This thread will feature the NBA's elite teams/players/staff personnel and your choices in their respective categories. Simply choose from the list of teams/players/staff personnel in their field, and give your reason why they are a contender or pretender. I know that these predictions will not be entirely true come awards time, but base your opinions on the first half of the season. <u>The Fields</u> NBA Champion ? San Antonio Spurs ? Los Angeles Lakers ? Sacramento Kings ? Minnesota Timberwolves ? New Jersey Nets ? Indiana Pacers ? Detroit Pistons West Finals Champion ? San Antonio Spurs ? Los Angeles Lakers ? Minnesota Timberwolves ? Sacramento Kings East Finals Champion ? New Jersey Nets ? Indiana Pacers ? Detroit Pistons Finals MVP ? Tim Duncan ? Shaquille O?Neal ? Kevin Garnett ? Jason Kidd ? Jermaine O?Neal ? Richard Hamilton NBA Most Valuable Player ? Kevin Garnett ? Tim Duncan ? Predrag Stojakovic NBA Most Improved Player ? Zach Randolph ? Michael Redd ? Lamar Odom ? Brian Cardinal NBA Rookie of the Year ? Lebron James ? Carmelo Anthony ? Dwyane Wade ? Kirk Hinrich NBA Defensive Player of the Year ? Ben Wallace ? Ron Artest ? Kevin Garnett ? Tim Duncan 6th Man of the Year ? Desmond Mason ? Earl Boykins ? Al Harrington ? Antwan Jamison NBA Coach of the Year ? Jerry Sloan ? Rick Carlisle ? Jeff Bzedlik ? Terry Porter ? Rick Adelman Please give opinions to each field, and not just the name of the team/athlete/staff personnel. ---------- Example: NBA Champion: San Antonio Spurs - Contender Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda Yadda
Champion (and West Finals): Sacramento - I have been so impressed with them this season, and don't subscribe to the theory that getting Webber back will disrupt their chemistry. East finals: New Jersey - been there and done it twice, I think they'll be able to beat Indy come playoff time. Finals MVP: Chris Webber - still the heart of that team. MVP: Can't really go past Kevin Garnett, although I won't be surprised if Duncan makes a post-All Star run at it. MIP: Zach Randolph - the guy is a legit 22/11 forward. We all knew what he was capable of with playing time, now he's gotten it he hasn't disappointed. ROY: LeBron James - obviously. DPOY: Ron Artest - no one does more defensively in the NBA, hopefully voters will recognise it after their oversight last season. 6th man: Antawn Jamison - has been sensational off the bench for Dallas, and has accepted the role with grace after being a starter his whole career. Coach of the Year: Terry Porter - many candidates are worthy here, but I can't go past what he has done with an average roster on paper and a rookie point guard. Has gotten heaps out of guys like Joe Smith, Brian Skinner and Damon Jones, and the home record speaks for itself.
if your basing all that on the season thus-far, i think jermaine o'neal got majorly snubbed from you list of mvp's there, and bosh got majorly snubbed from your list of ROY's. granted he has no chance of winning, but if heinrich is there, bosh certainly shoud be. hes having a much better season. but my picks: champs: lake show. as much as i hate to admit it, i think there will be no stopping them once the big 4 get back in full effect. mailman and shaq daddy down low is just too scary. with them all being injured so much this year, its given the bench a lot of time to get more minutes, and play together better...the bench is just getting stronger with all the extra clock east finals - gotta go with jersey...i just dont see the pacers getting there this year. but i think theyll take jersey 7 games in the east final, in a VERY VERY ugly defensive and physical series. k-mart and artest might even come to blows. finals mvp...shaq daddy, hes the one in the drivers seat MVP - if indiana continue their dominant play through the 2nd half of the season, its going to be a toss up between jermaine and KG. KG has the numbers, but he also has the supporting cast that jermaine doesnt. so its a tough call. ill go with KG though most improved - how can you go against z-bo. what a great surprise he is this season. props to michael redd, but z-bo is way more of a sleeper. roy - obviously bron...only 5 people in the league are averaging 20+ 5 and 5, he's one of them. thats impressive company. dpoy - im gonna go with big ben again. his on the ball/low post D is still top notch, plus he has the defensive stats as well. big ben plays both the kind of defense that shows up on the stat sheet, and the kind that doesnt as well as anyone in the league. i still think the best on ball defender in the league is KG. i think KG could guard ron artest, but artest couldnt guard KG. 6th man - impossible to go against antawn. 4th in the league in fg% and comming off the bench! very impressive. coach of the year - Jeff Bzdelik! providing denver continue their strong play. what a great job hes done there. terry porter, and his "outside the box" thinking in practice, running 6 man zone defenses is brilliant though. and jerry sloan, not letting his jazz become nba doormats, and giving guys like raul lopez and carlos arroyo, reputations is worth major recognition. but gotta go with bzdelik
