NBA Awards Predictions

MVP: Kevin Garnett – Boston CelticsIn what may become known as the summer of trade demands Garnett was the prototype for how to handle your self. For years Garnett was supportive and loyal to an organization that failed to put a good enough team around him and continued to make illogical moves. Never did he take it upon himself to force his way out publically or degrade members of the organization. What did it result in for him? A trade to a team with two other all-stars and his best opportunity of his career to win an NBA championship.

With Ray Allen and Paul Pierce alongside of him I don’t expect Garnett to average much more than 18 points per game, where he will earn this award is in all the other statistical categories. For this first time in his career Garnett won’t be expected to shoulder the scoring load and I fully expect 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 5 assists. Boston will be the team to beat in the Eastern conference come playoff time.

Also in the hunt: Lebron James, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan.

Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler – New Orleans Hornets

The growth in Tyson’s game has elevated him into one of the more intimidating defensive forces in the NBA. In New Orleans he’s in a system that is tailor made to fit his strength and he’s got a great grasp of what is expected of him. They ask him to do very little on offense other than finish strong around the rim and get offensive boards, allowing him to concentrate on protecting the paint on the other end. Didn’t play much with team USA this summer, but I think just being a part of it will do wonders for his confidence and overall game. It took him some time – but he’s now the player we expected him to be coming out of Dominguez High School.

Also in the hunt: Bruce Bowen, Ben Wallace, Marcus Camby, Gerald Wallace.

6^th Man of the Year: Leandro Barbosa – Phoenix Suns

Typically I don’t like to pick repeat winners in awards but there’s no reason to think that Barbosa won’t have a similar, if not better, year than last year. Barbosa’s role is to come off the bench and score in an offense where they typically like to get a shot up before the shot clock gets under fifteen. Fatigue may be an issue as he had a pretty busy, albeit disappointing summer with the Brazil national team.

Also in the hunt: Jason Terry, James Posey, Andris Nocioni, Jose Calderon.

Most Improved Player: Amir Johnson – Detroit Pistons

After doing very little in the NBA the Pistons, Joe Dumars particularly, felt confident enough in the development of Amir Johnson up to this point to sign him to mid-level type money. Many in the Pistons organization see Ben Wallace qualities in the third year big man. Amir put up really big numbers in the D league last year and if he can get over his injury problems will have a chance to cement a spot in the rotation over clumsy Nazr Mohammed and undersized Jason Maxiell.

Also in the hunt: Ike Diogu, Andrew Bynum, Lamarcus Aldridge, Kyle Lowlry.

Rookie of the year: Al Thornton – Los Angeles Clippers

While Durant is the sexy pick for rookie of the year, I’m not sold that he’ll be able to make it through this season as weak as his frame is. In Los Angeles Al Thornton is going to be the second option behind Maggette and will see plenty of time on the floor at both forward positions until Elton comes back and he moves primarily to the three. He doesn’t have the pressure, or expectations that Durant does in his first year, which is largely in part why I expect Thornton to win the award.

Also in the hunt: Kevin Durant, Corey Brewer, Al Horford.

Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman – Houston Rockets

As you can tell from my divisional previews I’m extremely high on the Houston Rockets and the roster they have. It’s going to take some time, but I really expect for Houston to have the top second half record as they begin to get an understanding of Adelman’s proven offense. With guys like Battier, Wells, Hayes, Mutombo, and Ming they’ll also be stronger defensively than Adelman teams characteristically are.

Also in the hunt: Mike D’Antoni, any coach who turns a bad team around (Memphis, Indiana, Atlanta)

1^st team all NBA
Steve Nash
Lebron James
Dirk Nowitzki
Kevin Garnett
Tim Duncan

2^nd team all NBA
Jason Kidd
Kobe Bryant
Carmelo Anthony
Carlos Boozer
Yao Ming

3^rd team all NBA
Chris Paul
Gilbert Arenas
Paul Pierce
Amare Stoudemire
Dwight Howard

1^st team all defense
Bruce Bowen
Gerald Wallace
Shawn Marion
Tim Duncan
Tyson Chanlder

2^nd team all defense
Rajon Rondo
Ron Artest
Shawn Marion
Marcus Camby
Ben Wallace

1^st team all rookie

Acie Law IV
Kevin Durant
Corey Brewer
Al Thornton
Al Horford