In addition to McGrady's big ballot Numbers, Rockets point guard Rafer Alston (11.8 PPG, 37 percent shooting) finished eighth, ahead of Portland's Brandon Roy and Denver's Chauncey Billups.

His per 36 minutes stats (16.2 PPG, 5.2 apg) indicate that with consistent playing time, he deserves a starting nod somewhere in this league.

Howard, the No. 29 pick of the 2003 draft, has been the key piece: the Mavs are ranked higher defensively — No. 3 in opponents' scoring (92.2 PPG) — than offensively.