ESPN's Vegas Awards

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Link: http://espn.go.com/n...0722/daily-dime

Center of the Universe Award (For Most Shots Taken)

Byron Mullens, Charlotte Bobcats

I'm not sure who told Mullens he's Dirk Nowitzki, but he seemed to believe it. The Bobcats center took a lot of long jumpers, which might have been more disorienting to opposing teams than the full-court press Charlotte used throughout. Mullens did average 15.4 points per game, but he needed 15.6 field goal attempts per contest to achieve that.

Runner-up: Jimmer Fredette, Sacramento Kings

Most Improved Second-Year Player

Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Bobcats

Before a Timberwolves home game against the Bobcats last season, I watched the coaching staff work with Biyombo on just catching post-entry passes. He wasn't even making moves after them. He just practiced catching the ball. A few months later, he's scoring on solid post moves, finding cutters down the lane and dominating the boards. Could be a sign of things to come.

Runner-up: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

[carolina-chuck]

lol on the Mullens Dirk thing. hahaha

but really Bismack most improved second year player? wow I didnt see that in summer league

[Stroupe-a-loop]

Biyombo has come a long way, which is fortunate because he still has a long ways to go, but if he keeps working like this, he can be a monster power forward.

[cdandi1]

I'll give Biz credit, he came off a pick n' roll late in one game and hit a 16 footer and also showed more controlled free throw shooting (is form was decent coming in as a rookie). Both were huge areas of concern last year. I doubt he adds a reliable mid range game until later in his career..but its promising and showing his worth. He did seem more controlled and calm rather than the rambunctious and jittery play he showed last year.

[Wesmesss]

Although I didn't agree with a lot of the shots Mullens decided to jack in Vegas, at times he was our best (only) scoring option. Especially when he's matched up with a 7 footer who is giving him 4 feet of space on the 3 point line.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

Mullens need the reps ...its summer and if he gets that shot to go in 2 more times a game it will be a good thing.

Mullens is actually our mismatch for most teams..really wish he could get the Dirk pump fake drives and the slow drive where Dirk extends for a scoop layup..Mullens may not ever find Dirk's Net snapping shot but he has the agility and talent to get that drive..if he ever wants to do it.