<u>The Fields</u> NBA Champion: Kings - At the moment no one can say that they aren't the best western team followed close by Minnesota. They have the depth and experience and once Webb gets back it'll just add another dimension to this already dynamic team. I don't think the Lakers,with all 4 of the big guns in the lineup,can defeat the Kings in a best of 7 series. West Finals Champion: Kings - See above. East Finals Champion: Pacers - These guys dont have the experience that the Nets have but I think they have the firepower,and the frontcourt to unseat these guys. They have a decent enough bench and are hella tough to deal with when they hittin' on all cylinders. Indy is my pick. I think they take out both Detroit and NJ. Finals MVP:Brad Miller - I think,for the Kings to go all the way,Miller is gonna have to be huge comin' off the pine for Webber and Vlade. He's gonna be a huge weapon come playoff time and I expect a couple trip-dubs from him. NBA Most Valuable Player:Kevin Garnett - Kev gonna take it this year. His all around leadership,his energetic style and the fact he makes everyone around him better,plus his team is awesome. KG my pick. NBA Most Improved Player:Mike Redd - Well knew he'd be good,but no one guessed he'd be this good. When this cat is on hes damn near unstoppable plus he's a huge reason the Bucks are where they are right now. NBA Rookie of the Year:Lebron James - Who else? Do I need to explain? NBA Defensive Player of the Year:Ron Artest - THE Defensive stopper in the East. He got all around game but his D is all world and can lock down 3 positions. 6th Man of the Year:Antwan Jamison - He's a huge part of Mavs success this season(I know not as successful as last yeat but they still winnin')he completely fills in the 6th man role. Stunned me cuz he was able to be a 6th man and not demand major minutes. NBA Coach of the Year:Terry Porter - C'mon who else? We all thought the Bucks would absolutely suck but they have stunned us all. Terry Porter took a probable cellar dweller and turned it into an EC winner.
NBA CHAMPION: NETS- The Nets have been thru so much struggle this season I cant see thing fighting all the way back to the finals for a 3rd time and losing. The Nets were alot closer then everyone thinks they were last season. If K-marts 100% in Game 5 who knows what would have happened from there. K-mart has so much motivation if they make it back to the finals. He wants to prove that he is a max player while revenging his horrible Game 6 performance. I think he will lead the Nets to a finals upset over a western confernce powerhouse on pure effort & heart. West Champion- Honestly Iam undecided. Its to early for me to pick the west but Iam hoping its the T-wolves. And they have a extremely legitimate shot. They have the best player in the West right now & the best point guard in the west. I think once they get over the hump of getting out of the 1st round. The pressure will get easier for them. And everytime I think KG cant take his game to another level he does So its no telling how he will play this year in the playoffs with the motivation of having new found help & a legit shot at the title. But I want to see how good the t-wolves can be with a legitimate starting Center. I mean as well as they have played this season, they have done it all with an over the hill bigman(Ervin Johnson) and a out of shape bigman(oliver Miller). The T-wolves biggest problem is lack of rebounding as a team. If Kandiman can come in & sure up the boards I think the t-wolves become a hole different teams. And his ablity to score some points in the paint with all their perimeter scores is much needed. And the return of Wally & troy should change the team as well to add some offensive depth. East champion Nets- They are back playing that New Jersey style perimeter D. They are pressuring teams & getting out on the fastbreak & running. When the Nets are playing like that no team in the east can hang with them for a seven game series. Finals MVPK-mart. Yes Jason Kidd will have to play at an extremely high level for the Nets to win the championship.But we a know how great J.kidd is already. Its going to be K-mart who takes his game to a whole knew level. He showed some signs last in the finals aginst Tim. but once he got sick before game 5, k-mart could never get back to that level in game 6. But I think this will be his year to shine whether its vs Tim, KG or Chris. Regular season MVP-Kevin Garnett- I think its KG turn to finally win it. He has taken his game to another level higher than the one he played at last year when everyone felt he was the real MVP. And with the Additions of Sprewell & Cassell the t-wolves have taken their team to a whole nother level. They will more than likely finish with the best record in the Midwest. And have a shot at going all the way. KG is the is everything that a leader is surpose to be. He leads with his voal pressence & by example with his on/off court work habits. Most Improved Player- Zach Randolph. Much love to Micheal Redd but I got to go with Zach on this one. Western Conference power forward is the hardest position to play in basketball. And Yet Zach has found away to put up all-star caliber # while dealing with the distractions of being a Portland trailblazer, that pretty impressive. Before Zach's coming out party in last years playoffs, everyone was saying he made a mistake coming out of Michigan State after is freshman year a few season ago. And now he is one of the better power forwards in the league. