Next award up for grab was the title as the NBA's top center. The big guy in L.A. has had a firm grasp on this award for several years now and this year was no different.

Check out the stats for each candidate from the season, what we said about each player and the results of the ESPN.com poll.

ESPN.com POLL

Shaquille O'Neal, Lakers

PPG REB ASST BLKS 29.7 13.6 3.8 3.0 Even injured, he is at the top or near the top of every offensive category.

Dikembe Mutombo, 76ers

PPG REB FG% BLKS 11.5 14.1 56.2 3.2 Injuries decimated the 76ers and Mutombo's supporting cast changed nightly.

Alonzo Mourning, Heat

PPG REB FG% BLKS 11.5 14.1 56.2 3.2 An ugly start brought the naysayers out, but the Heat and Mourning turned it around and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Kurt Thomas, Knicks

PPG REB FG% BLKS 11.5 14.1 56.2 3.2 Quietly had a stellar season, but it was overshadowed by the Knicks' poor record.

Ben Wallace, Pistons

PPG REB FG% BLKS 11.5 14.1 56.2 3.2 Rebound machine may be the next Dennis Rodman -- without the tattoos and psychosis.