NBA Awards: It's Time to Hand Out Some Hardware

Now that the NBA season is coming to a close and the playoffs are getting ready to take over, we must not forget about the individual players in the league. For much of the season there had been debate about who the Most Valuable Player is. In the next few lines you will see my pick for MVP along with predictions of who shoudl receive other awards from the NBA.

Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

-This season Rose, O. J. Mayo, and Russell Westbrook have each had moments where they seemed to be the ROY. However, the numbers do not lie (16.6 ppg, 6.2 apg) and Rose has done the most to state his case by being a true floor general while being the star of his team and a future star in the league.

Sixth Man of the Year: Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

-No other player this season has had more of an impact off the bench than Jason Terry. He averages more points per game, 19.7, than most players in the leauge and his ability to provide a spark for the Mavericks is one that is hard to match.

Coach of the Year: Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers

-The Cavaliers have finally lived up to potential and possess the league's best record, 66-15, and play stifling defense. Brown has surround his star Lebron James with the right mix of players and Cleveland is poised to make a run at the championship crown.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

-Howard is the most dominating presence in all of basketball. Period. Howard averages 13.9 rpg and 2.92 bpg while anchoring the league's seventh best defense.

Most Improved Player: Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets

-Harris is no doubt the most improved player in the NBA this season. He is averaging career highs in minutes per game (36.1), steals per game (1.7), rebounds per game (3.7), assists per game (6.7), and points per game (21.3). Such dramatic improvements over the course of one season provide more than enough evidence to show Harris truly deserves this honor.

Most Valuable Player: Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

-Most would argue that Kobe Bryant should get this award but no one can compare to the numbers King James has put up this season. James season averages of 28.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.7 spg, and 1.2 bpg show that he does everything on the court for the best team in the NBA. Scary thing is, he is only 24 years old... good night!

Cory Guinn

cryguinn@yahoo.com

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