I just have to give Deke some more love. The man is THE DEFINITION of a difference maker off the bench. I know the award will go to Gordon, or whoever, who has the highest scoring average as a sub, but Deke really deserves it more than any other. Rebounding, blocking, shutting down the paint, changing momentum; he is simply THE BEST backup in the league. HANDS DOWN!!! If I had a vote, Deke would easily be my choice for 6th-man of the year.
I remember how everyone bashed him before the season started. Where are they all now? I was one of them by the way... :shame:
I love Deke but get real. Gordon, as a rookie, has been one of the most incredible 6th men in years. His dominant 4th quarter performances are out of this world. Deke is great, but his playing time through the season has been very inconsistent. He isn't close to Gordon. Deke could maybe get the "Most Unexpected to be a Big Contributor Award" if there was such a thing.
Yea, I'm afraid most of us misjudged Deke in the begining. What a pleasent surprise. I'd even vote for him as MVP!
I'm proud to say I was pleased when we acquired Deke as a back up. (though ashamed to admit I had been hoping for Ostertag) He's done an unbelievable job for us. I love him. Sometimes I think he's my favorite Rocket. That said, I agree that Ben Gordon has been the best 6th man in years. Have you seen how many huge 4th quarters this guy has had? Without Ben Gordon, the Bulls get nowhere near the playoffs. He's been that huge.
Without Deke, the Rox wouldn't be in the playoffs either. Simple. He's been huge but his stats don't always demonstrate his full contribution. Given that Houston has a better record, I'll give the edge to Deke for 6th man. But I'm a homer. I always liked the Deke pickup because I knew we only needed 10 min/gm from him but he has far exceeded my expectations!
There's alot of biast people here. Deke has by far exceeded my expectations. However you can't take away all those 20 point 4th quarters and similiar games Gordan has taken over. Gordan will get ROY and 6th man. If not it's a discrace. I know my generation has never seen what he's been doing before.
