Past ESPY's: none

Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Credentials: Earned his sixth consecutive selection to All-NBA First Team, ranking third in the NBA in rebounds (12.9 rpg) and blocks (2.93 bpg), and seventh in points (23.3 ppg) and field goal percentage (.513).

Past ESPY's: 2000 Best Men's Pro Basketball Player and 1997 Best Men's College Athlete.

Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Credentials: Finished the season ranked second in the league in rebounds (13.4 rpg) and tied for eighth in scoring (23.0 ppg), averaging at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the second consecutive season.

Past ESPY's: none

Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Credentials: Led Nets to the NBA finals, also led the NBA in assists (8.9 ppg.)

Past ESPY's: none

Tracy McGrady, Orlando
Credentials: Led the NBA in scoring with a career-high 32.1 points per game and joined Bryant as the sixth and seventh players in NBA history to average at least 30 points, six rebounds and five assists in a season.

Past ESPY's: none

Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles
Credentials: Finished the season second in field goal percentage (.574) and fourth in scoring (27.5 ppg ).

Past ESPY's: 1993 Oustanding Performance by a Sports Personality in an Attempt to Break into Show Business, 2001 and '02 Best Men's Pro Basketball Player.