Charlotte forward Emeka Okafor has won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, narrowly beating best friend Ben Gordon of Chicago Bulls, a Bobcats source told The Associated Press.
The award will be announced Wednesday. The Bobcats have called a news conference for what they have only called "a major announcement."
Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, led all rookies in scoring (15.9 points per game) and rebounding (10.9 rpg) and was second in his class behind Atlanta's Josh Smith in blocks (1.71). He also ranked second in the NBA with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game.
The Bulls' Ben Gordon has won the NBA's Sixth Man Award today, according to various reports, making him the first rookie to win the award in its 22-year history.
"It would be a big accomplishment," Gordon told The Chicago Tribune, speaking without knowledge of the results Monday. "To win a prestigious award like that would be a great way to start off my career."
It's believed that Gordon beat out Boston's Ricky Davis despite Davis having a greater scoring average and field-goal percentage. Davis also has a better defensive reputation.
(edited by Kawshen on 3.5.05 1550)
"The way I feel right now, I'd trade my mother if the right deal came along." -- Isiah Thomas.
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