Stock Up/ Stock Down for the Week 6/4/06

Stock Up:

Dirk Nowitzki- There are those who may argue that his stock is unreachable at this point, but his 50-point performance in a pivotal Game 5 victory as well as his 4th quarter shooting in the Game 6 clincher were just unbelieveable. Is it possible that he can share the MVP award with Steve Nash? No one has been more valuable than Dirk in these playoffs. He'll be a match-up nightmare for the Miami Heat.

Avery Johnson- It's hard to believe that this is Avery Johnson's first full year as a head coach. He's put in one of the best head coaching jobs that i've seen in a long time. By bringing in Devin Harris in that classic series with the Spurs, he completely changed the Spurs gameplan and forced them to play at their pace. How many teams have able to lock down the Suns in the 4th quarter more than once in these playoffs? Dallas did it three times? It's a tribute to Avery Johnson.

David Wright- The Yankees have had Derek Jeter as the face of the franchise since the first world series due to him just being absolutely clutch. Now the Mets may have an answer in David Wright. Another game-winning base hit this week and two more HR'S today even in a losing cause. He just continues to get the job done.

Jason Williams- In the biggest game of his life, Jason Williams may have had the best game of his life. He hit his first 9 shots and ends up finishing 10 for 12 for 21 points. He stepped up big in the absence of Wade due to his flu-like symptoms. His best move may have been after the game when he hugged Hubie Brown (his former coach) after the game and thanked him for getting his career back in track.

Stock Down:

Detroit Pistons- The Pistons won over 60 games in the regular season not only because of their D, but because Flip Saunders improved their offense. Well, the offensive fire ran out and it may have even been before this series started. The Cavaliers may have given the Miami Heat the blueprint about how to play defense on the Pistons. Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace were inconsistent in their final few games and their most consistent player was Prince. The Pistons need some pure scorers that can execute on a consistent basis. They'll be contenders again {DUH} but with the Cavs and Bulls set to be better next year, it's time for the Pistons to get to work.

New York Knicks- No first round picks in this draft, James Dolan shutting the door In Larry Brown's face and refusing to meet with him. This franchise refuses to take responsibility. They like to slide the mess under the bed. Wait till the Nets move to Brooklyn. Then they'll feel the hurt in the pockets.

Jose Luis Castillo- Unreal. After a classic 1st match with Diego Corrales in which was the fight of the year on Showtime last year, Jose Luis Castillo failed to make weight for the rematch and won in the 4th round. For the deciding third bout, he failed to make weight again. Seems that extra weight is the only way Castillo could beat Corrales. What a shame. The welterweight and light-heavyweight divisions in boxing cannot afford any foul-ups especially with the heavyweight division on life support.

The Stanley Cup Finals- I'm sorry, what channel is it on again? Who's playing again? Oh, Edmonton vs Carolina? This will be as interesting as curling. With the NBA finals getting two hot markets in Miami and Dallas, the NHL is on the brink of completely irrevalent. Maybe we're past that point already.