Who's the Celtics MVP thus far?

[Celtics18]

I'm curious, who do you think has been our most valuable player through the first quarter of the season?

[BDeCosta26]

It's really tough to say. Without Thomas I don't think we'd be in the playoffs, so that immediately gives him consideration. 20 and 8 or whatever he's averaging are legit numbers and he's actually doing as reasonably well on D for a guy who's like 5'8.

Bradley is a good choice because he's the most veteran Celtic, and a team leader. Sets the tone on defense and is fast becoming a huge part of our offense. If he can keep that up, we might be rightfully talking about him being team MVP.

Smart really makes a huge difference out there. It can be overcome, as we've seen lately, but his leadership, tenacity and defensive presence are a major part of this team. He can just straight shut down some of the leagues best guards, and he's made his fair share of clutch shots. If he continues progressing offensively when he comes back and stays healthy he could be considered.

Crowder is obviously a big part of the defense, and he's been doing fairly well on offense. He embodies the mind-set Stevens is looking for in a player. Sully may be our best player overall so far this year, getting double doubles left and right.

It'll be interesting to see if we make some moves mid-season and where we land come playoff time, because right now it's really hard to pick one guy. Stevens is the MVP really.

[LarBrd33]

Probably Thomas.  Maybe Bradley.   Sully has had good stats.   

Crowder seems to be a really important part of the team's identity so he deserves the KG award for that.

I think Marcus Smart is both our best asset and most overrated player right now.  No way is he the MVP.   We've arguably been better without him.  He gets the Rondo award. 

[Hemingway]

I think it has to be Bradley. Wyc said this too. But Crowder has also been great as has IT and Sully.

[BornReady]

Thomas is our best player
But Bradley has had a great start to the season
So I went with AB

[max215]

I'm leaning toward Bradley as he's so impactful on both sides of the ball, but Isaiah's traditional numbers are outstanding.

[KG Living Legend]

 Bradley then Thomas.

[makaveli]

great poll, i'm going with IT. he has been the most consistent guy, doesn't care if he is starting or coming of the bench. hands down it has to be him. but AB has been great, and i hope he continues to play this way, both ends. it seams that he finally found a way or a balance in playing D and O.

IT is a must selection for a All Star.(my bold prediction in the preseason was that he and smart make it)
but seriously, is there a better PG in the West? Teauge, Rose, Wall...all have been up and down, IMHO Thomas is having a better season than any of those guys so far, and we are winning.

[Kane3387]

Thomas.

Top 15 in scoring and assists. Bradley isn't top 15 in either.

[colincb]

I looked at 4 advanced stats: PER, Win shares, Block +/-, and VORP and gave 3 points for placing first, 2 points for placing second, 1 point for placing third, and split the difference for ties. Based this computation along with who won what:

8.5 points - IT (PER & Win shares)
8.0 points - Sully (Block +/-)
6.5 points - Crowder (VORP)

IT and JS show up among the top 3 in all of these advanced stats, Crowder in 3 of 4. I also weighted these their relative performance to each other on each of these stats, and it was even closer between IT and Sully because of Sully's relative dominance on Block +/-.

Of course, this may all be brilliant BS, but I don't have a horse in this race. I expected IT would win and Sully would be in there with AB. Thus, I was surprised most by Crowder and the absence of AB who would have been a distant fourth if I wanted to use a 4-3-2-1 scale for the top finishers in each stat.

[ssspence]

Probably Thomas.  Maybe Bradley.   Sully has had good stats.   

Crowder seems to be a really important part of the team's identity so he deserves the KG award for that.

I think Marcus Smart is both our best asset and most overrated player right now.  No way is he the MVP.   We've arguably been better without him.  He gets the Rondo award.

I think most of this is right. I agree Smart is a little over loved, but wouldn't say the team is better without him. I just wish he could get the rim, and can't really figure out why he can't.

[Who]

Avery Bradley. Stabilizing player. Tough defense. Outside shooting. Glue guy.

I would have chosen Smart if not for injuries. Team leader.

[Denis998]

My vote goes to IT4. Amir has done wonders on defense so far, i feel like his impact is over shadowed.

[slamtheking]

I'd give the edge to AB right now with IT and Sully close behind.

[Celtics18]

I'm surprised Jae Crowder hasn't gotten more votes.  In my opinion, he's the guy who sets the tone for the defense (along with Marcus, who hasn't played enough games to qualify).