The Truth Sports: NBA Team of the Deacade
Shaquille O’Neal: From his first game to now Shaq has been one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. His size and suprising quickness has caused defensive problems for all of his opponents. O’Neal’s “drop step”, (called the “Black Tornado” by O’Neal) in which he posts up a defender, turns around and, using his elbows for leverage, powers past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, has proven an extremely effective offensive weapon. O’Neal was also voted the 99′-200′ MVP, 2000 All-Star Game (co-MVP) and NBA Finals 2000, becoming only the third player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. O’Neal also won the scoring title that year while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. The ability to dunk frequently contributes to his career field goal accuracy of .582; he is the second most accurate shooter of all time.He has averaged 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.60 steals and 35.7 minutes while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 52.8 percent from the foul line. Shaq is a 4-time NBA Champ, and 3-time NBA Finals MVP recipient. Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain only two players in league history to lead the league in field goal percentage nine times. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon)
Kevin Garnett “The Big Ticket” came into the NBA straight from high school to the highest paid player in NBA history. Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves who relied on Kevin for everything, which he was able to provide. Holds Timberwolves franchise career records for points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals, and games played. Before the 2008 he was traded to the Boston Celtics joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The “Big Three” made good on their commitment for a championship, bring the Celtics their 17th championship. NBA MVP (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), USA Olympics Gold Medal(2000), NBA All-Star MVP (2003), 12-time NBA All-Star: 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 9-time All NBA selection: 9-time All-Defensive:
Tim Duncan: He was drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, and immediately made an impact, averaging 21.1 points per game in his first season. n the 2001-02 season, Duncan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. After 2002-03, Duncan was named MVP for the second season in a row. Duncan and his Spurs teammates made it to the finals once again, defeating the New Jersey Nets to win the NBA championship. Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP once again. His lifetime averages in points, blocks, assists, and rebounds are higher in the playoffs than in the regular season. In the last game of the 2003 NBA Finals, Duncan was two blocks away from a quadruple-double, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. In 2005 Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael Jordan ,Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win it three times. Duncan is famous for his graceful finesse on the court and for his low key demeanor. Possessing a sound all-around game, he has been dubbed “The Big Fundamental” and ”Groundhog Day” because of his ability to produce very consistently on a day-to-day basis. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon) His signature offensive moves are his smooth footwork and his accurate bank shot. Duncan scored a career high 53 points in an NBA game on December 26, 2001 in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. NBA Rookie of the Year(98′), NBA MVP (2002, 2003), NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
Kobe Bryant: One of the most determined and focused players to ever play the game. Kobe was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 96′ and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. He joined the Lakers who were full of gaurds at the time, and Kobe was by far the youngest player on the team. Kobe and teammate Shaquille O’Neal were a one-two punch carrying the Lakers to three consecutive championships. Upon the trading of O’Neal Kobe became the face of the franchise. In 2006 Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest total for points scored. He earned MVP honors in 08′, but fell in six games to the Celtics in the Finals. The following summer Kobe joined the USA Basketball team and help them to win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. Kobe returned to the Finals the following year and earned his 4th NBA Championship and his first Finals MVP. MVP (2008), All-NBA first team (2002-04, 2006-09), All-Defensive team (2000, 2003-04, 2006-09)Finals MVP(2009)
Allen Iverson: Allen Iverson revolutionized the NBA by incorporating the “streets” with NBA marketing. The NBA instituted a dress-code primarily due to Iversons doo-rags and urban wear. Ranked 16th in scoring and third in scoring average behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are the two stand-out stats for the 6 foot point guard or should I say shooting guard. Allen Iverson has never met a shot he didn’t like on route to the sixth fastest player to 20,000 points. MVP in 2000 and 4-time scoring champ. He also ranks 12th in All-Time steals.
