| |
NOMINEE |
THE SKINNY |
| Overrated |
The Lakers |
They have lots of big names, but Shaq can't
shoot free throws, Glen Rice is one-dimensional and Kobe is in love with going
one-on-one. Why does this team flame out in the playoffs every year? Because
they're just not that
good.
|
| Underrated |
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio |
He doesn't wear Armani
like Pat Riley or spout Zen mysticism like Phil Jackson, but he molded a
championship team with one rising star, one aging star and a bunch of role
players. Everyone seems to forget that Popovich not only coaches the Spurs, but
as the team's general manager, he put them together,
too. |
| Annoying |
Scottie Pippen, Portland |
He accepted a barrel of money
from Houston, complained when the Rockets didn't revamp their entire offense to
his liking, then ripped a teammate, Charles Barkley, to get himself traded. How
much do you want to bet that if the talent-rich Blazers don't win the title,
Scottie will find someone else to
blame? |
| Breakthrough |
Latrell Sprewell, New York |
Toronto's
Vince Carter was a revelation as well, but Sprewell, who was a relative unknown
until he choked P.J. Carlesimo and became the league's leading villain, turned
in a sensational playoff performance for the Knicks, making clear what some fans
had forgotten and most never knew -- that he is one of the most entertaining,
dynamic players in the
NBA. |
| Uplifting |
David Robinson, San Antonio |
For years he endured the
insults of critics who insisted he was too soft to win a title. Finally, in his
10th season, he proved them wrong. San Antonio won the title largely because he
put his ego aside and allowed Tim Duncan to take over as the focal point of the
Spurs' offense. Robinson not only earned a ring, he provided a great example of
selflessness and team
play. |
| MVP |
Tim Duncan, San Antonio |
Without him, the Spurs were probably
second-round playoff losers instead of champions. His playoff heroics made the
voters who elected Karl Malone the regular-season MVP want to retract their
ballots. |
Storyline to
follow in 2000 |
Duncan and Hill |
Will Duncan and Detroit's Grant Hill stay or
leave? Both young stars will be free agents at the end of the season, and where
they decide to play will have a major impact on the league's balance of power
for years to come. Several teams have already begun clearing salary-cap room to
pursue them. If they choose to, Duncan and Hill could even join forces and turn
some team (Orlando? Chicago?) into an instant title contender. |
