Post by ashes on May 12, 2020 23:33:22 GMT -8
BBS 2000-2001 Race to the MVP
I typically like to do these at the All-Star Break and near the end of the season, but time flew by! As the trade deadline nears to a close, and the flurried frenzy trade fever dies down, I am going to be taking a look at how the MVP Race is shaping up. The title contenders are clear at this point, and they key players are in form. Ideally I like to keep this article focused on the playoff teams, with more of a focus on the contenders, but some players are too good to keep off. This isn't an attempt to predict who FBB will select as MVP, but rather who I feel should truly get the nod.
Along with the typical season stat lines, for the top 5 guys I'll be taking a look at key performances and match-ups throughout the year. I'll also look ahead to the closing weeks to see if there are any upcoming games with MVP and playoff implications. Let's get this started!
The Favorites
1. Tim Duncan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
30.3 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.7 BPG, 2.0 TPG, 47.5 FG%, 78.5 FT%
Tim Duncan is the best big man in the league, and he has proven it this season. Averaging over 30 a game while pulling down 15 boards and combining for over 4 steals/blocks a game? Yes please! Let's not forget he gets the job done at the free throw line as well, unlike his competition for number one big man. He's arguably the best player in the league and he absolutely essential to the Clippers' success. They go as far as Duncan will carry them. You can't count them out of any series because this man might just demolish a team on any given night. The Clippers are 44-25 and Duncan has posted double-doubles in 63 of those 69 games. He has 47 Player of the Game, 9 Player of the Week, and 1 Player of the Month to his name so far this season.
Key Performances:
Day 35 Nuggets @ Clippers – He dropped 31/11/4/3/7 on Shaq while holding him to 19/8 with 5 fouls and 5 turnovers. Wow!
Day 44 Knicks @ Clippers – 33/18/5/2/2 all over old man Oakley and the Knicks.
Day 70 Bulls @ Clippers – Mopped the floor with CHI's frontcourt, posting 28/18/3/3.
Day 85 Nuggets @ Clippers – Shaq had a monster game this time around, but Duncan still outduels and gets the win with 37/19/5/7.
Day 91 Grizzlies @ Clippers – Big Z is no match for Duncan's 33/13/3/2/5 outing.
Day 20 Clippers @ Spurs – Duncan posts his career high in scoring, dropping 50/16/5/1/4 on the Spurs.
Key Match-Ups Last 20 Days: The Clippers don't look like they'll catch Utah for the #1 seed out West, but they host the Nets Day 109 and then play them again in New Jersey on Day 116. Interesting preview of a potential BBS Finals match-up. Duncan has been dominant at home, but the Nets are too good to drop both games, so I'm predicting a split here.
2. Allan Houston, SG, Utah Jazz
29.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 TPG, 49.7 FG%, 89.6 FT%, 42.6 3P%
The Jazz hold the best record in the Western Conference thanks to this man right here. Houston has been lights out for Utah and shows no signs of slowing down. Paired with a good supporting cast, he is looking to lead one of the more surprising success stories in the league to the promised land. He scores in big bunches and shoots phenomenal percentages from everywhere on the court. Houston doesn't contribute much on the defensive end, but he takes good care of the ball and maximizes on his opportunities. He is vital to the success of the 50-17 Jazz, a bit more so than some of the guys below him in these rankings. He has netted 19 Player of the Game awards, but since Duncan exists, he has yet to grab a Player of the Week honor.
Key Performances:
Day 5 Jazz @ Kings – He lights up Kobe for 37/4/5
Day 40 Jazz @ Clippers – Outshines Duncan in Utah with 30 on 50% shooting
Day 43 Clippers @ Jazz – Duncan tries for revenge but is met with a scathing 42 point outing on 16 of 27 shooting for Houston
Day 58 Kings @ Jazz – Goes shot for shot with Kobe and leads his team to victory with 42/7/2/3
Key Match-Ups Last 20 Days: Day 101 Jazz @ Grizzlies, Day 103 Jazz @ Kings, Day 105 Jazz @ Nuggets. Tough road stretch, but I'm predicting Houston has big games and Jazz go 3-0. Day 107 Nuggets @ Jazz, Day 113 Hornets @ Jazz, Day 119 Jazz @ Grizzlies. Final stretch I think Jazz drop a few games here going 1-2 but secure the #1 seed in the West but just barely miss out on the #1 overall seed.