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- Carmelo Anothony, I know everyone is taking Lebron & I can understand that. but I think that once the Nuggets drafted Melo they became a legit playoff contender. I think that the championship past Melo should be down played on the effect of the current Nuggets. If you look at all the Key parts to the Nuggets Andre Miller, Marcus Camby, Jon Barry, Voshaun Lenard where all known as college players who tried to lead their team deep into the NCAA tournament. Even Earl Boykins led eastern Michigan to a few NCAA tournment upsets in the 90's. So they all know how good a player Melo had to be to get his orangemen a national championship the way he did. I think that allowed them to except Carmelo as their leader,which gavw the Nuggets some much need direction. The Nuggets over the past few seasons have not had direction. They didnt have a leader that everyone on the team believed in. Carmelo provided that for them, which allowed everyone else to be comfortable with their roles on the team. IMO thats why you see guys like Lenard & Camby having their best season in years. So yes they brought alot of godd new addition to the team with Andre Miller, Earl Boykins, & Jon Barry. And Bringing Voshaun Back to the team but Carmelo brought the pressence that made everything fit into place. So thats why he the rookie of the year for me. the Defensive Player of Year Ben Wallace, KG is a great defender but I think that without Ben Wallace's D, the Pistons would be under .500. The Pistons are not a great offensive team, so that puts even more pressure on them tom get stops & turnovers. And Ben Wallace is the center part of this. He allows the perimeter players to take risk & make mistakes because they know ben Wallace will correct most mistakes with his ablity to block & change shots. That has made billups & Rip both better defenders than before they came to the Pistons. And with Ben down low, the Pistons never have to double the low post which allows everyone to stay at home. And as everyone knows make your entire team much better defensivly if you dont have to every double the post, you can stay with opposing perimeter shooters. I think that Ben Wallace's Defensive has a bigger impact on his teams win/loss record then KG's Defense on the t-wolves win/loss record. I say this because alot of nights the t-wolves win because they have better 4th quater options than the opposing team they are facing. The T-wolves can get in a scoring battle with most teams and win. everytime the Pistons seem to get in a scoring battle they lose. Defensive is the main key to their success. And Ben Wallace is the key for them Coach of the Year- Terry Porter, everybody pretty much figured that the bucks were finished one the Big 3 & GP all left in a span of a little over a year. But with Micheal Redd leading the way on court & Porter leading the way off the court the Bucks have as good a shot as any of coming out of the east. I think giving the award to Porter is like giving an award to the entire team for their effort this year when no one really believed they could do anything. GM of the YearKevin Mchale- Everybody said that bringing in Sam Cassell & Latrell Sprewell would be nothing but problems. But Mchale took the risk most wouldnt & now it paying off. 6TH Man of the Year - Antwan Jamison- I think him excepting the role of coming off the bench the way he did was pretty impressive. He gets less every thing on the Mavs, less minutes. less shots, less rebounds, & less points than he didnt in G-state. But he is willing to execpt that with all the stars on the Mavs. He has been a spark for the Mavs off the bench & a reason why they are looking legit again. EDIT: My bad for typing so much, when I was typing I didnt realize it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">GM of the YearKevin Mchale- Everybody said that bringing in Sam Cassell & Latrell Sprewell would be nothing but problems. But Mchale took the risk most wouldnt & now it paying off.</div> Kiki has this one in the bag.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Kiki has this one in the bag.</div> Yeah your right. He brought in alot of major parts this season. I only made that because I didnt give Flip coach of the year. And I think that someone needs to get some props in the front office/coaching for the t-wolves success.
