Each week, we will be looking at the highlights of a different season from the illustrious 64 year history of the NBA. If for nothing else than to reminisce about seasons past. This week we will be looking back at the 1999-2000 NBA season. Each season has certain teams, players, and moments that make it unique from all others. With that being said, let’s take a look at what was happening in the league a little more than a decade ago.
Defending Champions
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs won the 98-99 championship in the lock out shortened season by beating the Knicks in five games. Tim Duncan was named MVP of the Finals and David Robinson captured his first championship after a decade of playoff failures with the Spurs. The Spurs would lose in the first round of the 1999-2000 playoffs to the Phoenix Suns, with Tim Duncan sidelined due to a knee injury.
Draft
Top 5 Draft Picks:
5. Jonathan Bender, Toronto Raptors
4. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Clippers
3. Baron Davis, Charlotte Hornets
2. Steve Francis, Vancouver Grizzlies
1. Elton Brand, Chicago Bulls
Award Winners
Rookie of the Year: Elton Brand, Chicago Bulls and Steve Francis, Houston Rockets
Defensive Player of the Year: Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
Sixth Man: Rodney Rogers, Phoenix Suns
Most Improved Player: Jalen Rose, Indiana Pacers
Most Valuable Player: Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers, Orlando Magic
All-NBA First Team:
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Jason Kidd, Phoenix Suns
Gary Payton, Seattle Sonics
All-NBA Second Team:
Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons
Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
All-NBA Third Team
Chris Webber, Sacramento Kings
Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
Eddie Jones, Charlotte Hornets
Stephon Marbury, New Jersey Nets
All-NBA Defensive First Team
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Gary Payton, Seattle Sonics
All-NBA Defensive Second Team
Scottie Pippen, Portland Trail Blazers
Clifford Robinson, Phoenix Suns
Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Eddie Jones, Charlotte Hornets
Jason Kidd, Phoenix Suns
Statistical Leaders
Leading Scorer: Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
Leading Rebounder: Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta Hawks
Assists Leader: Jason Kidd, Phoenix Suns
Steals Leader: Eddie Jones, Charlotte Hornets
Blocks Leader: Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
All-Star Game: The 1999-2000 All -Star game was hosted by the Golden State Warriors, in Oakland California. The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 137-126. Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan shared MVP honors. In addition, Vince Carter won the Slam Dunk Competition with some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history.
Best Record: Los Angeles Lakers: 67-15
Worst Record: Los Angeles Clippers: 15-67
Playoffs
Eastern Conference Finals: The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks in six games to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. The sixth and final game of the series would be the last game Patrick Ewing would play with the Knicks. Ewing would be traded to the Seattle Supersonics before the start of the 00-01 season.
Western Conference Finals: The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in seven games to advance to the NBA Finals. After four games, the Lakers held a 3-1 series advantage. However, the Blazers would rally to win the next two games to send the series to a deciding seventh game. The Blazers led by fifteen points heading into the fourth quarter, but the Lakers rallied to win the game and earn their first trip to the finals since 1991.
NBA Finals: The Lakers defeated the Pacers in six games to win their first championship since 1988 and Shaquille O’Neal was named Finals MVP. For the 1999-2000 season, Shaq won MVP of the All-Star Game, regular season, and playoffs. Throughout the course of the playoffs, O’Neal averaged 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
Writing all of this has conjured up many memories from the 1999-2000 season. At the time, I was a teenager growing up in California. Seeing as I was a California resident, I loved watching the Lakers win the championship that season. So, what memories do you have from the 99-00 season? Please share any memories and thoughts you have concerning the 99-00 season.
Next Week: 2000-2001 season
