World Cup MVP So Far...

Teams at the FIBA World Cup may have only played 3 games, but there have still been some standout performers. Here’s my Race to the MVP Ladder.

5. Kenneth Faried (USA) - Power Forward
14.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 81% FG

With the way the USA’s rotation is set up, it’s hard for an MVP candidate to rise from the team. Faried is actually at the top of the minutes per game list for the USA, yet he only averages 23 minutes of court time. Obviously, the USA’s incredibly talented squad is used to playing more minutes than that, so some readjustment is needed, and Faried seems to have coped pretty well. He is incredibly efficient when he has the ball, shooting over 80% from the field. Recording a double double against New Zealand is a feat that should see him keep his place in the team.

4. Goran Dragic (SLOVENIA) - Point Guard
20.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 71%

The NBA’s 2013-14 Most Improved Player has shown no signs of slowing down his progress towards becoming one of the best point guards in the world. The Phoenix Suns’ man has led his team through tough games against Australia and Mexico, linking up well with his brother Zoran, as well as his other teammates. He even managed to grab 7 rebounds in the game against Australia, a statistic that shows his hustle and dedication to the team. Thanks to his efforts, Slovenia are now seen as dark horses in this tournament, as they’ve already got through to the knockout rounds, after only 3 games.

Pau Gasol (Top), Luis Scola (bottom left) and Gorgui Dieng (bottom right) have all impressed so far.

3. Luis Scola (ARGENTINA) - Power Forward
23 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 61% FG

Luis Scola always performs well at international tournaments (he was named in the All-Tournament Team at the 2010 World Cup), and it doesn’t look like this year is going to be different. He’s looked like a real double double threat every time he steps on court, getting 20 points & 9 rebounds, 30 & 9 and 19 & 7 in Argentina’s three games. His scoring average is only beaten by Pau Gasol. This tournament may be about rebuilding for the Argentinean team, but an old dog is getting the job done.

2. Gorgui Dieng (SENEGAL) - Center
22 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 55% FG

No one expected this. Dieng is playing at his first international tournament for a Senegalese team that only re-formed in February after being banned from all competitions. Yet, despite all of this, he has come to the World Cup and recorded two double doubles in three games. He’s 3rd in points scored and 2nd in rebounds. He is also the most efficient player at the World Cup, leaving players like Pau Gasol trailing in his wake. Of course you have to consider that he is averaging 37.3 minutes per game, but his stats are still very impressive. With Kevin Love leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dieng could find a considerable increase in his minutes back in the NBA.

1. Pau Gasol (SPAIN) - Power Forward
23.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 65.1% FG

Chicago Bulls fans must be watching this tournament with glee. Not only does Derrick Rose look like he’s returned to the performances that won him 2011 MVP, new signing Pau Gasol is playing at his most impressive level in years. Spain are undefeated at the World Cup, and it could be argued that Gasol is the reason behind that. In Spain’s first game against Iran, he recorded 33 points and 8 rebounds, as well as blocking 3 shots. If he brings this form back to the NBA, he could silence his critics, who have been growing after a couple of poor seasons for him.

Movers and Shakers

The Free Agency period is usually one of hectic moves and headline grabbing roster changes, and this time around is expected to be no different.

There are over 100 players entering Free Agency this year, including some big stars from both conferences. Below, I have listed 5 players that are likely to get the attention of the public, and the media, as well as providing my take on what I think will happen.

Paul Pierce
"The Truth" signed a one year contract with the Brooklyn Nets last year as part of a bumper trade deal. However, Pierce hasn't had a great season on the East coast due to a couple of factors. He broke his hand earlier in the season, meaning he missed a few weeks out. Also, the Nets currently have a .500 record, which shows how bad a season they're having, despite predictions that they could win the championship.

Add onto the top of this, his $15 million contract, and you'd imagine it's hard to find suitors for the ageing small forward. But actually, there are plenty of teams supposedly interested. There are rumours of him possibly going to the Clippers, re-joining forces with Doc Rivers in his home town. However, the lack of cap space on the Clippers' part means that this trade is unlikely to go through.

Of course, the Boston Celtics will always be linked with a trade for one of their biggest stars of recent times. It would certainly bring an end to an era, especially as the team is currently in the process of rebuilding. I don't think this will happen though, as the Celtics will be keen to hold on to their many draft picks for the future.