NBA Champion -New Jersey Nets. I think they are ready to make one last run at the title this year. I think they can keep up with a team like Sacramento or Minnesota in a best of 7 series. West Finals Champion -Sacramento Kings. This is the year they beat the Lakers. Kings fans will be jumping for joy, but I think they'll lose in the finals. East Finals Champion -New Jersey Nets. They'll beat out the Pacers in a tough grueling series. They always have, and this year should be no different. Finals MVP -Jason Kidd. He has to play spectacular if the Nets want a chance at winning the finals, and I honestly think he'll put on a great show. NBA Most Valuable Player -Kevin Garnett. It's his turn now. After getting beat out by Tim Duncan the past couple of seasons, I thinks he's out there to prove a point. NBA Most Improved Player -Micheal Redd. Much love to Zach Randolph, but with SAR in Portland, his playing time, and stats are going to go way down. Micheal Redd has been consistent all year, and I think he will get it. NBA Rookie of the Year -I think there will be a co-rookie of the year. I think Bron and Melo should both get it. NBA Defensive Player of the Year -Ben Wallace. As good as Garnett is, without the defence of Ben Wallace, the Pistons wouldn't be where they are right now in my opinion. 6th Man of the Year -As much as I would like to give it to Earl Boykins, Antawn Jamison has been phenomenal. Loved him ever since his rookie year, and all the great seasons with Golden State. NBA Coach of the Year -Terry Porter. Come on now, I read what all of you said in the summer about the Bucks not even having a shot at making the playoffs, then suddenly they stun everyone. Props to Terry Porter for a TERRIFIC job coaching that Milwaukee Bucks team.
my picks NBA Champion Minnesota Timberwolves whoever comes out of the west still wins it all, and right now i think the twolves have the best chance. excellent team chemistry, they are getting better every game. kg is the hungriest for a title right now. if the olowokandis, wallys, hudsons, et. al. recover and play just at their regular levels, this team will be extremely hard to beat. lakers i don't see pulling together, too much rift. sacto, i think their window closed. West Finals Champion Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the lakers in six or seven East Finals Champion Indiana Pacers detroit can't keep up with the scoring. nets are playing extremely well right now, but can't match against the pacers in an extended series. Finals MVP Kevin Garnett NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Garnett NBA Most Improved Player Michael Redd altough randolph is huge, part to improving is playing some D. NBA Rookie of the Year Lebron James no surprises here NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ron Artest it's time something other than blocks and clogging the lane gets noticed. 6th Man of the Year Antwan Jamison 99% of the players could learn something from him... it's ok to accept a role and excel at it. NBA Coach of the Year Jerry Sloan Terry Porter tie. both did an incredible job with teams no one gave a chance. porter gets props for being a rookie coach. sloan for losing his two pieces and showing that superstars are nothing without good coaching.
Champion (and West Finals): Los Angeles...if tehy can stay healthy, If not then it will be the Wolves who are playing unbelivable ball. East finals: Indy, they are a new team this year with Rick Carlisle coaching them, Artest has added and offensive threat to his game along with his top notch D, Jermaine O'neal is playing career ball Finals MVP: If it is the Wolves in the finals, KG 'nuff said..If it is the Lakers I think that it will be Kobe, he will take over in the finals. MVP: Right now KG, but if Jermaine O'neal can keep the Pacers at this pace I think he can give KG a run for his money. MIP: Im going with Mike Redd here, he has an amazing shot, he is quick, he has drastically improved to an all star, and he will only get better. ROY: LeBron James, but with the way the Nuggets are playing, if Carmelo can up his play just a little bit, I think we will see a Co-Rookie of the year. DPOY: Ron Artest, he frustrates every one he plays. 6th man: Antawn Jamison, he accepted the bench role without complaining, and has been amazing at it...he would be a starter on any other team in the leauge right nbow. Coach of the Year: Jerry Sloan, he has proven he can win without Stockton and the Mailman, everyone thought the Jazz would have a horrible year, they are having a decent year, and he is also trying to coach his own life with his wife having Cancer and all.
