Robinson Endorsed By Rivers

Most valuable player … The choice by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News: David Robinson.

An incredulous tone seeps into Doc Rivers’ voice when the San Antonio guard is asked who should be the league’s most valuable player.

“David Robinson is the MVP,” Rivers said. “Who else could it be?”

It could be Utah’s Karl Malone. The Jazz forward kept the team’s window of opportunity to win a championship open when outsiders insisted it was about to close. An argument can be made for Orlando’s Shaquille O’Neal, New York’s Patrick Ewing or Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon.

But Robinson’s credentials are impossible to ignore, according to Moore. He ranks among the league’s top five in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. His performance is enhanced by the fact that he also assumed the leadership role he once spurned.

And the most valuable coach?

Choice: Del Harris.

In the city of flash and personality, the selection of Del Harris as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers seemed uninspired.

But from the moment Harris took over, he displayed a keen understanding of the task at hand.

“It’s always more difficult in a major city,” Harris said. “In a bigger city, fans prefer it (rebuilding) to be an event, not a process. In a smaller city, if you’re not very good, they don’t go nuts. You don’t have that understanding and patience in a major city. There are too many other entertainment options.”

The top rookie award, please

Choice: Jason Kidd.

Part of Dick Motta still yearns to coach a true center.

But the Mavericks coach appears to have filled a more difficult position - point guard.

Kidd epitomizes what every coach wants in a point guard. He looks to pass first, pass second and shoot as a last resort. He’s fast, strong and has shown the ability to rack up triple-doubles - double figures in scoring, rebounding and assists - at a prolific rate.