NBA Awards....
Rookie Of The Year: Emeka Okafor
He has played solid all year, except for when he was injured. Carried a bunch of no-names to more wins than all the *experts* predicted the Bobcats would get this year. Adapted to the NBA game far better than those same *experts* also predicted. His UConn teammate Ben Gordon has had a fabulous year also....
6th Man: Ben Gordon
Only a rookie, but has been the best 4th quarter player in the league this year. His play might be the difference maker for the Bulls' turn around this year. Great poise down the stretch and no one has performed as consistently at the end of the game as Gordon has.
Coach Of The Year: Nate McMillan, Seattle Supersonicas
One of the season's biggest suprises has been the Sonics. Got his players playing great team ball and one of the top 5 records in the league. Hat off to Scott Skiles also. Had his team been in contention for 50 wins, he'd get the nod over McMillan
Most Improved: Grant Hill
You cold argue that he's not eligible because he was injured all of last year, but everyone wants a feel-good story, so Hill will win in a landslide. Other candidates: Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
MVP: Steve Nash
This was pretty easy. LeBron is obviously the key to the Cavs, but with their recent slide, he doesn't get consideration for the award. The Suns have been playing awesome ball all season long. The only time they faltered is when Nash sat out with an injury. Shaq is the most dominant player in the game and defintely garners recognition for his dominance, but he's got a great sidekick in Wade.
posted by Matt Dabney @ 4/07/2005 03:32:00 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Of course, these things automatically merit some argument or discussion, but...
... does Duncan merit any NBA consideration? The Spurs' dropoff without Duncan is just as steep as the Suns' without Nash.
I mean, I'd probably say Nash for MVP as well, but Duncan must be #2, over Shaq even.
I think Duncan will probably finish second in the MVP voting although I wouldn't be surprised if he finished 3rd behind Nash and Shaq. Actually I don't think I'd be surprised if any of the 3 of them won it.
As for the Rookie of the Year I think I would give it to Gordon. Okafor has been consistent but Gordon has won the Bulls many games with his 4th quarter play. The Bulls will not only make the playoffs but they have home court advantage in the 1st round. The Bobcats have exceeded expectations but they're still a terrible team.
Check this article out. It's all about the MVP debate this season. He makes some really good points.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050408
Sorry I don't know how to link to this so you'll just have to cut and paste if you want to read it. Some day I'll learn.
I think Duncan and Shaq are perenial MVP candidates. Duncan is consistently solid and the best skilled big man in the league. Shaq is the most dominant player in the league. You can't argue against voting for those two.
Check my next post......
As for the Coach of the Year...there is no way that Nate will win it. His team started really strong and did much better than anyone thought but they've really been flying under the radar most of the season. Everyone was just kind of waiting for them to fall back to earth, which they basically did. I don't mean to take anything any from Nate and the Sonics. My vote for COY is Skiles. No one has done more with less, especially considering the way they started the season. To go from an 0-9 start and end up with the 3rd best record in your conference is pretty impressive, especially when you consider the youth and inexperience he's dealing with.
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