http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...ts_behind_dirk/Dallas Morning News - oses Malone doesn't remember the particulars of his MVP awards in 1979 and '82. But he will never forget the feeling of accomplishment they gave him, even after getting bounced out of the playoffs in the first round in each of those seasons. A quarter-century later, he has some good advice for Dirk Nowitzki, who sat twisting in the wind for too long before NBA sources confirmed Friday that he will be named the MVP next week. Malone said Nowitzki should feel a great sense of achievement, no matter how humiliating it was for the Mavericks to lose in the first round of the playoffs. "He deserves to be the MVP," Malone said from Houston earlier this week. "He had a great year. If he wins it, he deserves it. His team had 67 wins. That's a great season. He shouldn't have any letdown if he wins. It's an honor he deserves, and he should accept the MVP trophy with a lot of pride. He should have no shame, because he earned it."
