Tim Hardaway entering the top five of the MVP rankings was as surprising as Zach Ivey being picked at the ninth slot.
Due to low visibility, many people were unaware that the Miami Heat were indeed strong, having just won an 11-game streak a week ago.
At the start of the season, this newly formed team was still adjusting, with fluctuating performances.
But after the schedule moved into 1997, the Heat's performance had noticeably improved.
Admittedly, Dennis Rodman and Pat Riley were not getting along smoothly; the Worm's frequent absences from practice infuriated Riley.
Riley didn't understand why he couldn't control someone even Phil Jackson, that idiot, could manage.
But as things stood, Rodman and Riley's issues hadn't much affected the team's combat effectiveness.
Rodman might not care much for Riley, but he deeply respected Mourning, who fought hard in every game.
He had never seen anyone eat painkillers like candy, all for victory.
