And now we can move on.

Please note that I've lost considerable enthusiasm for the MVP chatter since Michael Jordan could have been selected for the honor for every full season he played in the '90s and wasn't. But MJ was six-for-six in NBA Finals MVP recognition, which is far more important. LeBron and his Cleveland Cavaliers loyalists also should realize it's been six years since the regular-season MVP played for the team that went on to win the championship (Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs, 2003).

Anyway, with the most prestigious individual nod in my rear-view mirror, let's continue with this one-observer's look at the NBA's best in several different categories. Some of these categories are legitimate; others have been cooked up in my brain after reviewing a curious circumstance or two.

Defensive Player of the Year

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the league leader in rebounds and blocked shots, would be a swell recipient of this honor. OK, he actually will be.

But while securing the defensive board and making things less than cozy at the rim are key ingredients in any good defense, I'm here to salute a guy who almost always guards the other team's top wing player. That task includes staying in front of these hotshots off the dribble, chasing them through myriad off-ball screens and fighting through ball screens (can't go under against another team's top scorer, right?).

We all are aware of the cuckoo management decisions that led the Suns out of the playoffs. But the players should receive a great deal of the credit. Although Terry Porter was not a sensational choice as the new head coach based on the roster, many of his veteran players quit on him.

This distinguished list included Raja Bell, one of the rare Suns who played a bit of defense on purpose. Ironically, Bell — in the mood for a contract extension — was worried that limited offensive options under Porter would wreck his stats and hurt his future finances. This whiny attitude led to a trade with Charlotte that delivered from the Bobcats a player named Jason Richardson who was perfect for the Suns ... if Mike D'Antoni was still coaching in Phoenix.

The I-Must-Have-Missed-Something Award

I could have sworn that Elgin Baylor filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Clippers for not firing him several years ago ... right?

Worst New Move of the Season

Free-agent signings of Elton Brand and Baron Davis are in this team picture, but the worst move goes to LeBron for what he referred to as the "Crab Dribble."

According to Nike insiders, LBJ will unveil his "Halibut Hesitation Dribble" in the second round of the playoffs.

Broadcaster of the Year

The unanimous choice is TNT's Charles Barkley, who — on one fateful night in Old Town Scottsdale — demonstrated that sometimes it's wiser to pull up than attempt to drive.