Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen Weighs in on the Best Player Debate

While the issue of who should win the MVP makes for interesting water cooler discussion, those who watch the NBA closely and analytically know that there is no doubt who the league's best player is: Kobe Bryant. Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen writes: "We ask that question all the time," says an NBA advance scout. "When a bunch of us (scouts) are together, we say, 'Who is the best player in the league?' The answer is always Kobe. 'If you needed one basket, who would you want to have shoot it?' Kobe. 'If you needed to make one defensive stop, who would you want?' Kobe. 'If I was starting a team, he's the guy I would build around. He's the best player in the league, there's no question.'"