Larry Davidson, centre. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
BASKETBALL
Powerful centre Larry Davidson is free to play in the most important Hawks game in three years, but only after copping a $1500 fine from the National Basketball League tribunal.
Davidson was found guilty of tripping Sydney's Ben Madgen and, though he avoided suspension, was handed one of the biggest financial penalties in recent Australian basketball history.
The Hawks confirmed they will not appeal the fine's severity nor comment on the decision, following NBL guidelines.
However it is the harshest hit on the hip pocket handed out by the NBL tribunal this season.
"In his statement to the tribunal, Davidson said he saw the leg of the Madgen and attempted to deflect any contact to him," the NBL statement said.
"The tribunal did not accept the explanation given by Davidson and formed the view that the player grabbed the lower leg and foot of Madgen which tripped the player who subsequently fell."
Madgen himself was handed a suspended one-week sentence and $1000 fine for throwing a chair, which struck a referee, in January.
Melbourne Tigers import Seth Scott received a $500 penalty for striking in November and Kings player Graeme Dann took a $750 fine for making contact with the head of Russell Hinder.
However Davidson's presence on court on Saturday night could be priceless as the Hawks attempt to secure a playoff spot for the first time since their run to the grand final in 2010.
The Hawks must beat Adelaide to guarantee third place, but after losing to the 36ers in overtime recently, another defeat could see them miss out on the playoffs, with Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns and Townsville still in the hunt.
Meanwhile Wollongong mentor Gordie McLeod has been rewarded for overseeing the Hawks' injury-hit campaign by being shortlisted for the coach of the year award.
McLeod is one of five coaches nominated, with New Zealand's Andrej Lemanis the favourite for the crown after securing first spot on the ladder.
Adris Deleon has been nominated for the best sixth man award for his impact in the Hawks' charge to the playoffs, Auryn Macmillan has been included in the rookie of the year finalists and injured guard Rhys Martin as one of the most improved contenders.
Hawks general manager Mili Simic said he was "extremely proud of the individual efforts of Gordie and the players" in what had been a challenging season.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne on Sunday.
NBL AWARDS
Basketball Australia MVP Dinner nominees
• Coach of the year (Lindsay Gaze trophy)
Gordie McLeod (Wollongong), Chris Anstey (Melbourne), Rob Beveridge (Perth), Shane Heal (Sydney) Andrej Lemanis (New Zealand).
• Rookie of the year
Auryn Macmillan (Wollongong), Tom Daly (Adelaide), Cameron Gliddon (Cairns), Clint Steindl (Cairns), Nate Tomlinson (Melbourne)
• Best sixth man
Adris Deleon (Wollongong), Dillon Boucher (New Zealand), Will Hudson (New Zealand), Anthony Petrie (Adelaide), Jesse Wagstaff (Perth)
• Defensive player of the year
Adam Gibson (Adelaide), Aaron Grabau (Cairns), Cedric Jackson (New Zealand), Damian Martin (Perth), Mika Vukona (New Zealand)
• Most improved
Rhys Martin (Wollongong), Todd Blanchfield (Townsville), Chris Goulding (Melbourne), Greg Hire (Perth), Ben Madgen (Sydney).