Kori Ellis
10-10-2004, 01:35 AM
Take 5: Top candidates to win NBA's MVP award
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/sportstoryS1010TAKE5.htm
K.J. Johnson, who covers the Chicago Bulls for the Chicago Tribune, lists five players for FLORIDA TODAY that are most likely to walk away with league MVP honors this season:
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami. He has lost weight but gained hunger. Shaq has something to prove now that he's away from the bright lights of Los Angeles and the tension of Kobe Bryant. In a new conference, which is mostly center-deprived, look for Shaq to put up huge numbers and huge victory totals.
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio. Mr. Fundamental might not be the most exciting player to watch. But his solid, stoic play rarely fails him, especially in big-game situations. Duncan also has the economical type of game that should allow him to rebound from a busy summer, which included an Olympic appearance. The Spurs improved themselves this offseason and a surprising playoff loss to the Lakers has left Duncan hungry.
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota. Forget the playoff collapses. Garnett remains the league's most versatile and dynamic player, able to change games in so many different ways and categories. He is a long-armed defender, a dominant rebounder and shot blocker and can score from so many spots on the court. Without O'Neal in the West, Garnett knows this is his best opportunity to get to the Finals.
4. Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers. O'Neal attacked an offseason workout regimen with intensity after Indiana's disappointing loss to Detroit in the conference finals. Since the always-combustible Ron Artest is always a tantrum away from losing it and Reggie Miller may retire, Indiana could look to O'Neal even more this season. He's ready for the challenge.
5. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento. An offseason trade demand fell on deaf ears to the Maloof brothers, the team's owners. Stojakovic is too much of a pro to let it be a distraction. While his team could be on the decline, this sharp-shooter will be looking to make a statement, especially because he eventually wants to play elsewhere and wants to make a good impression.
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/sportstoryS1010TAKE5.htm
K.J. Johnson, who covers the Chicago Bulls for the Chicago Tribune, lists five players for FLORIDA TODAY that are most likely to walk away with league MVP honors this season:
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami. He has lost weight but gained hunger. Shaq has something to prove now that he's away from the bright lights of Los Angeles and the tension of Kobe Bryant. In a new conference, which is mostly center-deprived, look for Shaq to put up huge numbers and huge victory totals.
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio. Mr. Fundamental might not be the most exciting player to watch. But his solid, stoic play rarely fails him, especially in big-game situations. Duncan also has the economical type of game that should allow him to rebound from a busy summer, which included an Olympic appearance. The Spurs improved themselves this offseason and a surprising playoff loss to the Lakers has left Duncan hungry.
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota. Forget the playoff collapses. Garnett remains the league's most versatile and dynamic player, able to change games in so many different ways and categories. He is a long-armed defender, a dominant rebounder and shot blocker and can score from so many spots on the court. Without O'Neal in the West, Garnett knows this is his best opportunity to get to the Finals.
4. Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers. O'Neal attacked an offseason workout regimen with intensity after Indiana's disappointing loss to Detroit in the conference finals. Since the always-combustible Ron Artest is always a tantrum away from losing it and Reggie Miller may retire, Indiana could look to O'Neal even more this season. He's ready for the challenge.
5. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento. An offseason trade demand fell on deaf ears to the Maloof brothers, the team's owners. Stojakovic is too much of a pro to let it be a distraction. While his team could be on the decline, this sharp-shooter will be looking to make a statement, especially because he eventually wants to play elsewhere and wants to make a good impression.