It’s the playoffs, so that means awards are on the way, coaching moves are to be made, and trash talking is rockin’ and rollin’. Lucky for you this version of News and Rumors has all of these topics!

Not in His House

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic has won his second straight Defensive Player of the Year award, and it won’t be his last. For the second straight season Howard lead the league in blocks and rebounds (2.78 blocks/game and 13.2 rebounds/game) – making him the only player in history to lead the league in those two categories twice. First off, that’s a shock to me. Secondly, that’s pretty awesome.

It wasn’t even a close vote, as Superman(?) received 110 of 122 first place votes. He picked up 576 total points in voting, with Josh Smith coming in second with 136 and Gerald Wallace coming in third with 113 points. Da-wight (as Charles Barkley calls him) joked at the news conference that he may not have enough hands for the number of these awards he could win (the record is four). It’s true though – because he is in great shape and is a total BEAST in the paint.

Bower Not in Power Right Now(er)

After replacing Byron Scott as head coach of the Hornets, Jeff Bower has stepped down as head coach and returned to his role as the team’s GM. He was 34-39 in his only season as a head coach, which isn’t that bad considering the injuries to Chris Paul and Peja Stojakovic. He did a great job with Darren Collison, but that becomes his biggest problem – what to do with Collison and Paul on the same roster at point guard. Does he trade one this summer? Who would he keep?

I don’t have the slightest idea who would come coach this team, but doesn’t this situation sound a bit like Mike Dunleavy’s situation with the Clippers? Earlier this season he stepped down as coach to focus on being GM. But then he left the GM spot! I guess this summer could go a long way for Mr. Bower.

Tidbits:

• After their big Game 1 win in Phoenix, the Trailblazers have awarded Marcus Camby with a two-year contract extension. Question is: Now that he’s a mainstay on their team, will he get hurt like everyone else?
• Mavs owner Mark Cuban said, “I hate the Spurs.” Guess what, “I hate Mark Cuban.”
• Lakers backup, backup center DJ Mbenga returned to the team on Monday after getting poked in the eye last week and having surgery to repair a retinal hole. I don’t want to know exactly what that means, but I hope he can see the playoffs a little clearer now from the bench.

-Shooter