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Handing out the NBA hardware
Posted: Wednesday April 12, 2000 05:16 PM
The Academy Awards were last month. Now it's the NBA's turn to start handing out the hardware. Fortunately it doesn't take four hours to pay homage to pro hoops' best performers during the `99-00 season. Here are my selections to receive basketball Oscars (gold-plated statuettes of Slick Watts with headband). The envelope, please:
MVPShaquille O'Neal, Lakers: A no-brainer. Shaq has led his team to the best record in the NBA, while nearly becoming the first player to lead the league in scoring and rebounding since Wilt in '62-63. He has even improved his foul shooting. Honorable mention goes to Heat center Alonzo Mourning, Jazz forward Karl Malone and Kings forward Chris Webber.
Rookie of YearElton Brand, Bulls: In a three-way race that's as tight as the outfits on the Lakers Girls, Brand gets the nod over Rockets point guard Steve Francis and Clippers utility man Lamar Odom. Though not as flashy as Francis, nor as versatile as Odom, Brand leads all rookies in scoring, rebounding and overall consistency despite playing on a ghastly team. That should count for something.
Coach of YearDoc Rivers, Magic: It's hard to argue with the work turned in by the Zen Master and the perpetually underrated Jerry Sloan, but Rivers' performance has been truly remarkable. In his first year as a coach at any level, with a team full of castoffs and one of the smallest payrolls, Rivers has steadily guided the Magic to a probable playoff berth.
Sixth Man AwardRodney Rogers, Suns: Rogers has been invaluable all season for the hard-luck Suns, providing a big body underneath on defense and reliable shooting on the perimeter. He gets the nod over Knicks forward Marcus Camby, who has been injured and a part-time starter, and Pistons forward Jerome Willliams, who needs a few more offensive moves.
Defensive Player of YearAlonzo Mourning, Heat: Leads the league in blocked shots, and his intensity on the defensive end sets the tone for his whole team. Unlike many shot-blockers he can actually play foes straight up as well. Give `Zo the nod over Shaq, Sonics guard Gary Payton and Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo.
Most Improved PlayerDirk Nowitzki, Mavericks: Considered a rookie bust last season, Nowitzki silenced the critics by developing into the player Don Nelson said he would be. Still needs work on the defensive end, but his emergence is more striking than that of Grizzlies shooting guard Michael Dickerson and Pacers forward Austin Croshere.
Executive of YearBryan Colangelo, Suns: Since last season he has pulled off the GM Grand Slam: blockbuster trade (Penny Hardaway), key free agent (Rodney Rogers), great draft pick (Shawn Marion) and late-season pickup (Kevin Johnson). Also, he had the good sense to promote Scott Skiles to replace the departed Danny Ainge as coach. Magic GM John Gabriel and Blazers GM Bob Whitsitt also deserve consideration.
Questions of the week
I do not understand your comments about Bulls fans. Granted, they are managed by two of the craftiest businessmen in sports, both of whom are only in it for themselves now that the dynasty is gone. But what is wrong with Bulls fans filling up the UC? Would you rather have the stadium be empty? It is rather nice to see fans supporting a last-place team, even if many of those fans are only there because they couldn't get tickets during the Jordan Era. But if fans want to convince the two Jerrys to get serious about rebuilding, they'll probably first need to stop buying tickets.
Do you see the Bucks trading Glenn Robinson in the off-season? What can they realistically receive? If the Bucks don't make the playoffs, look for the Big Dog to be barking someplace other than Brew Town next year. Yes, he's got a huge contract that makes such a deal difficult, but the Bucks will clearly have to do something -- and they're not going to get rid of Ray Allen. Most likely they'll get a mid-range player or two and draft picks. It's not much, but it ain't Alpo either.
Instead of having the referees throw the games between the Knicks and Pacers, why doesn't David Stern just give the Knicks a 10-point lead to start the game? Or he could just tie Rik Smits' shoelaces together and give him vertigo at the free throw line. Oh wait, he doesn't have to.
Sports Illustrated staff writer Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Look for his columns on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Click here to send Marty a comment.
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