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NBA beat: Here's to the winners (and a few losers)
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, April 17, 2005
Scoring was up, the Lakers were down.
Fresh faces named Ben, Dwight and Emeka were ushered in, and nine coaches were out, either by their own accord or someone else's. The inspired return of Grant Hill was beyond good, the boorish Portland Trail Blazers were typically bad.
And that just scratches the surface of the 2004-05 season that ends Wednesday.
Sifting through the mounds of possibilities for the NBA ballots that recognize outstanding achievement, we've come up with this simple conclusion: Too many names, not enough slots. On the 24-second clock, here goes:
Most Valuable Player - Steve Nash, Phoenix: He's bucked the odds for years, with only Santa Clara offering a scholarship to the youth from Canada, to a snail-slow start of his NBA career when even he wondered where his path would take him.
And now after a solid run with Dallas, he's never been better.
Yes, the Suns employ the bombing Quentin Richardson, emerging force Amare Stoudemire and steady Shawn Marion. But Nash makes it all go, perfect for Phoenix's breakneck scheme. He made Richardson and Joe Johnson more dangerous and Stoudemire and Marion perhaps the NBA's best finishers.
Nash transformed a lost franchise into a title contender for the first time since the Charles Barkley days more than 10 years ago. Phoenix became just the second team to go from a 50-loss season to a 60-win season (Boston did it in 1979-80). And Nash is averaging 11.5 assists, the most in the NBA in 10 years.
The arguments against Nash are that he's not a very good defender and that point guards just don't win the MVP. If he did, he would be the first point guard to do so since Magic Johnson in the 1989-90 season and the first point guard anywhere near his 6-foot-3 size since 6-5 Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals in 1963-64.
2004-05 All-NBA first team:
Guard - Nash: Key to the league's most prolific team, he's led the Suns to the best road record. He's also dangerous as a midrange and long-range shooter.
Guard - Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Yes, he dominates the ball, but he leads the NBA in scoring with a 30.8 average, is recording career-high assist totals and remains a defensive pest.
Forward - Kevin Garnett, Minnesota: Leads the NBA in rebounding at 13.7 per game while averaging 22.4 points. He's played hurt, inspired and short-handed, as he was surrounded by malcontents.
Forward - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: His best buddy, Nash, bolted, and what happens? Dirk gets better, scoring more, rebounding more, leading more.
Center - Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: Made the Heat an instant contender, and the Diesel still has the power and the moves, despite career-low minutes.
Second team - Guards: Dwyane Wade, Miami; LeBron James, Cleveland. Forwards: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Marion. Center: Stoudemire.
Third team - Guards: Mike Bibby, Kings; Ray Allen, Seattle. Forwards: Tracy McGrady, Houston; Antawn Jamison, Washington. Center: Ben Wallace, Detroit.
Defensive Player of the Year:
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio - He infuriates foes with his tactics and ability to deny. He's that effective, a true shut-down stopper.
2. Wallace - Second in the league in rebounding at 12.1, still nasty inside against guys his size or bigger.
3. Marion - Third in the NBA in rebounding at 11.5 and fourth in steals makes for smallish blur with instincts and hustle.
Sixth Man of the Year:
1. Ben Gordon, Chicago - Leads all players with 21 double-digit fourth quarters and the first rookie since James Worthy to score 1,000 points off the bench.
2. Ricky Davis, Boston - A starter in Cleveland, he's found a nice niche in this role, able to shoot and finish and average 16.1 points.
3. Jerry Stackhouse, Dallas - A career starter, he's been just as good as last season's winner, Jamison, when he was with the Mavericks.
Rookie of the Year:
1. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte - It wasn't his fault the expansion Bobcats didn't win a ton. He averaged a double double with great promise.
2. Gordon - It would be a stretch for him to be both the Sixth Man and Rookie winner, but he's been good enough for consideration.
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando - Many like Howard's upside more than Okafor's, with Howard fresh out of high school. Great work ethic.
Most improved player:
1. Dan Dickau, New Orleans - From journeyman to stable leader for a franchise in desperate need of help, he made trading Baron Davis all that much easier.
2. Joel Przybilla, Portland - He had to be introduced to Blazers coaches by management because they didn't think they wanted him; devoured Kings.
3. Bobby Simmons, Los Angeles Clippers - From solid to sometimes superb, can he take the next step next season? He'll be a free agent in the offseason.
Coach of the Year:
1. Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix - He wasn't swayed by placing his players at positions based on size, so he went with 6-10 Stoudemire at center and 6-7 Marion at power forward and unleashed the hounds.
2. Scott Skiles, Chicago - The Bulls were 0-9 to start the season, then surged, all the way to their first playoff berth since Michael Jordan was in town in 1998.
