Prior to the start of the NBA season, ESPN.com asked you, the fans, to predict which players will excell during the 2000-01 season.

In a series of polls we like to call our Fan Favorites, we asked users to tell us who will be named MVP and Rookie of the Year. On top of that, we also wanted to know which players will be the best at their position.

So check out the results on the league MVP and then continue on for more ESPN.com Fan Favorite preseason results.

Expect a repeat of last season when the postseason awards start rolling in. ESPN.com users said Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal will repeat as the league's Most Valuable Player.

ESPN.com POLL

Shaquille O'Neal, Lakers

PPG REB ASST BLKS 29.7 13.6 3.8 3.0 A league MVP, a playoff MVP and a ring. What else can he do? How about a repeat.

Grant Hill, Magic

PPG REB ASST 3PT% 25.8 6.6 5.2 34.7 Mr. All Around hopes to spin some new Magic in Orlando with a better supporting cast. Will it be enough?

Gary Payton, Sonics

PPG REB ASST 3PT% 24.2 6.5 8.9 34.0 Adding Patrick Ewing to the Sonics may open things up for The Glove.

Tim Duncan, Spurs

PPG REB ASST BLKS 23.2 12.4 3.2 2.2 Free agent decided to stay in San Antonio and team with David Robinson. May be the young gun to take the trophy from Shaq.

Kevin Garnett, T-Wolves

PPG REB ASST BLKS 22.9 11.8 5.0 1.6 Will the Joe Smith scandal distract Garnett from taking himself and his team to the next level?

Karl Malone, Jazz

PPG REB ASST BLKS 25.5 9.5 3.7 0.9 Didn't slow down last year, but will this be the year the former MVP's age finally catches up with him?

Vince Carter, Raptors

PPG REB ASST 3PT% 25.7 5.8 3.9 40.3 We know he can dunk, but can he lead his team to the promise land?

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

PPG REB ASST STL 22.5 6.3 4.9 1.6 Has to battle Shaq for team MVP, let alone the league MVP. But has all the skill to win that battle.