No, not everybody has played 41 games, but some people have a little extra, while some are a bit behind. But whatever, I don't really care because I'm going to do this before anyone else has the chance. So who expected a season like this? Carmelo Anthony trade rumors, insane stats, high-flyers, oh my! So here are my picks for the best and the worst of this season.
Most Valuable Player (East): Amar'e Stoudemire (NYK) and Derrick Rose (CHI)
I'm sure no one is expecting LeBron James to three-peat for the MVP, so I'm giving it to one of these guys. Even though I believe that Derrick Rose is putting in a superstar effort in only his third year in the league, I'm gonna push for Stoudemire. He completely transformed the New York Knicks, and while the Bulls are dominating in the Central, Stoudemire has the tougher division. Both are putting up amazing numbers, and either of them could win.
Also considered: Dwight Howard (ORL)
Most Valuable Player (West): Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
I separated the two divisions because there are just so many great players to consider. But Nowitzki has undoubtedly been the most valuable player in the West, and probably the league. He had the Mavericks hot until his injury. He is scoring and rebounding extremely well. To put it bluntly, he is playing some of the best basketball in his career, including his 2006-07 MVP season. Hands down, the most important player on any team in the West, and if you question that, look at how they play without him.
Also considered: Deron Williams (UTA), Kobe Bryant (LAL)
Rookie of the Year (East): John Wall (WAS)
Electrifying young player. He's a great passer and a great scorer. But this is more due to the fact that there is no one else in the East who is putting in as great of a game as this kid. Evan Turner and Derrick Favors (No. 2 and 3 in the last draft) still are trying to get into a rhythm. If they separated the rookie of the year voting, this guy would take the East, no doubt because there really is no one else to consider (Landry Fields, maybe??).
Rookie of the Year (West): Blake Griffin (LAC)
Do you really doubt this? Here are some dunks to help quell your doubts. I mean, this guy is averaging about 21 points and 13 rebounds. He has 27 or so straight double-doubles. He is a monster and the most entertaining player in the league. Undoubtedly the rookie of the year in the league. He's just TOO good.
6th Man of the Year (NBA): Gary Neal (SAS) and George Hill (SAS)
This is more just taking the San Antonio Spurs bench. These two are the cornerstones of that bench, but Gregg Poppovich has turned that bench into a strong group. Could you think of a more dominant bench? They deserve 6th Man of the Year because any given player can just step up and win the game for them. It's incredible how well this team functions, even with their starters on the bench. Just truly impressive.
Most Improved Player (East): Nick Young (WAS)
There is no surefire candidate for this award, but Nick Young deserves a second look. He has played very well as a guard-forward, giving John Wall a very reliable scorer (47% from the field, 41% from outside). He has shown signs of greatness, but he is really starting to become a very complete shooter. As with most Wizards players, he could live to improve his defense, but he has been good so far.
Most Improved Player (West): Kevin Love (MIN)
He had 30+ boards in a game, and averages 15 rebounds a game. This guy is a double-double machine and though he has always had this potential, did anyone really see him as an All-Star? I sure didn't, but Love gives Minnesota a reason to be happy after trading away Al Jefferson. He's no Kevin Garnett, but Love is a great cornerstone for a team because he's an athletic big man who can swallow up boards like crazy. He's worked, and now he deserves to be an All-Star.
Best Defensive Player (NBA): Dwight Howard (ORL)
Very deserving of this award. He deserves it because he forces plays out of the paint. He is such a dynamic blocker that he forces a change in direction on any given drive. But he establishes a defensive presence in the paint, and that is his best quality.
Also considered: Thabo Sefolosha (OKC), JaVale McGee (WAS)
All NBA First Team
Derrick Rose (CHI)
Kobe Bryant (LAL)
LeBron James (MIA)
Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
Dwight Howard (ORL)
Best Performance: Kevin Love's 30-30
Best Game: LA Clippers at New York Knicks (November 20, 2010)
Worst Game (tie): Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers (December 2, 2010), Cleveland Cavaliers at LA Lakers (January 11, 2011)
Sound off! Actually that really doesn't work. Just say what you want to in the comments. Preferably about the topic I wrote about.
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