3. Rick Carlisle, Indiana - Dealt a short deck after suspensions and injuries, the Pacers are back in the postseason, thanks to a coach who refused to let them buckle.
And more honors
These categories are not on the official NBA ballot, but it's fun to ponder.
Comeback Player of the Year:
Orlando's Hill stands alone. Anyone who overcomes the amount of surgeries, doubt, lost time and momentum that he did - and nearly gets his once-garbage franchise into the postseason - becomes the poster boy for such an honor.
All Bad Money Contract Team:
Guard - Penny Hardaway, New York: He's not the same Penny from last decade. Now he's heavier, slower, sulkier and a real burden on the books for a ton of pennies at $14.6 million this season and $15.7 million next.
Guard - Allan Houston, New York: Bad knees have denied the Knicks use of his sweet jumper, and he made $17.5 million this season to apply ice packs, with nearly $40 million to come over the next two seasons.
Forward - Latrell Sprewell, Minnesota: At $14.4 million, he could feed his family, sure, but he couldn't save his team. The only good news is his deal expires any day now.
Forward - Raef LaFrentz, Boston: He's a decent player, but not a $9.9 million man, with four years and $42 million remaining. Major yikes for a 6-11 shooter.
Center - Brian Grant, Los Angeles Lakers: He once was a durable, rugged rebounder, but years of banging against bigger bodies have taken their toll, much as his two remaining seasons at $30 million will for Los Angeles.
Bad News Blazers Award:
Why, it goes to Portland, since it's named after a franchise that cannot seem to rid itself of problem players.
So many transgressions, so little time: Qyntel Woods' dog-fighting incident; Darius Miles' suspension for cursing the coach; and players griping about their minutes and asking for trades. Maurice Cheeks was fired as if it were all his fault. It was another mess for a franchise that used to at least mask the misery by making the playoffs.
Disturbing trend
The coaching carousel falls under this category, particularly those fired while in the playoff hunt.
Paul Silas was dismissed in Cleveland last month, and the Cavaliers have been in free fall since. Johnny Davis was blamed for Orlando's slippage, which became a mudslide.
The best coaching firing was the one Don Nelson said he pulled on himself, stepping down so Avery Johnson could steer the Dallas ship the rest of the way. The Mavericks are 13-2 under Johnson.
NBA beat: Here's to the winners (and a few losers)
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, April 17, 2005
Scoring was up, the Lakers were down.
Fresh faces named Ben, Dwight and Emeka were ushered in, and nine coaches were out, either by their own accord or someone else's. The inspired return of Grant Hill was beyond good, the boorish Portland Trail Blazers were typically bad.
And that just scratches the surface of the 2004-05 season that ends Wednesday.
Sifting through the mounds of possibilities for the NBA ballots that recognize outstanding achievement, we've come up with this simple conclusion: Too many names, not enough slots. On the 24-second clock, here goes:
Most Valuable Player - Steve Nash, Phoenix: He's bucked the odds for years, with only Santa Clara offering a scholarship to the youth from Canada, to a snail-slow start of his NBA career when even he wondered where his path would take him.
And now after a solid run with Dallas, he's never been better.
Yes, the Suns employ the bombing Quentin Richardson, emerging force Amare Stoudemire and steady Shawn Marion. But Nash makes it all go, perfect for Phoenix's breakneck scheme. He made Richardson and Joe Johnson more dangerous and Stoudemire and Marion perhaps the NBA's best finishers.
Nash transformed a lost franchise into a title contender for the first time since the Charles Barkley days more than 10 years ago. Phoenix became just the second team to go from a 50-loss season to a 60-win season (Boston did it in 1979-80). And Nash is averaging 11.5 assists, the most in the NBA in 10 years.
The arguments against Nash are that he's not a very good defender and that point guards just don't win the MVP. If he did, he would be the first point guard to do so since Magic Johnson in the 1989-90 season and the first point guard anywhere near his 6-foot-3 size since 6-5 Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals in 1963-64.
2004-05 All-NBA first team:
Guard - Nash: Key to the league's most prolific team, he's led the Suns to the best road record. He's also dangerous as a midrange and long-range shooter.
Guard - Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Yes, he dominates the ball, but he leads the NBA in scoring with a 30.8 average, is recording career-high assist totals and remains a defensive pest.
Forward - Kevin Garnett, Minnesota: Leads the NBA in rebounding at 13.7 per game while averaging 22.4 points. He's played hurt, inspired and short-handed, as he was surrounded by malcontents.
Forward - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: His best buddy, Nash, bolted, and what happens? Dirk gets better, scoring more, rebounding more, leading more.