3. Michael Jordan, SG, New York Knicks
24.2 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.7 TPG, 48.4 FG%, 79.9 FT%, 40.7 3P%
The GOAT still got it! The argument could be made for his teammate here, but I just think what Jordan brings and what he is still doing at his age is something special. Jordan is amazing and he brings so much to the table. The scoring, the rebounds, the facilitating, and my goodness, that defense! He does all of this while minimizing turnovers and shooting good percentages. I love players like this and it would be really cool to see him stick around another few seasons. I really hope he doesn't retire (from a fan standpoint). He's notched up 20 Player of the Game, 1 Player of the Week, and 1 Player of the Month awards so far this year, and has 23 double-doubles from the guard spot. Just a stellar season to date.
Key Performances:
Day 22 Nuggets @ Knicks – Jordan shows Shaq what's up with 36/11/4/2/2
Day 30 Knicks @ 76ers – Jordan goes off for 34/13/7/2 on 8 of 12 shooting thanks to going 17/19 from the line!
Day 46 Heat @ Knicks – Jordan puts up 27/15/6/2/5. Just 3 steals shy of a 5x5 game
Day 51 Knicks @ Jazz – Houston is no match for Jordan's 40/9/4/1/1 outing
Day 59 Knicks @ Cavaliers – In an offensive showdown, Jordan goes 16/23, dropping 44/12/3/3/1
Day 83 Raptors @ Knicks – Jordan clamps down Allen holding him to 20 points on 7/18 shooting while adding 25/11/5/2/3 himself
Key Match-Ups Last 20 Days: Insanely easy schedule for the Knicks to the close the season and I predict they end up with the #1 overall seed in the league. Day 107 the Grizzlies come to town to get balled up by MJ himself.
4. Shaquille O'Neal, C, Denver Nuggets
27.4 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 3.0 BPG, 3.9 TPG, 52.4 FG%, 44.4 FT%
The Big Aristotle has had an awesome season. The Nuggets, well, not so much. They are succeeding in the weaker Western Conference, but they have struggled to find a rhythm so it will be interesting to see how far Shaq carries them. He is doing exactly what was predicted for him, which is dominate the paint on both ends of the court. He is an offensive and defensive juggernaut, and shoots 52% from the field. However, he gets fouled often and goes to the free throw line more than anyone else, where he only converts 44% of the time. Still, there is no denying Shaq is a force to be reckoned with, and it's hard to count out the Nuggets in playoff series versus anyone who doesn't have someone named Duncan. He has posted 61 double-doubles and 4 triple-doubles. He also dropped double-digit 20/20 games. Shaq arguable has better season hardware so far with 38 Player of the Game, 2 Player of the Week, and 2 Player of the Month awards.
Key Performances:
Day 33 Knicks @ Nuggets – Shaq gets it done versus the Knicks with 32/19/5/1/1
Day 39 Clippers @ Nuggets – Shaq gets the better of Timmy D with 36/18/4/3/9! 9 blocks!
Day 61 Nets @ Nuggets – Mutombo is completely embarrassed by Shaq, fouling out while shooting 5/15 on the game, whereas Shaq trounces the Nets with 35/18/4/6
Day 65 Grizzlies @ Nuggets – In the first of a back-to-back series that the Nuggets won, Shaq drops 24/21/1/2/8 on the poor Grizzlies.
Day 9 Nuggets @ Trailblazers – Shaq has his career high of 50 points, going 21/29 versus the Blazers.
Day 13 Rockets @ Nuggets – Shaq posts a ridiculous stat line of 34/15/9/3/8, barely missing the triple double, quadruple-double, and 5x5.
