FanNation

NBA Regular Season Awards

I wanted to do this one last week when the time would have been appropriate, however I was just getting back from a vacation in Mexico and had no desire to do anything but sleep and try to relieve myself of a terrible sunburn I aquired while there. Unfortunatley I don't tan. Alrighty then, lets get to my awards. Before I announce them though, I ask that you don't call me a homer, these picks are what I feel are appropriate, if you disagree, please note your picks or changes below.

This has actually been a very enjoyable basketball season. It's like old times with the Lakers and the Celtics dominating their respective Conferences. OK, the Lakers haven't exactly dominated the West, but they did have the best record.

MVP - Kevin Garnett
I want to say Kobe Bryant (and I do expect him to win it), but I just couldn't overlook the fact that Boston has the league's best record and has made the best single-season turnaround in NBA history. KG's numbers don't scream MVP, but the way he's brought the intensity level of the Celtics up, especially on D is the reason I'm handing him the trophy. Chris Paul, my midseason choice, is also quite worthy, and possibly the person who means the most to his team's success. If they won the West, I'd probably give him the award.

Rookie of the Year - Kevin Durant
Al Horford made a game out of it, but in the end Durant was the top rookie. He was the only rookie to average over 13 points per game at 20 ppg. He was Top Ten in Rookie Rebounding. He was third in Rookie Assists. All of this while playing with a big X on his chest. He lived up to the lofty expectations. Wonder if anyone still cares what he can or can't bench press?

Most Improved - Hedo Turkoglu
Jose Calderon was the half-time winner, but he seemed to trail off. Meanwhile, Hedo was one of four players to average 10+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists. His numbers were pretty much up across the board.

Comeback Player of the Year - Peja Stojakovic
I'll stick with my half-time choice in Peja. He had a great season finishing with 16.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He shot 44% from downtown. Not bad for a guy who hadn't played more than 60 games since 2004.

Sixth Man of the Year - Manu Ginobili
There really is no other choice. Manu was amazing. He averaged 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assist for the Spurs. He really stepped up his game when Tony Parker went down. Although he's arguably the best player on the team, and one of the best in the league, he came off the bench most of the season except for when filling in for injuries or sicknesses.

Defensive Player of the Year - Marcus Camby
Camby had 3.60 blocks per game, which led the league, to go along with his 10.3 defensive rebounds per game, which was good for second in the league. He also averaged a steal each game.

Coach of the Year - Doc Rivers
The Celtics had too big of a turnaround and were far too successful for them not to shine during Award Season.

NBA First Team
Chris Paul
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Kevin Garnett
Amare Stoudemire

NBA Second Team
Steve Nash
Tracy McGrady
Carmelo Anthony
Tim Duncan
Dwight Howard

NBA Third Team
Deron Williams
Allen Iverson
Carlos Boozer
Dirk Nowitzki
Marcus Camby

Those are my picks. What changes would you make?