I figured that a topic like this was appropriate. The All-Star break begins tomorrow and we'll have nothing to talk about until late Saturday night (dunk contest). So, why not: <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Most Valuable Player:</span> Paul Pierce <span style="color:#009900">Stats: 26.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.1 apg</span> Obvious answer. We all know Paul Pierce is a great player, one of the best in Celtics history, but with him being out (first time in his career he has actually had a big injury like this during the regular season), it proves that Paul is one of the most valuable players to his team in the entire league. He's our best player, sure, but he's also our leader and I am very happy that he hasn't publicly shown any signs of major frustration.</div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Rookie of the Year:</span> Rajon Rondo <span style="color:#009900">Stats: 5.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.4 spg As A Starter: 11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 7.3 apg, 2.8 spg</span> Obvious answer, yet again. Rajon is the best defensive rookie, in my opinion. He's an all-out scrapper, he hustles like a mad man, he's quick as hell, he anticipates passes and dribbles, he has quick/long hands, and he rarely gets burnt 1-on-1. . Offensively, he needs to work on his shooting a TON, of course, but he does everything else so well. He's a very heady player who really limits his mistakes, he is a good penetrator, he's very vocal, he is a very good passer who doesn't force much, and he has a beautiful drive-and-kick game. I'll also add that he's one of the best rebounding point guards this league has seen in a while. No doubt in my mind that he's twice the player Marcus Williams is, and no doubt Rajon should be starting for the Rookie team.</div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Defensive Player of the Year:</span> Tony Allen <span style="color:#009900">Stats: 11.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.5 spg As A Starter: 16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.3 spg</span> It's a real shame that TA went down with an injury like this, but he deserves the credit for the GREAT year he had before this devastating fall took place. Not only was he our emotional leader, but he was our best defender and he provided the most energy on a night-to-night basis than any Celtic we've had in 3 years. Every time he took the floor, he left his heart out there. But defensively, the guy was great for us. He was always the guy to guard the best player on the opposing team, he was terrific in the passing lanes, he could lock people down, and he bothered shots like crazy. No doubt in my mind Tony Allen deserves this award.</div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Most Improved Player of the Year:</span> Al Jefferson <span style="color:#009900">Stats: 13.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.5 apg As A Starter: 15.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg</span> The improvements and strides that Big Al has made over the past year is amazing. Remember this is a guy that had ankle problems his first 2 years in the league. This past summer, he got it fixed and he also shed 30 lbs. That right there shows you he was dedicated. But then he came back to the lineup and had to have an appendectomy. That didn't stop him either. After that, he came back and has played great basketball. He has come in and consistently put up double-doubles for us on a nightly basis, his footwork has improved, his shot blocking timing has improved, he's more aggressive going to the basket, he has now emerged into a legitimate low post option, and he has even added a solid little face-up jumper to his repertoire. No doubt Big Al deserves this one. It's really no contest.</div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Sixth Man of the Year:</span> Wally Szczerbiak <span style="color:#009900">Stats: 15.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 apg As A Substitute: 10.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.9 apg</span> Wally has had a tough year, but he still deserves this award. We have all been too hard on him, especially me. Sure, he struggles defensively, he's not the quickest guy on the court, and he had a big stretch where he even struggled with his shot. But the fact is, he is our best player that comes off the bench, and when healthy, he is a dynamite shooter that consistently shoots the ball around 50% from the field. He has had a tough year with all the injuries (3 sprained ankles, knees), but on some nights he has given us a very nice lift off the bench, and as long as he stays healthy, he will continue to do so.</div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#FF0000">Coach of the Year:</span> Clifford Ray I give Cliffy this award because of the great impact he has had on Al Jefferson's development. He has worked EXTREMELY hard with him ever since he got here, especially this summer. He's always talking to Al on the bench and giving him pointers/advice. He's always teaching. Big Al himself says he loves him and he gives him a ton of credit for teaching him a tremendous amount already. Also note that Ray worked with Dwight Howard before he came to Boston. Good work, Cliffy! Keep it up!.</div> Do you agree with them? Disagree? Post your thoughts.
Stupidest Play of The Year: Tony AllenJust kidding. I agree with your choices, and I'd like to see Al Jefferson continue on his way. He has a bright future.
Suprise of the Year: Brian Scalabrine hitting open jumpers...hahaGreat list, I agree with all your picks.
