Raynman - you have a point, and to help solidify how important Kevin Garnett is to Boston overall, I would check out drza44's well-written article over on the blog main page in the Fanposts section titled "Realistic Optimism Part I - KG and Pierce."
In my minds eye, every since last summer, it seems as though the call has been for a Lakers-MIA NBA Finals. Of course, after Boston owned MIA during the regular season, that talk (thankfully) died down. We were legitimately looked at as contenders.
Well, it unfortunately resurfaced back on Sunday, to me. Once we lost to MIA, now all of a sudden the "pundits" are mentioning CHI or MIA to challenge LA.
In some respects, I can't blame them. Boston has in fact been erratic the last few weeks.
But - getting to Raynman's point here - his post just reflects, to me, the disrespect towards The Celtics. To not even mention KG in the Defensive Player of the Year running is definitely wrong, by ESPN. Sure - Boston has been erratic lately. But even with that, Boston still has 56 wins this season.
So...the list that Raynman mentioned...Dwight - sure he's got it. I'd strongly consider him for MVP, too.
Now - Keith Bogans? Not sure about that one. Keith is a tough defender, but I think his nod points to the fact the CHI overall is winning. Now, I bet that if CHI had 50 or less wins, he wouldn't be on the list.
Grant Hill? Look I love the guy, as a player and person. But I'm sure if you asked him he'd probably say that KG should be on the list. I know that Grant has done an admirable job for PHX this year, but....
Now - a case for KG? I'd look no further than four games - the two Portland and LA Clips games. KG basically held in check two of the most potent PF's in the game right now in LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin. Just controlled those two.
I don't have access to a lot of stats, but I bet if folks plugged KG into any of these fancy computer programs that run defensive efficiency, I bet Kevin Garnett would be on the lists.
Another way to look at this is that KG has already won the awards, the accolades...he has a ring, with another one coming. He won Defensive Player in 07-08. He's won All-Star MVP. He's won regular season MVP. He definitely has won some awards in his career.
Grant? He - as well as Bogans - deserves some recongnition. That is how it is sometimes - spread the wealth of recognition. I think us Celtics Fans want our players to get the accolades they deserve, but at this point KG (and Paul, Ray, Rajon, etc) want one thing - to be playing in June and hoisting that Banner 18.
And they have a great shot at doing just that.
Come June of this year, this ranking won't even matter.
Topic: 2011 Season Awards: Does KG have a case for DPOY? (Read 8028 times)