| | Last week, we tried something new on ESPN.com called the NBA MVP Watch. Apparently, our users liked it, because in five days we received more than 5,000 e-mails and nearly 40,000 poll votes. From now on, we're going to change the topic each week and call it NBA Decision 2000. We're not voting for a Bradley or Gore here, but there will be a Carter from time to time. Hey, he was President once, right?
This forum is just for the users. We don't give our opinions (for a change), we just give you 10 options and let you vote and flood our e-mail box. The poll is at the right and the place to send mail is at the bottom of the page.
Check out our Decision 2000 results file to see what you thought last week on the MVP race. We'll revisit this topic again in a few weeks, by the way. This week our topic is who should be the defensive player of the year. The players are listed in alphabetical order. Enjoy.
Who has been the best defensive player in the NBA this season?
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TIM DUNCAN
Key Stats: 12.6 rebs, 2.2 blks, 1 stls
Age: 23
Team: Spurs
Along with The Admiral, players don't drive to the hole against the Spurs because Duncan is there to swat shots away. Duncan was second-team All-Defense his rookie year, and first-team last year. He's a lock for first-team again.
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KEVIN GARNETT
Key Stats: 12.1 rebs, 1.8 blks, 1.5 stls
Age: 23
Team: Wolves
Garnett can guard just about anyone, which makes him invaluable on both ends of the court. How many other NBA players can match up with Shaq and Zo as well as Pippen and Grant Hill? Being a 6-11 small forward with great quickness helps. |
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EDDIE JONES
Key Stats: 2.9 stls, first in NBA, 4.9 rebs
Age: 28
Team: Hornets
Has never been on the NBA first-team All-Defense, but was on the second team the last two seasons. He's so far ahead in the lead league in steals it's not even close. Averaging 2.2 steals per game over career. Can cover any guards and, at 6-7, small forwards. |
JASON KIDD
Key Stats: 2 stls, fourth in NBA, 7.1 rebs
Age: 26
Team: Suns
A triple-double waiting to happen almost every night, Kidd has always been best at passing and defending. Gets into the passing lanes like a pro and has averaged two steals a game for his career. Is only 6-4, but defends the post up well. |
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KARL MALONE
Key Stats: 9.6 rebs, 1 stl
Age: 36
Team: Jazz
You'd probably be surprised to learn he's been on the NBA's first team for defense the last three years. Can he defend? Sure. Sometimes he has to take on opposing centers, and the Jazz are fifth in the NBA in team defense.
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ALONZO MOURNING
Key Stats: 4.1 blks, first in NBA, 9.6 rebs
Age: 30
Team: Heat
Shot-blocker extraordinaire finally knocked Mutombo off the first team All-Defense in last season, his first time being honored on a defensive team. Leads league in blocks by a lot, though his rebounding is at less than 10 a night. Heat is sixth in NBA in defense. |
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DIKEMBE MUTOMBO
Key Stats: 14.8 rebs, 3.6 blks
Age: 33
Team: Hawks
The best shot-blocker in the league for most of his nine seasons, he's averaged 3.6 blocks, 12.3 boards and countless finger-waggings. Has never had playoff success (except for one memorable 1 vs. 8 upset) and doesn't look to score. Blocked 11 shots vs. Nets two weeks ago.
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SHAQUILLE O'NEAL
Key Stats: 14.2 rebs, 3.4 blks
Age: 27
Team: Lakers
The Lakers are the league's top team and No. 4 in defense, thanks to Phil Jackson making Shaq and others defend. Playing injury-free, Shaq plays D all the time. His 3.4 blocks are by far his most since his 1992-93 rookie year. League MVP and top defender? |
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GARY PAYTON
Key Stats: 6.4 rebs, 1.6 stls
Age: 31
Team: Sonics
Is having by far his highest-scoring season, and maybe his defense has dropped off a bit. Sonics No. 13 in team defense and Payton's a mere 12th in the league in steals (2.2 for career). Has been All-NBA first team on D last six seasons. |
SCOTTIE PIPPEN
Key Stats: 6.6 rebs, 1.5 stls
Age: 34
Team: Blazers
Portland's the top defensive team in the league, and Pip, who has been All-NBA first team on D the last eight seasons, is leading the way. He has convinced his teammates that defense actually wins championships, not scoring 100 points a night. |
Sound off on the top defender race in the box provided below. Be sure to fill out the form completely. If you omit your name or city, we'll ignore you. Just hit the "submit" button to send your comment to us.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Decision 2000 Results: It's Shaq
MVP Watch: Who do you like?
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