I'm tired of the typical NBA MVP talk. I have debated between Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, pondered over Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant and remind myself regularly of Shaquille O'Neal's dominance. I decided to create my own awards to acknowledge some of the overlooked players, personalities and aspects of the game. So I'd like to pay tribute to some of the unappreciated in handing out the hardware to the recipients of the first annual Walton Awards.

The Professional Performer of the Year (the clutch performer of the year): Michael Jordan. For giving the fans what they want most -- his everyday best.

We Got Next Award (the foursome I would select to join me in a pick-up game): John Stockton, Gilbert Arenas, Manu Ginobili and Amare Stoudemire. Let's go! We've got game!

Wannabe a Walton Award (the player who possesses the "intangibles" required to be a member of the Walton family): There are already some adopted sons in our open-door family, most notably Richard Jefferson. Others are still too embarrassed to be identified after I wrote things like "Be quick, but don't hurry" or "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail" on their lunch bags. But with Adonal Foyle standing straight and true as the perfect American hero, we are holding an eternal place for him at the table.

	Yao Ming didn't win Rookie of the Year but he did earn praise from a fellow big man.

Name That Import Award (to the international player who has silently but significantly impacted the league this season): Yao Ming is the easy choice -- but not for what he did on the court. The young man from Shanghai has changed our way of thinking. To be so positive in the face of unrelenting criticism ... to take the high road under the onslaught of racial and ethic slander ... to accept the blame and responsibility when things fell apart around him, even though it was not his fault. Most rookies go through a very difficult transition their first go-around, but with Yao it sure seems to me that we're the ones that need to make the adjustments. It's often said of young talent, "Just wait until he learns how to play." With Yao Ming, it's "Just wait until we learn how to play with him!"

The Larry Bird Leadership Award (to honor selfless leadership in keeping it ALL together while still having the time of your life): Tim Duncan, who might be the easiest guy to ever play with in the history of the NBA. Tim never asks anything of anybody -- other than to ask what he can do for you. This award might have to be retired in its inaugural year. Now if we can just get Tim to accept the award, or at least acknowledge that he is, indeed, enjoying himself.

Bruin Sensation Award (the UCLA alum that had the best season in 2003): Despite the injuries and with all due respect to the future Hall of Famer, Reggie Miller, it is Baron Davis in a runaway. Hopefully, there will be more to choose from in the years to come.

Deadhead Award (given to the player most likely to join me at a Grateful Dead concert): Concerts to me are personal, religious experiences. I prefer to go alone -- or with my wife, Lori. But with the summer tour cranking up, and far too many players in desperate need of a week in paradise, I plan on leaving plenty of backstage passes come July for ... Rasheed Wallace, Ron Artest, Gary Payton, Bonzi Wells, Stephon Marbury and Anthony Mason. I'm sure they'll all come. But if they happen to pass on this chance of a lifetime to pray at the altar of life, there will simply be more room for me to dance.

Powerball Award (the MVP or best player of the teams in the lottery): Michael Jordan. As time passes, there's more than a few of us who will never forget, that this guy was pretty darn good -- regardless of what his Wizard teammates say about him.

The Franchise Award (the city I'd select for an expansion franchise and which mascot I would name to represent them): This world just doesn't have enough NBA basketball. Expansion to everywhere is fine with me. Palm Springs ... Newport Beach ... Santa Monica ... Santa Barbara ... Monterey ... San Francisco ... Humboldt ... Las Vegas ... Tucson ... Aspen ... Moab ... Lake Tahoe ... Yosemite ... Taos ... Baja ... but first and foremost, San Diego. If Jimmy Buffet isn't available as the mascot, maybe he can send one of his Parrot heads.

Crowd Surfer Award (the best hustler in the game and most likely to get floor burns and dive into the stands for a loose ball): While trying to never confuse activity for achievement, it is impossible to avoid naming this prestigious award for Charles Oakley. Derek Fisher is the skidding winner if only for his level of self-control and restraint at keeping it within-the-lines at Staples in the face of unbelievable temptation.

Halftime Heroics Award (the entertainers that put on the best show for the fans): After hours of meticulous research and heart-wrenching decision-making, the ultimate winner, in a near-impossible-to-call race, is the Sacramento Kings' Dance Squad.

Smack Attack Award (from his courtside seat, the player or coach to talk the best game): Phil Jackson, the bearer of the sharpest and not so subtle daggers, always appropriately aimed at the most important and relevant targets.

	Instead of a throwback jersey, Ben Wallace sometimes opts for the throwback hairdo.

Retro Award (the player that sports the hippest look): Despite what coach John Wooden says, "Give me hair, or give me death," this one goes to Ben Wallace. Blow it out, Big Man ... blow it out. And if that doesn't work for you, how about a uniform that fits? Thank you, John Stockton.

Sixth Fan Award (the most diehard fans in the game): Again, an extremely difficult choice because you need an elite squad which eliminates so many of my favorite stops. But the award here has to go to the loyalists at Arco. They get the nod in the end, not just because of endless ill-fated experience, but rather because they often die the hardest death. They deserve the best.

The Throw It Down Award (for the best dunk that I'm aware of this season): Tracy McGrady's off-the-backboard, looping throw-down in transition -- in a game that mattered and with the game still in doubt -- ranks as one of the most spectacular, creative and dynamic plays in the history of Western Civilization. Boys and girls, please don't try this at home!

The John Wooden Humanitarian Award: Maurice Cheeks. He was forced to burn a slow and painful death all season long trying to get through to his nefarious band of underachievers in Portland. Midway through the opening-round playoff series with Dallas, everything was crumbling around him. Prior to Game 3, a little eighth-grade girl was attempting to sing the National Anthem when she lost her way and came to a shuddering halt in front of the whole world. Without a moment's hesitation, Maurice strode to mid-court and rescued this stricken angel with as great an act of kindness, compassion and leadership as I have ever witnessed. Now back on solid ground with her savior, Natalie Gilbert found her promised land. And with Maurice conducting the 20,000 Blazermaniacs in song and verse, I witnessed the most powerful and emotional rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" that I have ever been a part of. Maurice Cheeks saved a little girl's life that day and turned an absolute nightmare into the most joyous of celebrations, changing the world one person at a time. Then he had to rejoin his team. How sad.

Bill Walton, who is a regular contributor to ESPN.com, is an NBA analyst for ESPN.