP bid.

For many reasons, Garnett is no longer the favorite to win MVP. But the All-Star is only concerned with capturing his first NBA Title.   

Should Garnett be receiving more MVP consideration? Get at us in the comment box with your thoughts. Click here to read Oly's NBA blog and get his daily AM Take. Photo appears courtesy of Mike Lee's portfolio.