LeBron James’ fourth MVP award was one vote shy of unanimous. The dissenting vote was cast by Boston Globe NBA writer Gary Washburn.
Washburn defended his vote after critics attacked the single non-LeBron vote before knowing who voted for New York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
Washburn wrote for the Globe on Monday that he voted for Anthony based on his importance to the Knicks.
“When the voting was announced Sunday afternoon, I was flabbergasted to learn I was the lone voter among 121 to not give LeBron a first-place vote, truly believing Anthony, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and perhaps even Kobe Bryant would snag a first-place vote or two,” Washburn writes.
“Firstly, when I submitted my vote in mid-April, I had no idea I would be the only voter to leave LeBron out of first. This isn’t Mrs. Wilson’s class, I don’t walk around asking fellow sportswriters their answers to the US History quiz. I had no idea whom the writers were voting for, so this was no LeBron conspiracy,” he continued.
“Secondly, this isn’t the Best Player in the Game award, it’s the Most Valuable Player award, and I think what Anthony accomplished this season was worthy of my vote. He led the Knicks to their first division title in 19 years.”
Washburn compared the scenario to 1992-93, when Charles Barkley won the award over Michael Jordan. Jordan, a five-time MVP, “could have earned 10,” Washburn writes.
“If you were to take Anthony off the Knicks, they are a lottery team … If LeBron was taken away from the Heat, they still would be a fifth or sixth seed.”
“(LeBron James) is the best player of this generation, a multifaceted superstar with the physical prowess of Adonis, but I chose to reward a player who has lifted his team to new heights,” Washburn said.