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WITH just a few games to go before the NBA playoffs, the time is
just right to name the players (and coach) whom I think should win
the major league awards. Let me begin with the Rookie of the Year
Award.
Rookie of the Year—Seattle’s Durant has been
picked by many to win ROY. With spectacular offensive moves that
include long-range shooting, the graceful forward is averaging 20
points a game. However, his shooting is poor (.425) and his
rebounding is suspect. Additionally, his team has the worst record
in the Western Conference. Atlanta’s Al Horford is more deserving
since he is averaging nearly a double-double in scoring (10.1) and
rebounds (9.7) and is fast becoming a defensive force. Plus the
Hawks have a shot at the playoffs after years of languishing in the
cellar.
Most Improved Player—Hands down, this award
should go to Orlando guard-forward Hedo Turkoglu. His point
production is up by more than 6 points and is averaging career-highs
in reboun-ding and assists. And more importantly, he has become the
“go-to-guy” in Orlando, carrying the team on his back especially
during end-game situations. Oh and by the way, Orlando is poised to
win at least 50 games for the first time in 12 years.
Sixth Man of the Year—The San Antonio Spurs
are once again favored to win another cham-pionship. Despite the
vast improvements made by other Western Conference teams, the
defending champions are in thick of the fight because of their sixth
man Manu Ginobili. He is averaging career-bests across the stat
board while coming off the bench. Nuff said.
Coach of the Year—Byron Scott. A coach that
has turned what should be an above-average team into an instant
contender. The New Orleans Hornets are currently tops in a
Conference that features the Spurs, Lakers, Mavericks, and Suns.
This is a tremendous accomplishment since this team has no bench
depth to speak off, has an undersized starting forward (David West)
and a slow forward (Peja Stojakovic) considered to be a defensive
liability.
Defensive Player of the Year—Denvers’ Marcus
Camby is averaging the most blocks. The Hornets’ Chris Paul, the
most steals. But the Boston Celtics are the best defensive team in
the league because of Kevin Garnett’s intensity. The Celtics are
holding teams to nine less points this season than the previous one.
Garnett is Boston’s defensive anchor allowing his teammates to
“gamble” as he picks up the slack. Their improved defense has
made them the league’s No.1 team.
Most Valuable Player—Chris Paul or Kobe
Bryant? These are the two top candidates for MVP. Chris Paul has
been simply amazing and at such a young age, has already dethroned
veterans’ Steve Nash and Jason Kidd as the game’s best point
guard. He has been instrumental in taking the Hornets to the top. He
does not only “control” the flow of the game but he can create
his own shots, consistently pressuring defenses. An MVP award for
Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, is long overdue. He was overshadowed by Shaq
during their championship run and since that era, the Lakers
struggled. It didn’t help that Kobe was the guy everybody
(including sportswriters) loved to hate despite the fact that he is
arguably one of the best players ever. He has won every accolade
save this one. Paul or Bryant? That is still up in the air. Co-MVPs
perhaps.
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Please send your comments and suggestions to raffyrledesma@yahoo.com.
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