First to sixth

MOST USEFUL

When Steve Nash left Dallas, experts predicted a sharp decrease in the statistics of the Canadian defender, who was used to bringing shells to Dirk Nowitzki. Two and a half seasons have passed, and the usefulness of Nash is becoming increasingly apparent. The Phoenix playmaker confidently holds the first place in the league in assists (11.9), and even manages to score in performance - 19.5 points with 53.5% of hits from the game and 87.9% of penalties. But the main thing, of course, is not the numbers. At the beginning of the week, “Sanz broke off a record in the history of the club winning streak of 17 matches. Teams Nash and Nowitzki now do not shoot solo, breaking opponents with“ sets. ”It is not surprising that demonstrating completely different styles of squad from Arizona and Texas are considered the main contenders for speaking in conference finale.

At the end of the championship, journalists who annually choose the MVP will have a difficult choice - Gilbert Arenas is already in serious competition for Nashu and Nowitzki.Defender led “Washington” to the leaders of the Eastern Conference, and from time to time is marked by the most important throws in the last seconds of matches or, in extreme cases, quarters.

Symbolic Five: S. Nash (Phoenix) - G. Arenas (Washington) - S. Marion (Phoenix) - D. Novicki (Dallas) - Yao Ming (Houston).

BEST FOR PROTECTION

Going to “Houston” by Shane Battye at first seemed like a simple acquisition of a role-playing player. Of course, everyone knew that the striker is an excellent personnel officer, but his participation in the fate of the “rockets” turns out to be key. His defensive statistics are not so good - 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 block shots, but teams that rely on the success of one or two stars do not really like to meet with Houston. For obvious reason.

Symbolic Five for Defense: C. Heinrich (Chicago) - S. Battye (Houston) - S. Marion (Phoenix) - J. O'Neill (Indiana) - E. Okafor (Charlotte).

Newbies

One of the weakest generations in recent years has not yet revealed to us a single basketball player who looks like a rising star. Across the ocean, Brandon Roy, who is the leader in performance among peers (14.4 points), is considered a favorite, but we like the prospects of the more modest Randy Foy (8.9 points). The young attacking defender was forced to be behind Ricky Davis, but the Minnesota coaches often let out Randy in decisive moments - he has enough composure to score important goals.

The symbolic five of the newcomers: B. Roy (Portland) - R. Foy (Minnesota) - A. Morrison (Charlotte) - A. Bargnani (Toronto) - H. Garbajosa (Toronto)

MOST PROGRESSIVE

When the championship started, the candidates lined up for this position in a long line. Andris Bedrins, Monta Ellis, Jr. Ar Smith. The guys started off the bat, but gradually went down to an unstable average level. Now much more impressive leap Josh Howard from “Dallas” and Carlos Boozer from “Utah”. Both were always considered good players, but now Boozer has already received the honorary All-Star title, and Howard will probably also be in the “stars” team - due to an injury to poor Boozer.

Statistical assessment of progress - Boozer from last year's 16.3 points and 8.6 rebounds reached 22.1 points and 11.8 rebounds, Howard from 15.6 and 6.3 - at 19.4 and 7.2. Yes, and the teams both perform well.

BEST SIXTH

“Chicago” is so kind to the reservist that they are not ready to give Ben Gordon even for Po Gasol. No wonder: a crazy sniper leads the team in performance - 21.3 points. And in fact, is the only player who is able to consistently show the scorer qualities. True, Ben is unlikely to survive until mid-April as the best “sixth” - it’s already 10 matches, as Scott Skiles releases Gordon in the starting lineup.

Nikolai TSYNKEVICH