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Inside the NBA
Updated: Tuesday April 24, 2001 2:56 PM Postseason Awards MVP? It's Not Allen Iverson By Ian Thomsen
MVP: Tim Duncan, Spurs. The 24-year-old Big Fundamental sets the standard for all young players at both ends of the court: averages of 22.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.38 blocks, along with a league-leading 66 double doubles at week's end for a team favored to win its second title in three years. Much has been made of Allen Iverson's value to the 76ers -- and with good reason -- but recall what happened to San Antonio last year when Duncan was injured: The Suns eliminated the Spurs in four games in the first round. Rookie of the Year: Kenyon Martin, Nets. Three-point specialist Mike Miller (11.8 points per game through Sunday) has heated up for the Magic in recent months, but Martin's across-the-board productivity -- 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.66 blocks per game -- before he broke his right leg on March 22 was better. The 6'9" Martin had also established himself as one of the East's top defensive forwards.
Coach of the Year: Larry Brown, 76ers. The league's Obi-Wan Kenobi helped turn the once derelict Iverson into a full-fledged Jedi warrior. Brown's bunch epitomizes the selflessness that marks the best of the NBA. Sixth Man Award: Aaron McKie, 76ers. Pacers point guard Travis Best deserves consideration, but his team's record was far weaker. The 6'5" McKie handled both guard spots and provided indispensable defense. Most Improved Player: Tracy McGrady, Magic. When Grant Hill failed to recover from ankle surgery, the 21-year-old McGrady was asked to make that rarest of leaps: from complementary player to superstar who carries a team. At week's end he was seventh in the league in scoring, with 27.1 points per game. Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves. When the 6'11" Garnett isn't carrying the offensive load, he's shutting down everyone from centers to point guards. He makes defense look like fun -- unless you're the one trying to cope with his long arms, quick feet and fierce attitude. Executive of the Year: Don Nelson, Mavericks. Whoa, Nellie! You were right about Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Juwan Howard -- and Wang Zhizhi looks as if he might have a future, too. Best Acquisition: Derek Anderson, Spurs. The free-agent shooting guard from the Clippers invigorated San Antonio, supplying the outside scoring and athleticism the team lacked. Worst Acquisition: Shawn Kemp, Trail Blazers. Enough said. Most Unfairly Vilified Player: Kobe Bryant, Lakers. Coach Phil Jackson has taken a lot of credit for his teams' successes over the years. If L.A. fails to successfully defend its title because Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal aren't on the same page, Jackson should take the blame. Entirely. Best Prospect: Darius Miles, Clippers. Five years from now the 6'9" Miles will have emerged as the best player from the 2000 draft and one of the most gifted in the game. Best Moment: Return of Alonzo Mourning. If he leads Miami to the Finals, he'll be the NBA's answer to Lance Armstrong. Worst Moment: The day Nuggets coach Dan Issel stood in an empty gym because Denver players making $52 million refused to practice for him. Most Overdue Moment: The Blazers' decision to suspend Rasheed Wallace. They waited until a month before the playoffs, after he had been whistled for a league-record 40th technical foul. Most Underrated Player: Shawn Marion, Suns. The 6'7" small forward is becoming a Rodmanesque rebounder (10.8 per game through Sunday) and an explosive scorer (17.4 points). Most Overrated Player: Joe Smith, Pistons. Even after the fallout from his under-the-table contract almost ruined the Timberwolves, Minnesota wanted to keep him, and a recruiting war ensued for his services. Smith then barely averaged 12 points for offensively challenged Detroit. Consider him Exhibit A of the dilution of talent in the league. Issue date: April 23, 2001
For more Inside the NBA see this week's issue of Sports Illustrated, on newsstands Wednesday, April 18. Click here to subscribe to SI.
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