NBA midseason awards: MVP: 1. James Harden (Houston) - I always said if he learned how to play defense....watch him become MVP. What makes it even better, he scores with a tenacity that I havent seen since Jordan. Hes nowhere near close the talent but the heart and determination is instilled in him 2. Pau Gasol (Chicago) 3. Stephen Curry (Golden State) 4. LeBron James (Cleveland) 5. Anthony Davis (New Orleans) Coach of the year: Mike Budenholzer (Atlanta Hawks) even coach Pop would have to praise the second year coach on what has been a revelation in Atlanta with the Hawks being the number 1 seed in the East. 2. Steve Kerr (Golden State) 3. Tom Thibadeau *hope I spelled his last name right lol* (Chicago) 4. Rick Carlisle (Dallas) Sixth man of the year: 1. Dion Waiters (Oklahoma City) - This guy will be their 2k15 version of James Harden. He will benefit from the superstars in OKC too. 2. Tim Hardaway Jr. (New York) 3. Draymond Green (Golden State) 4. Lou Williams (Toronto) Most improved player of the year: 1. Jimmy Butler (Chicago) - I dont have to say anything about his improved play. Just look at the numbers his game provides this year compared to last year. Like I said last year, Chicago might want to explore trade options for Rose. Chicago looks like they have a superstar in training right now. 2. Kyle Korver (Atlanta) 3. Tyson Chandler (Dallas) 4. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles) Rookie of the year: 1. Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota) - Really this was by default because if Parker had stayed healthy, there would be a different ROTY in my opinion because the Bucks are a playoff team. 2. Norlens Noel (Philadelphia) 3. Zach LaVine (Minnesota) 4. Cleanthony Early (New York) Team of the year: 1. Atlanta Hawks - Going from 8th to 1st is difficult but they have gotten there with team ball and philosophy throughout the organization. Big props to Budenholzer, who adopted that playbook and made his own version with the Hawks (might I add it has progressed fast.) If he can maintain this style of play throughout the year, a championship will be coming to Atlanta BANK ON IT! 2. Golden State - From every direction of the fast break pace of basketball is played by the Warriors. Alley oops, 3 pointers, mid range (mainly Curry), rebounds on both ends....the only issue with Golden State is health. Can Bogut not be what Stephen A. Smith calls Andrew Bogus?! If he can stay healthy, they have as good of a chance as any team in the NBA will have this year. Good luck 3. Portland Trail Blazers - Wow I dont care what anyone has to say, Alridge and Lillard are the best duo in basketball. They play together like Stockton and Malone but in different areas of the game. Stockton was the greatest assist man of all time but when Lillard focus on passing, he can pass the rock as well as any Point Guard in the league. Stockton was also cold with the buzzer beaters, so is my FAVORITE Point Guard in the league Mr. Lillard. Alridge is a pure threat on the court period. Like Malone in and out but has the height of the Duncans and Garnetts of the leagues past. Key role players also makes this team deadly in the playoffs. 4. Chicago Bulls - Looks like the Bulls finally have a true leader in Gasol. He just posted 46 pts & 18 rebs, forget waiting for Rose to become fully healthy. Gasol and Butler with a healthy Noah will cause problems for any team. Health is this teams only issue besides the fact that the Hawks are looking unbeatable. 5. Dallas Mavericks - The addition of Rajon Rondo will be tremendous in the playoffs. My main question is do you play Nowitzki & Chandler all year or take advantage of having a player like Rondo on your team? Nowitzki & Chandler will need to be in top form come playoff time. Its not how you start but where you finish, now comes the best part....here comes THE PAIN!
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:32:59 +0000
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