Day 28 Mavericks @ Nuggets – Shaq has a career high in rebounds going 29/28. Unfortunately went 9/20 from the line.
Day 72 Nuggets @ Suns – Shaq with the impressive 25/15/10 triple-double. 10 blocks by the way
Key Match-Ups Last 20 Days: Day 105 and 107 versus Jazz, Day 114 Bulls @ Nuggets. Split the series with Jazz and Shaq goes off on the Bulls. 2-1.
5. Steve Nash, PG, New York Knicks
25.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.7 TPG, 48.0 FG%, 91.8 FT%, 43.5 3P%
The other half of the terrifying Knicks MVP duo, Steve Nash is the best point guard in the league. He is one of the league's best shooters, and just scorers in general. When the Knicks acquired Nash, it just screamed championship, and if not for a significantly older core, dynasty. Nash is #6 in the league in scoring, and #1 in assists. He is a pretty poor defender, but is still good for 1.5 steals a game. He's #2 in the league in 3P attempts, which is nice considering he makes them damn near half of the time. Nash may be at the bottom of the favorites, but could easily be the guy who takes home the prize. He has 37 double-doubles and 2 triple-doubles, with 23 Player of the Game and 1 Player of the Week awards to his name.
Key Performances:
Day 46 Heat @ Knicks – Leads the team to a close victory with 34/5/11/1/1
Day 51 Knicks @ Jazz – Goes into Utah and stomps Bobby Jackson with 30/3/14/2
Day 59 Knicks @ Cavaliers – 45/13 with 3 steals. Not too shabby in a 149 point team effort.
Day 78 Knicks @ 76ers – Nash with 31/6/12/1/1 in a blowout
Day 94 Knicks @ Pistons – POG honors with 40/3/11/1/1
Day 97 Nets @ Knicks – Nash ices the Nets with a 33/4/14/2 game
Day 13 Heat @ Pacers – Before coming to New York, Nash does it all with 43/3/11/2/2. Them 2 blocks though! Get some Starbury!
Day 19 Pacers @ Raptors – Nash's career high in points came while wearing a Pacers jersey, with 47/4/8
Key Match-Ups Last 20 Days: Like previously mentioned, easy schedule, but Day 107 versus Grizzlies at home should be a W. Look for the PG shooting duel Day 112 vs Jamal Crawford and the Kings.
The Wildcards
6. Allen Iverson, SG, Boston Celtics
31.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.6 SPG, 2.7 TPG, 50.1 FG%, 86.2 FT%, 40.2 3P%
Now Iverson might get the nod from FBB, it's definitely possible, but the Celtics just aren't in the thick of things to warrant it from me. Outside of the playoffs in the tough Eastern Conference, Iverson is arguably the best SG in the league right now. He leads the league in scoring and steals per game, and he is in the top 10 in FG%. That's nuts. Barring a serious push from Duncan, he'll be the league's first scoring champion, and will probably be All-League and All-Defensive 1st team. The Celtics aren't where they want to be yet, but Iverson is a pretty damn good player to get them there. An elite, two-way superstar, Iverson should be a fixture in the backcourt for a long, long time. Crazy enough, the little guy somehow snags 6 boards a game! He boasts 28 Player of the Game awards, but nothing beyond that. He has had three 50+ point games so far this year including his 52 point career high against the Timberwolves where he went 22/32 from the field, 6 for 7 from 3P.
7. Alonzo Mourning, C, New Orleans Hornets
21.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.9 BPG, 2.1 TPG, 48.8 FG%, 65.2 FT%
The steal of the creation draft has not disappointed this season. Mourning has led the Hornets to a 48-23 record in the East and has put together a serious MVP and DPOY campaign. He might be a step behind Duncan and Shaq, but that's just because those two are in a different stratosphere. Mourning still boasts a nutty near 22/12/4/1/4 stat line. The Hornets are a serious contender in the top 4 of the East, and could go very far with their core led by Zo. He is one of the few big men in the league to have a 20 Rebound game and a 10 block game. He's dropped 51 double-doubles and 3 triple-doubles, while also sneaking in a Player of the Week award to go along with his 29 Player of the Games. He may be a bit older than some of the guys on this list, but Zo still has plenty in the tank. The Hornets are hoping to catch fire and make it out of the East where I'd put them as favorites versus the West.
