Raftery

All stats are through the All-Star break:

MVP: Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets 14.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 9.9 apg, 2.15 spg I have not seen a guy lift a team like he has in such a strong fashion. He's made people better and contributed so much on and off the floor. He's gotten guys to believe in themselves. Rookie of the Year: Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies 17.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.37 bpg, .525 FG% This kid likes to play. He's not as imposing physically as others at his position, but he's only going to get stronger. He can elevate and do some things that years ago, you wouldn't think an international player could do. He's as athletic as any of the players from the states. He's got a big up side. Coach of the Year: Byron Scott, New Jersey Nets 32-15 overall, 19-5 at home, First place Eastern Conference He's gotten the Nets to play the upbeat style of basketball he wants, like he did in his heyday with the Lakers. They run the floor and are exciting in the open court. They play hard both at home and on the road. I don't think they'll back down in the second half. The team believes in themsleves and it all starts at the top, with Byron and his staff. Sixth Man of the Year: Hedo Turkoglu, Sacramento Kings 10.3 ppg, .390 3P%, 24.4 mpg He comes into the game and excites you with his ability to shoot outside. He's also learned to put it on the floor and is a good rebounder, with a certain toughness about him. What's most attractive about him is that he shoots almost 40% from 3-point range. With the Kings' big people inside and their ability to pass the ball, he's in a great position to shoot the jump shot, or if you go out on him, he's got an explosive move to the hole. Most Improved Player: Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota Timberwolves 19.1 ppg, .513 FG%, .467 FG% The movement from small forward to shooting guard has really helped him, as well as the zone defense that Minnesota plays often. He's an uncanny open shooter but is also explosive going to the rim. He knows how to make those 'middle' shots, and has that 'middle' game that a lot of people don't have. Wally uses screens well and is real sharp moving without the ball. He's proven to be a real good combo with Garnett. ALL-NBA C Shaquille O'Neal: He's such a physically imposing individual. He takes some shots and gives some shots back inside. G Kobe Bryant: He's the maestro at the guard spot, with Jordan like ability, and plays great defense. G Allen Iverson: He's getting healthy and has stepped up. He's starting to shoot the ball much better. He's such a big force mentally, as guys really react to him. F Tim Duncan: Such an outstanding, solid performer. He's so good on the low box facing the basket, and a great rebounder and shot-blocker. F Tracy McGrady: He has taken advantage of Grant Hillnot being there and proven what everyone felt about how good he really is. He's put the team on his shoulders and can play a lot of positions. Best Rule Change: Eight seconds (instead of 10) to advance the ball past the midcourt line. What this rule does is gets the ball up the court. and makes teams push the basketball. It gives the teams more time to run plays in the halfcourt and your seeing the ball getting reversed a few more times. I'm seeing much more attractive plays in the halfcourt than I can remember. I love this rule and think its changed the game a little bit. Team to Watch in the Second Half: The Philadelphia 76ers are going to flip flop the whole thing in the Eastern Conference. Larry Brown has them playing solid basketball. Along with Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo has picked up his game as well and Derrick Coleman is playing solid basketball. Watch out for them. 2002 NBA Finals prediction: The Lakers will be tough to beat, but they will have their problems with Sacramento. Last years playoff run will help the Bucks. They are a better team now. George Karl will get them to guard better, that's the key aspect for them. H'es been hung up on the defense. They've got the great talent, guys that can fill it up, but it's all about the defense.