The NBA has come to a close and, to be honest, this has been one of the better endings to the regular season in a while. With that said, every year the Association puts out its list of award and recipients and this is a look at who I feel should be taking home the hardware.
Most Valuable Player- I was listening to one a NBA stat guy on ESPN the other day and he made a very compelling argument for Lebron James winning the MVP award again this year. He was outlining his production compared to team’s success, mixed in with a little efficiency and what not. And to be honest it all made sense…the only thing he failed to mention was the EYE TEST. When you look through the lens of greatness, there is only I person who has passed the eye test from start to finish. That’s right, my preseason pick for MVP…Derrick Rose. He has carried his club, played in 81 of 82 games, put up amazing numbers, amazing highlights and he has added the 3 pointer to his game…BEAST.
Defensive Player Of the Year- One of my very talented Phrat brothers recently said, about the DPOY award, “Just because you can block shots at an alarming rate doesn’t necessarily make you a great defender. It makes you a great shot blocker.” On the contrary, when the easiest way to score in the NBA is in the paint, and you can dominate the paint through blocked shots, offensive and defensive rebounding, not to mention change and alter everything that comes your way…ALL BY YOURSELF…you deserve this award. THE DPOY goes to our Great Value version of Superman (Shaq will always be NBA’s Superman) Dwight Howard. I love KG, but he is the catalyst for the Celtics TEAM DEFENSE. Howard IS the defense in Orlando.
Rookie of the Year- Depending on how you look at this award could determine your winner. The consensus pick is Must See BG (stupid nickname by the way) Blake Griffin. However if you are like some who believe that you cannot be a rookie if you spend time with your team, travel with your team, learn the nuances of the NBA even though you aren’t playing, etc… then you may give the ROY to John Wall or, my secret winner, Gary Neal.
Coach of the Year- Without question this award goes to Tom Thibodeau. I believe some votes should go George Karl and even to Doug Collins in Philly, but this is Thib’s award hands down.
Executive of the Year- Not many people discuss this as an award…but when you consider all the trade hoop la this year, I believe that the GM for OKC, Sam Presti should win this going away. The addition of Kendrick Perkins has brought a missing element to the Thunder; that’s mental and physical toughness; it could be the reason why Oklahoma City represents the Western Conference in the Finals.
6th Man of the Year- Move over Jason Terry and Jamal Crawford…the Goods finally lived up to the billing this year. Not only should this award go to Odom, but he really should have made the All-Star team over Gasol this year.
Most Improved Player- I agree with those who will give this award to Kevin Love or to those who would give it to Aldridge. I’m going to say Co-Winners to them both because if Love was on a better team, would he have the same type of opportunities and if Aldridge didn’t HAVE to carry the Blazers through all the injuries, would we have seen him ascend to greatness? Honorable Mention: Al Horford
Playoff Preview and Championship Winner coming soon!
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