50 Best NBA Players to Never Win an MVP | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Closest finish: 2nd (2008)

Whose denied him: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

Chris Paul is the New Orleans Hornets and without him, that franchise is destined for mediocrity as a 30 win team with David West leading the way. Paul's court vision, awareness, and overall ability to facilitate an offense as a passer and shooter has allowed him to turn the Hornets into momentary championship contenders while also solidifying his name as one of the best point guards, and players, in the game today.

Paul has been considered for the MVP three times with his second place finish to Kobe Bryant in 2008 being the closest he's been. He averaged 21 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, and three steals that year while also leading the Hornets to 56 wins, but it wasn't enough to best Bryant who had similar stats and a similar win total.