Steve Nash is NBA’s MVP

By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 05/11/2005

NBA All-Star guard Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns was selected the league’s MVP in the fourth closest vote in league history. Nash edged the big fella, Shaquille O’Neal of the Miami Heat (65-58), for the prestigious league honor.

Nash led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA’s best record (62-20) and led the league in assists (11.5) per game. The Suns were the highest scoring team in the NBA last year, scoring 110 points per game.

Nash is the first MVP to lead the league in assists since Magic Johnson in 1987, with the highest total and best in the NBA since 1994. Nash is only the sixth guard in NBA history to earn MVP honors, joining Oscar Robertson, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.

Nash is the first International player (Canadian, born in Victoria, British Columbia) who was ever selected MVP, and the first Suns player since Charles Barkley to receive the honor.

Last year’s winner, Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, failed to receive a single vote this time around.

Alan Anderson graduates from Michigan State

Michigan State (MSU) Basketball Star Alan Anderson of Minneapolis, a graduate of DeLasalle High School, continues to add to his growing list of accomplishments. First he led MSU to the NCAA Final Four, and last Saturday, in ceremonies in East Lansing, Michigan, Anderson graduated from MSU.

His proud mother, Dorseen Anderson, was in attendance. Anderson has also signed with sports agent Henry Thomas, who represents NBA stars like Dwayne Wade, Michael Finley and Devin Harris.

Fitz Notes & Quotes

Minnesota Gopher star Marion Barber III was drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys. Barber rushed for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons for Glen Mason. However, most NFL scouts think it’s a mistake for a junior to declare early for the NFL Draft and not get picked in the first two rounds. Maurice Clarett, who has not played football in two years, was picked ahead of Barber in the third round.

It will be a long time before we see another streak like the one Twins Cy Young Award-winner Yohan Santana had. In 20 starts over two years, he won 17 straight games without a loss. He has been nothing short of sensational for the Twins.