Center - Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: Made the Heat an instant contender, and the Diesel still has the power and the moves, despite career-low minutes.
Second team - Guards: Dwyane Wade, Miami; LeBron James, Cleveland. Forwards: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Marion. Center: Stoudemire.
Third team - Guards: Mike Bibby, Kings; Ray Allen, Seattle. Forwards: Tracy McGrady, Houston; Antawn Jamison, Washington. Center: Ben Wallace, Detroit.
Defensive Player of the Year:
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio - He infuriates foes with his tactics and ability to deny. He's that effective, a true shut-down stopper.
2. Wallace - Second in the league in rebounding at 12.1, still nasty inside against guys his size or bigger.
3. Marion - Third in the NBA in rebounding at 11.5 and fourth in steals makes for smallish blur with instincts and hustle.
Sixth Man of the Year:
1. Ben Gordon, Chicago - Leads all players with 21 double-digit fourth quarters and the first rookie since James Worthy to score 1,000 points off the bench.
2. Ricky Davis, Boston - A starter in Cleveland, he's found a nice niche in this role, able to shoot and finish and average 16.1 points.
3. Jerry Stackhouse, Dallas - A career starter, he's been just as good as last season's winner, Jamison, when he was with the Mavericks.
Rookie of the Year:
1. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte - It wasn't his fault the expansion Bobcats didn't win a ton. He averaged a double double with great promise.
2. Gordon - It would be a stretch for him to be both the Sixth Man and Rookie winner, but he's been good enough for consideration.
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando - Many like Howard's upside more than Okafor's, with Howard fresh out of high school. Great work ethic.
Most improved player:
1. Dan Dickau, New Orleans - From journeyman to stable leader for a franchise in desperate need of help, he made trading Baron Davis all that much easier.
2. Joel Przybilla, Portland - He had to be introduced to Blazers coaches by management because they didn't think they wanted him; devoured Kings.
3. Bobby Simmons, Los Angeles Clippers - From solid to sometimes superb, can he take the next step next season? He'll be a free agent in the offseason.
Coach of the Year:
1. Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix - He wasn't swayed by placing his players at positions based on size, so he went with 6-10 Stoudemire at center and 6-7 Marion at power forward and unleashed the hounds.
2. Scott Skiles, Chicago - The Bulls were 0-9 to start the season, then surged, all the way to their first playoff berth since Michael Jordan was in town in 1998.
3. Rick Carlisle, Indiana - Dealt a short deck after suspensions and injuries, the Pacers are back in the postseason, thanks to a coach who refused to let them buckle.
And more honors
These categories are not on the official NBA ballot, but it's fun to ponder.
Comeback Player of the Year:
Orlando's Hill stands alone. Anyone who overcomes the amount of surgeries, doubt, lost time and momentum that he did - and nearly gets his once-garbage franchise into the postseason - becomes the poster boy for such an honor.
All Bad Money Contract Team:
Guard - Penny Hardaway, New York: He's not the same Penny from last decade. Now he's heavier, slower, sulkier and a real burden on the books for a ton of pennies at $14.6 million this season and $15.7 million next.
Guard - Allan Houston, New York: Bad knees have denied the Knicks use of his sweet jumper, and he made $17.5 million this season to apply ice packs, with nearly $40 million to come over the next two seasons.
Forward - Latrell Sprewell, Minnesota: At $14.4 million, he could feed his family, sure, but he couldn't save his team. The only good news is his deal expires any day now.
Forward - Raef LaFrentz, Boston: He's a decent player, but not a $9.9 million man, with four years and $42 million remaining. Major yikes for a 6-11 shooter.
Center - Brian Grant, Los Angeles Lakers: He once was a durable, rugged rebounder, but years of banging against bigger bodies have taken their toll, much as his two remaining seasons at $30 million will for Los Angeles.
Bad News Blazers Award:
Why, it goes to Portland, since it's named after a franchise that cannot seem to rid itself of problem players.
So many transgressions, so little time: Qyntel Woods' dog-fighting incident; Darius Miles' suspension for cursing the coach; and players griping about their minutes and asking for trades. Maurice Cheeks was fired as if it were all his fault. It was another mess for a franchise that used to at least mask the misery by making the playoffs.
Disturbing trend
The coaching carousel falls under this category, particularly those fired while in the playoff hunt.
Paul Silas was dismissed in Cleveland last month, and the Cavaliers have been in free fall since. Johnny Davis was blamed for Orlando's slippage, which became a mudslide.
The best coaching firing was the one Don Nelson said he pulled on himself, stepping down so Avery Johnson could steer the Dallas ship the rest of the way. The Mavericks are 13-2 under Johnson.
