MVN: Most Valuable Network

April 5th has been dubbed "Unsung Player Day" by one of the best sports bloggers on the net - Don Landrigan at with-malice.com. I'd love to nominate the entire Sixers squad, but they are finally starting to get some recognition and I know that this is not exactly what Don is looking for.

Here is Don's explanation for the celebration:

I’m declaring April 5th ‘Unsung Player Day’… we should recognize the guys who toil and work hard every day, for no recognition. Well, today’s your day. In reality, these guys are just as responsible for making the NBA what it is today - every team needs role-players, guys to come on and give that valuable 2-5 minutes. Without them, there is no NBA. I would encourage NBA bloggers to put up an ‘unsung player’ on their blog on April 5th. (link)

Ok, so that means that Reggie Evans has to leave his lunch pail at home. He is a part-time starter and member of the regular rotation. It's time to go outside the regulars. I'm talking about the guys who keep the seats warm and provide the starters with competition in practice. Yes, Allen, I'm talkin' 'bout practice, man!

The consummate practice player is none other than Kevin Ollie. Ollie is a guy who is always ready to play, but rarely does anymore. Contrast that with the days where he was starting at shooting guard and it's been a humbling experience for the umpteenth-year vet. Still, he had his moments of overachieving and he's reached the point in his career where he is preparing for a coaching job once his playing days come to an end.

Instead of nominating Ollie, I'm going to nominate backup center Calvin Booth. The guy might only play once a month, but his main purpose is to foul the opposing center and hit the occasional 12 foot jumper. All kidding aside, he's been a pretty good shot blocker through his career. He averages around one block per every 12 minutes played.

In reality, Booth just buys minutes for you until you can get Dalembert back in the game. This situation arises when Sammy D gets in foul trouble, which has been less often this year than in years past. While his purpose might not be active fouling, limited duty allows the Sixers to utilize his six fouls on the poor free throw shooters that NBA centers are. Keep this in mind for the playoffs, where this might actually become useful.

Booth's role was reduced even further this year when the team found success playing Thaddeus Young at the power forward position. Mo Cheeks past tendencies to go with a small lineup often serves to replace the backup center role. So, instead of getting burn on a regular basis, Calvin Booth has been relegated to spot duty. Rather than sulk about it, he used the opportunity to work with Dalembert in practice and stay ready for the brief moments when Coach Cheeks calls on number 52.

I feel like I'm making a Bud Light "real men of genius" commercial here. We salute you, Mr. 52. You might not have game, but all the same, most NBA centers are lame. We appreciate your ability to run up and down the court while not getting injured. You are fantastic at sitting on a chair, putting on the uniform and being tall. Stand proud Calvin Booth. Today is your moment to shine. We salute you, Mr. Unsung Player of the Day!