Predictions

Hello all,

I know usually this takes place prior the season starting but I'm late. Big deal, wanna fight about it? Ok. These are my predictions for player awards.

MVP

It's gotta be KD baby. If you look at how far Kevin Durant has come since stepping into the league, you would see that it is his time to take over as the most dominant player in the NBA. This guy has it all. He can step out and shoot the 3 or step into a mid range jay. He can post up the smaller positional players he will face all year. He can attack the basketball and isn't afraid to get your autograph to put on the poster that he just made of you. He is an underrated rebounder and can also dish out some tasty dimes. Now that he has the pieces around him to make a playoff run, other than a dominant center, he should take MVP honors home.

Other considerations:  LeBron James. You can see that from the first game. He went into Miami, Wade's team, and took over while his other superstar companions struggled. Once the Heat start to mesh and everyone finds their role, they will be scary. Will it be this year? Only time will tell. But don't hold your breath for James to make it 3 in a row. Sorry LBJ. We're still cool right?

Defensive Player of the Year

How can you oppose to Dwight Howard taking home this award again? He is the best rebounder and he gobbles up shot attempts like Hungry Hungry Hippos. There is no debate who will win this award.

Other considerations: Kobe Bryant or Ron Artest. Even though they are on the same team, they still go to work. They shut down some of the top players night in and out. If one doesn't, the other one does. Maybe the NBA should make a combined defensive award?

Most Improved

Oklahoma City Thunder players are hotter than banned shoes by the NBA. (Yeah that's my dig at Athletic Propulsion Labs or APL for getting the NBA to basically do their marketing for them. Good job guys. More money in your pocket). Russell Westbrook is turning out to be the next Jason Kidd. He is becoming a triple double machine. Having one of the best players and role players who can knock down shots on your team will allow you to get dimes. He is a good defensive rebounder for his position and can grab the occasional offensive board or put back. This is his year to show that he is ready to be one of the elite point guards in the NBA.

Other considerations: Robin Lopez. That's right. I just said Robin Lopez. You know, brother of Brook, plays for the Phoenix Suns? With Amar'e Stoudemire out of the way, he can flourish into a decent big man. Between him and Hakim Warrick playing the pick and role option with Steve Nash, his numbers are going to go up. And he is a force on defense and that is going to show this year.

Rookie of the Year

What happens when you run into a wall? If your Blake Griffin, you jump over it, float in the air, do a 360 and then hammer that wall down. Sorry John Wall. You are not my rookie of the year. Nothing against you, but how can you not take a healthy Blake Griffin to be ROY? Did you see him in the preseason? Dunk here, dunk there, dunks everywhere. He has some areas he needs to work on but overall he will be a dominant player on a not so dominant team. With a PG like Davis, he will get a lot of looks for alley oops or passes when he shakes off a defender. With his athleticism and size, it's going to be a fun show for the other team in L.A.

Other considerations: John Wall. With Gilbert acting like he doesn't want to be overshadowed by the young guy, it will be Wall's team to handle. Watch the turnovers though. Everyone else on that team does that enough.

6th Man

Jamal Crawford will yet again take home the hardware. He is the spark the Hawks team feeds off of. With Atlanta being a playoff bound team in the East almost every year, he has been the go to guy off the bench to come in, score in bunches and sometimes even let him take the last shot. He has been clutch in the past and can still put up some ridiculous numbers.

Other considerations: Glen Davis. Big Baby. He provides a spark off the bench no matter what the score is. He can create his own shots and a big body presence helps him and the Celtics out, even with all the new additions to the front court.

 Stay tuned for more folks!