I think he's more likely to stay with the Nets. They won't want to be seen as "losing" the trade. Also, the 16 season veteran provides great experience to a side under the leadership of a rookie coach, in the form of Jason Kidd. Retirement is also an option for him, but I think he'll stay in Brooklyn for a few more seasons.

Pau Gasol
The rumours about Pau Gasol's future at the Lakers have been swirling for some time now. If you believe the whispers, he can't wait to get away from the franchise, and they can't wait to get him off their pay roll. Some believe that his attitude isn't what the Lakers want in their team, where as others cite his age as a problem.

It is true that the team is trying to rebuild, especially with 11 players becoming free agents this year. Their draft pick situation isn't too bad either,  with them having quite a few selections in the foreseeable future. It is fair to say that at the age of 33, Pau is unlikely to have a big hand in the rebuilding of the Lakers.

The key here is how serious the rumours are. If they have an element of truth to them, then this could be the season that he finally leaves. It will also be down to how much money he is willing to accept. His days of earning a maximum salary are over and teams know that. It could turn into a bidding war over the big Spaniard.

Luol Deng
At the beginning of this season, Luol Deng announced that he was going to test the free agency. In January, Deng was traded from the Bulls to the Cavaliers, with Andrew Bynum going the other way (although only for a matter of hours).

Since the trade, he has been solid but isn't exactly putting up show-stopping numbers. Despite this, Deng is still a great player on both ends of the court, and any team would benefit from having him in their roster. And there are teams apparently interested. Potential suitors include the Mavericks, Wizards and Pistons.

Don't rule the Cavs out just yet though. They have plenty of money so can keep paying Deng at a high level. However, their squad is probably a little too inexperienced to challenge for rings right now. So the decision is his. Does he want money or success?

Although he got a trade away from the Bulls, I still feel that he will review his options before he goes anywhere. Wherever he lands up, he will still be an influential figure in the world of basketball.

Carmelo Anthony
When Melo traded to the Knicks from the Nuggets in 2011 he did it to challenge for rings. However, it hasn't worked as he planned and instead is looking at the possibility of not making the play-offs.

As well as this, the Knicks have a poor roster who make bone-headed decisions both on (J.R Smith) and off (Raymond Felton) the court. Add to this the fact that their squad is ageing and it's not looking good for Melo's chances to win a title.

So it's easy to see why he's frustrated. The question is whether he will stick around much longer. The Knicks certainly have the funds to pay him a top dollar sum of money, and a fanbase that puts some teams to shame. But, many people (including myself) don't think he will. He doesn't exactly owe anything to New York and they haven't delivered on their promise of becoming a dominant franchise.

So, where to for one of the league's best scorers ? There are reports that Kobe Bryant has tried to recruit him personally, and although this would be interesting to see what would happen to the Lakers' assists numbers, I don't see it happening.

The Bulls are another team being linked, especially after the departure of fellow Small Forward Luol Deng. I think this would be a good move for both parties. Anthony's defence has been improving in recent years and working with Tom Thibodeau can only improve that. Melo can return the favour by adding a significant scoring threat to a team currently languishing in last place in points scored per game.

Would a big three of Rose, Melo and Noah be enough to win a championship. If Rose stays fit and Noah maintains his level of play, they're heading in the right direction.

[Note : Since writing this article, sources have reported that Joakim Noah has convinced Melo to join the Bulls]

Miami's Big Three
The Heat-les, The Big Three, Miami Thrice, whatever you call them, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have dominated the game for the past couple of years. All of their contracts run out this year, meaning that this summer is one that could change the Heat franchise forever.

Chris Bosh
When Bosh came to the Heat, it was uncertain how he would react to not being the star player for the franchise. However, he's settled in nicely, as you can tell by his two rings and five All-Star appearances. So, why would he leave ? There's very few reasons, but maybe if he wanted to become the franchise player again, but I feel this is unlikely. He should stay.

Dwyane Wade
His knees may not be holding up, but his game certainly is. The shooting guard is being forced to play less minutes, due to his age, but his efficiency has increased, thanks to career high field goal and three point percentages. To be honest, he's only really needed for the Heat's playoff campaign, so it's hard to see him moving.

LeBron James
So now we come to the name on everyone's lips. LeBron's form has been improving and he has stepped his bid to win his 5th MVP title. He came to Miami in the search for rings, and it's worked, as he has two of them. Yet, some people still think he'll leave. I don't see it myself. Maybe if Bosh goes and Wade's knees pack up, but until then, the King will stay in South Beach.