With the season just about two-thirds finished, it's time to recognize some of the bright spots in what has been a very exciting season thus far. Here are "Inside the NBA's" predictions for this season's awards:
MVP:
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: Phoenix had a fairly talented team before this season began, centered around forward Shawn Marion, forward/center Amare Stoudemire, and guard Joe Johnson. But they lacked a true point guard until they signed Nash to a five-year, $60 million contract after he became a free agent. While they also added Quentin Richardson to the lineup in the offseason, they desperately needed a point guard.
In Nash, they got all they were looking for and more. He has led an offense that is the most potent in the NBA, averaging almost 110 points per game. His ability to run the floor has allowed Phoenix to play with a smaller lineup in which Richardson plays as a small forward, while Shawn Marion becomes a power forward and Amare Stoudemire moves to center. This has worked to their advantage, as the Suns' fast break has resulted in many runaway victories.
Nash averages 16.3 ppg to go along with a league-leading 11.3 apg, which is a full 2.5 assists per game ahead of anybody else. He also shoots 52 percent from the field, which is 12th in the league, and has 29 double-doubles. Also consider that in four games that Nash missed due to injury, the Suns averaged only 86 points, and lost every game. The Suns are currently tied with the San Antonio Spurs for best record in the league (41-12), and Nash is the primary reason behind the team's success. Despite his shortcomings on the defensive end, he has been the most valuable player on what might be the NBA's most improved team. As long as he stays healthy, the Suns are a threat to win the title.
Honorable mention: Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers).
Rookie-of-the-Year:
Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats: Charlotte had the second pick in this year's draft after we had been forced to wait and see whether the Orlando Magic would take Okafor or high-school star Dwight Howard. The results for Okafor and Charlotte have thus far have been very encouraging.
He leads all rookies in scoring and rebounding, with averages of 14.8 ppg and 11 rpg. He is also third in blocks per game, as he continues to improve his solid defensive skills from the college level. In Okafor, the Bobcats have a more mature player who immediately became the go-to guy not only for his team, but for the future of the franchise. Okafor has the potential to become a star in the league, and if he continues to progress at this rate, he will fulfill that potential.
Once Okafor gets some more talent surrounding him, the Bobcats will be able to become more then just a developing expansion franchise. It seems like Charlotte, albeit indirectly, made the right choice with the former UConn standout.
Honorable mention: Ben Gordon (Chicago Bulls), Howard.
Coach of the Year
Nate McMillan, Seattle Supersonics: Mike D'Antoni's Suns imported Nash in the offseason. Stan Van Gundy's Miami Heat got Shaquille O'Neal from the Lakers.
In contrast, the Sonics made no major additions to their squad. However, they find themselves in third place in the stacked Western Conference, and McMillan is a major factor in the team's success. He has the Sonics playing as a team focused on their strengths, most notably their ability to dominate from the perimeter. With Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, they have two legitimate scoring threats at any given time, and McMillan has got them playing at the top of their games.
The Sonics are second in the league in three-point percentage, and have three players (Allen, Lewis and Vladimir Radmanovic) who have shot at least 250 three-pointers. McMillan is in the last year of his contract, and is going to solicit lucrative offers from other teams if the team is able to keep playing at its current level.
Honorable mention: Scott Skiles (Chicago Bulls), Mike Fratello (Memphis Grizzlies)
Defensive Player of the Year:
Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz: Kirilenko, a 6'9" forward, currently leads the league in blocks per game with an astonishing 3.71 rejections per contest. He also averages 1.46 steals per game, which is 25th in the league.
His long arms, jumping ability and general quickness on the court make him a ball magnet. He excels in one-on-one defense as well as off-ball help and double team plays.
After the Jazz got off to a solid 8-5 start, Kirilenko got injured against the Spurs. Despite his return a few weeks ago, the team has yet to recover. Regardless, AK-47 has officially staked his claim as one of the league's premier defenders.
Honorable mention: Ben Wallace (Detroit Pistons)
All-Star Game Prediction:
All-Star games are almost always high-scoring affairs that involve lots of showing off and not too much defense. This one shouldn't be much different. Expect the Western Conference All-Stars to win a somewhat close game, with Kevin Garnett taking home his first All-Star MVP award.
Check back next week for Part II of Inside the NBA's All-Star Break Report.
