http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...l/14297339.htm
By Israel Gutierrez
igutierrez@MiamiHerald.com
And so, after weighing all those quantifiable and intangible factors (not all of which can fit in this space), this particular ballot will read:
1. LeBron James
2. Dwyane Wade
3. Dirk Nowitzki
4. Steve Nash
5. Kobe Bryant
Yes, that leaves out Brand, the unofficial MVP leader through the first quarter of the season and Billups, the player on the league's best team who's having a career year. And I'm sure the final tally will read nothing like the order just set out (it has changed twice in the past week, by the way). But hey, if the league allowed it, my first choice would be a seven-way tie.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../1088/SPORTS04
By Mark Montieth
mark.montieth@indystar.com
And the winner is . . .
Star reporters Mark Montieth and Mike Wells size up the NBA's major postseason awards.
Award Montieth's pick Wells' pick
MVP LeBron James, Cavs James
Coach Mike D'Antoni, Suns Avery Johnson, Mavs
Rookie Chris Paul, Hornets Paul
Defensive Player Bruce Bowen, Spurs Ben Wallace, Pistons
Sixth Man Leandro Barbosa, Suns Speedy Claxton, Hornets
Most Improved Boris Diaw, Suns David West, Hornets
First Team All-NBA
Kobe Bryant, Lakers Bryant
Dwyane Wade, Heat Steve Nash, Suns
James James
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs Nowitzki
Tim Duncan, Spurs Wallace