Rookie Of The Year
1) Blake Griffin (PF Clippers): Even though he is still hurt and will be out a few more weeks I still believe that he is going to put up great numbers. He is so strong and explosive I could easily see him put up 19 and 9 a game once he gets the proper minutes. Also the fact that he is playing for a potential playoff team will give him the nod.
2) Brandon Jennings (PG Bucks): Jennings just had a 55 point explosion in his last game. Even though it was against the warriors that is still quite impressive. I am afraid though that his body is too weak to endure the whole NBA season. Also if you watched his game against the bulls in the fourth quarter Derrick Rose really started to put a body on him and Jennings only had 2 points in the quarter. This is most likely what opposing teams are going to start doing to him every game.
3) Taj Gibson (PF Bulls): Gibson is my dark horse for the award even though people might think this is coming out of left field you have to look at his recent numbers. Since Tyrus Thomas broke his arm Taj has been inserted into the lineup and produced quite well having 3 games of having over ten points and over 5 rebounds in the game. I feel that he could average over 15 points and over 6 rebounds and if Griffin has a slow start there is no other rookie who can average those power numbers for a playoff team.
Most Improved Player of the Year
1) Kevin Durant (SF Thunder): I know that he might be a stretch but why does most improved player always have to be a journeyman to a star in the league why cant it be a star to a legit superstar which is what I feel Kevin Durant is becoming. You have to face the facts that this guy could end up averaging 27, 8, 6 a game this year that is almost Lebron numbers and he is doing it in the West and in only his third year. This guy could end being the nemesis to Lebron for the next decade if he keeps up this pace.
2) Andrea Bargnani (PF/C Raptors): I still dont understand why this guy is not being noticed yes he came into the league with a large amount of hype and was supposed to be the next Dirk and even though in his first two years he did not quite live up to that he has now become a serious player in league. He did what he was supposed to do over the last few off seasons and bulked up so he can not be pushed around any more. With that added weight and his great outside shot I could see him averaging Dirk like numbers of 24, 7, and 4 and that is no easy task considering he is battling for touches with Bosh and Hedo.
3) Joakim Noah (C Bulls): Trust I am not trying to be bias it is just that so far Noah is having a great season already having 6 double doubles in his first 9 games. If he can keep up this pace and average around 14 and 11 he could have the biggest leap in stats of anyone in this group.
6th Man of the Year
1) Jason Terry (SG Mavericks): The jet is back again and looking to defend the title that he won last year and I see no reason why he cant. Especially considering that he now much more comfortable then last year in the this role and will easily be the favorite to win the award once again.
2) Rasheed Wallace (PF/C Celtics): The Sheed is back in Boston and so far looks fresh and buying into the team concept in Boston. With his outside shooting he will flourish in Bostons excellent half court offense. If he can keep it together mentally he will give Jason Terry a run for his money.
3) Manu Ginobili (SG/SF Spurs): One of the best 6th men of all time is looking healthy and poised to regain his old title. It will all depend how well his body has healed in the off season and if his first step is still were it was two years ago. If it is watch out Western Conference the Spurs will be for real.
Defensive Player of the Year
1) Dwight Howard (C Magic): This is as close to a one horse race as there is in the NBA. Superman is only going to improve from last year and there is almost no one who can out muscles Howard in the paint.
2) Ron Artest (SF Lakers): In his prime Artest was a freak able to guard the 2, 3, and 4 on any team in the NBA. He is now older but still can guard any SF in the game today the question will become in the playoffs will he be the player of old that scared any player that had to go against him or will age finally catch up and see Artest not be the defensive stopper we are all used to seeing.
3) Kevin Garnett (PF/C Celtics): The old vet who still plays with passion of a young kid. There is no denying that Kevin Garnett when healthy is one of the most intimidating players in the NBA but how healthy is his knee. If healthy he can give Howard a good run for the title.
Most Valuable Player
1) Lebron James (SF Cavaliers): Lets face it Lebron is freak there is almost no aspect of the game he does not do well. The only thing that can stop the L-Train from going back in MVP's is that the Cavs got a 350 pound center to clog the middle. Considering that Lebron is at his best when he drives to the lane this could cause his numbers in points and rebounds to drop just slightly but most likely not enough to stop another King crowning.
2) Carmelo Anthony (SF Nuggets): Melo has come into this season in the best shape of his career and is looking scary good. With his jump shot looking better than ever and the increase improvement in his passing he could finally ascend to the level of his draft counterparts Wade and James.
3) Dwayne Wade (SG Heat): Sorry Kobe its time for 03 draft class to take over the league and rounding out the list is Flash. After his MVP caliber season of last year D-Wade looks to repeat his season of last year and lead the heat deeper into the finals. I feel if can duplicate or exceed his amazing numbers of last year he might finally get the nod for the MVP.
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