Dennis: Hahaha. Nope, I think we can move on. How about Defensive Player of the Year? I don't know if it's because I've been a huge fan of his for the longest time or because, hey, HE JUST MIGHT DESERVE IT, but I'm going to go with the underrated Shawn Marion. The Matrix as of today, is tied for 10th in blocks with 1.5 rejections per game and tied for 2nd with 2.1 rock rips per contest. Add the fact that he is playing/defending out of position and can actually go out and defend against guards, I'm going to go with my man, Marion. He deserves some respect! Now give it, people!
Mike: Nice surprise pick. So I guess I'll go with another surprise with Marcus Camby. He is blocking 2.85 shots a game and grabbing 12.7 boards. You can't argue with that.
It appeared as though Jerry Sloan was going to run away with Coach of the Year honors when the season first took off, but now it's looking like my preseason pick is on top. Avery Johnson has the Mavs in first place and on pace for the franchise's best record. And some thought the Mavs were going to fall off after last years Finals upset, but Johnson has them heading back for another chance at that NBA Finals trophy.
Dennis: Well, I'm going to have to agree with you there. Although, it's thisclose with Mike D'Antoni of the Suns. In the end, I'll give the hardware to Avery because of the pressure and the fact that he doesn't collectively have the talent that the Suns have.
For Most Improved Player, I'll take one of my man-crushes in Deron Williams of the Jazz. At one point last season, he was in Jerry Sloan's dog house, but eventually played himself out of it. This season, after an offseason of learning from Hall of Famer, John Stockton on how to run Sloan's offense, Williams has helped big time in the Jazz' huge success. From last season, his points are up six points, he's almost doubled his dimes, and he's shown great leadership. Who do you have, Mike Slizzle?
Mike: I've got Josh Howard of the Mavs. Howard has really stepped it up this year from being a role player most of his career to a possible All-Star. Kevin Martin is most people's pick because he almost doubled his scoring average, but look at his team. Who else is putting up big scoring numbers? Howard is playing on a championship team and is scoring 19 a game.
Dennis: I almost went with Howard myself, but I think Williams' man-crush status just barely trumped Josh. And I think a lot of people will go with Kevin Martin because of what you mentioned, but the Kings are crap compared to the Mavs or the Jazz.
Okay, let''s close it out, Mike. Spit your ending, son!
Mike: Can you believe that the Suns are 34-8 after beginning the season 1-5? That's a 33-3 record since their awful start. They're currently on a 15-game winning streak, and it doesn't look like anyone is going to slow them down any time soon, or at least in the month of January. Their next three include the Bucks, Cavs, and Wolves - not that tough. But we'll see what the Suns are made of when they play the Spurs on Febuary 1 followed by the Jazz and Nuggets. Peace.
Dennis: Okay, the All-Star voting results will come out soon and all I can say is Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming better not start! Granted, I'm sure they'll win the votes, but they've been injured for most of the season and surely a player that has been at least a little bit healthier and produced more on the floor should start! But, these types of games are for the fans, understood, and they should get to put in whomever they want. I just hate seeing deserving players get left off, which happens ever season. However, players such as Shaq and Yao don't need to be taking up a roster spot.
Catch you all next week where we'll actually talk about the All-Star results. I'm sure I'll be incensed.