8. Dikembe Mutombo, C, New Jersey Nets
20.4 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 2.4 TPG, 47.4 FG%, 66.0 FT%
When did Mt. Mutombo learn how to score? The elder statesman of New Jersey's defensive frontcourt, Mutombo has done more than block shots and rebound all year. With a very respectable 20 PPG on 47% shooting, Mutombo has led the craftily-assembled Nets to a top 4 seed in the East. They may lack that true scoring superstar, but their all-around efficiency coupled with their impressive defense, the Nets are a team no wants to run into during the playoffs. Mutombo narrowly missed the 10 block milestone, but has still put up 52 double-doubles this year and has a few 20/20 games to his name. The oldest name in these rankings, Mutombo hopes to wag his finger all the way to a BBS Championship.
9. Kobe Bryant, SG, Sacramento Kings
28.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 2.9 TPG, 48.2 FG%, 83.8 FT%, 35.1 3P%
The Kings are technically a playoff squad in the abysmal West, and it's mostly thanks to Kobe Bryant. At 22 years old, Kobe is an-all around wonder on the court. A superstar who can score and defend, Kobe has kept the Kings afloat this year, much my chagrin. Though he has shared some of the scoring duties with breakout star Jamal Crawford, Kobe still throws his name in the hat for best SG in the league among the likes of Allan Houston, Allen Iverson, and Ray Allen. Kobe rebounds at a high level for a SG and looks to get his teammates involved, while still averaging 28 PPG which is good for #4 in the league. As his 3P shot improves, Kobe is going to contend for scoring champ and MVP year after year. He has 15 double-doubles on the season with 22 Player of the Game and 1 Player of the Week awards. Black Mamba is going to terrorize BBS for the next years, but for now, he still has to grow to be one of the true MVP contenders.
10. Keith Van Horn, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
25.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.7 TPG, 46.4 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 37.8 3P%
Probably the guy I was most eager to see how he performed this year, Keith Van Horn hasn't let me down. #10 on the scoring list this year, KVH has been abusing his size at the 2-guard position, even if it comes at the expense of defense. His rebounding and scoring combo has caused problems for the opposition, allowing the Cavaliers to stay afloat during injury and chemistry issues this season. Now it seems like they are finally balling, and KVH is still doing his thing. He doesn't look to pass, but he keeps his turnovers down and gets a steal every now and then. As his shot improves, KVH might be one of the hardest match-ups for opposing defenses. The Cavaliers have a team consisting almost entirely of players in their prime years leaning towards the younger side. Like his team, KVH may be on the outside for now, knocking on the door of greatness, but these next few years could tell a very different story for KVH and the Cavaliers.
Impressive, but better luck next year
Ray Allen, SG, Toronto Raptors – 25.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.1 TPG, 46.9 FG%, 89.9 FT%, 44.8 3P%
Ricky Davis, SG, Miami Heat - 25.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 2.3 TPG, 49.2 FG%, 86.2 FT%, 43.1 3P%
Vince Carter, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves – 24.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.6 TPG, 44.5 FG%, 73.7 FT%, 42.0 3P%
Dirk Nowitski, PF, Golden State Warriors – 25.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 TPG 47.5 FG%, 74.3 FT%, 40.5 3P%
Michael Finley, SF, Chicago Bulls – 22.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 TPG, 46.2 FG%, 79.2 FT%, 39.1 3P%
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Memphis Grizzlies – 18.9 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 2.3 TPG, 44.4 FG%, 72.8 FT%
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65552195/tyler_parker_5_guys_kings.0.jpg)