NBA Champion: Sacramento Kings They've been playing brilliantly all season and are still the deepest team in the league. I guess you could argue Portland are deep, but they don't have the chemistry that the Kings do. Peja's been scoring exceptionally and leading them. West Finals Champion: See above East Finals Champion: Indiana Pacers/New Jersey Nets I'm stuck. Indiana have the best record in the East and have been playing good defense, holding other teams to 84.8 PPG. I guess that's mainly due to Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest, as well as Rick Carlisle's coaching. Earlier in the season, I didn't think New Jersey were as good as they were last season, but since the coaching change, it seems they've been playing a lot better. They're getting good at the right time methinks.. Finals MVP: Can't really say. Chris Webber/Pedrag Stojakovic (how come there aren't any Kings on the list?) As above, Peja's been playing great and pretty much scoring at will. I don't see him fading in the playoffs. If Webber comes back soon and has enough time to get back to his All-Star level of play, he should win it. NBA Most Valuable Player: Kevin Garnett Quite simply, he's the best player in the league. He's averaging career highs in points, rebounds and blocks (24.8, 14 and 2.31 per game, respectively), not to mention he hands out 5 assists per game as well. Duncan and Stojakovic have been playing well too, but KG's a notch above them. NBA Most Improved Player: Zach Randolph He's exploded this season, averaging a double-double, compared with 8.4 PPG and 4.5 RPG last season. Redd's also improved his scoring and rebounding (and made the Eastern Conference All-Star team), but Randolph's improvement has been bigger. NBA Rookie of the Year: LeBron James Living up to the hype and putting up 20.4 PPG, 5.70 RPG and 5.8 APG. The Cavs have been a little better than last season, too. Carmelo Anthony is a very close second. NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Ron Artest Brilliant defender and a big part of Indiana's success, cos it all starts with D and he'll shut anyone down. Ben Wallace deserves consideration too, but he's won twice in a row now, it's Artest's turn. Kirilenko's missing from that list. NBA 6th Man of the Year: Antwan Jamison His numbers have dipped, but he's been playing solidly for Dallas off the bench. Field-goal percentage above 50% too. Desmond Mason would be my second choice, he provides defense for Seattle off the bench. NBA Coach of the Year: Jeff Bzdelik Denver have gone from lottery team to playoff team and have been pretty consistent all season long. They've got at least 4 players who weren't there last season (Anthony, Boykins, Lenard and Miller) and Bzdelik has gotten his team to mesh.
NBA Champion <font color="red">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - Once the post season is here and they've got all their players, no one can match up. West Finals Champion <font color="red">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - It seems like everyone's forgotten about them. They'll have a less than stellar regular season, but once playoff time comes, it's on. East Finals Champion <font color="red">Indiana Pacers</font> - This is tough because I really want to pick the Pistons. However, I may reconsider when/if Dumars makes a big move before the trade deadline. The Nets are playing well now, but Indiana's defense will shine in the post season. Finals MVP <font color="red">Shaquille O?Neal </font><font color="black">- I hate Shaq, but who else would it be? He'll put up great numbers and dominate as usual.</font> NBA Most Valuable Player <font color="red">Kevin Garnett</font> - KG puts up CRAZY numbers and does it all. I will be rooting for them to make the Finals, though. NBA Most Improved Player <font color="red">Michael Redd</font> - Consistency. This is what seperates a star from a superstar. Not that Redd is a superstar yet, but he's shown awesome consistency this year. NBA Rookie of the Year <font color="red">Lebron James</font> - Carmelo's team has done better, but Lebron's lived up to his hype. NBA Defensive Player of the Year <font color="red">Ben Wallace</font> - Sorry Ron Artest. Big Ben has won games with his defense. He had huge blocks on KG and Duncan to keep the Pistons in the game. 6'9" center that can dominate the boards. 6th Man of the Year <font color="red">Antwan Jamison</font> - Jamison just because he puts up good numbers off the bench. NBA Coach of the Year <font color="red">Rick Carlisle</font> - Going to go with Rick because I think the Pacers will finish with the best record in the NBA.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Q Rich3:</div><div class="quote_post">Champion (and West Finals): Los Angeles...if tehy can stay healthy, If not then it will be the Wolves who are playing unbelivable ball. East finals: Indy, they are a new team this year with Rick Carlisle coaching them, Artest has added and offensive threat to his game along with his top notch D, Jermaine O'neal is playing career ball Finals MVP: If it is the Wolves in the finals, KG 'nuff said..If it is the Lakers I think that it will be Kobe, he will take over in the finals. MVP: Right now KG, but if Jermaine O'neal can keep the Pacers at this pace I think he can give KG a run for his money. MIP: Im going with Mike Redd here, he has an amazing shot, he is quick, he has drastically improved to an all star, and he will only get better. ROY: LeBron James, but with the way the Nuggets are playing, if Carmelo can up his play just a little bit, I think we will see a Co-Rookie of the year. DPOY: Ron Artest, he frustrates every one he plays. 6th man: Antawn Jamison, he accepted the bench role without complaining, and has been amazing at it...he would be a starter on any other team in the leauge right nbow. Coach of the Year: Jerry Sloan, he has proven he can win without Stockton and the Mailman, everyone thought the Jazz would have a horrible year, they are having a decent year, and he is also trying to coach his own life with his wife having Cancer and all.</div> Love all your choices, I agree with all your reasons. What really put a smile on my face was your comment on Jerry Sloan. I agree, that man is a real hero, dedicated, sticking with his team to the end. Champion (and West Finals): Sacramento Kings, they just seem the most unstoppable if you ask me. Great skill and arguably the best chemistry in the league. Once Webber is back they'll be one scary team, plus they already are. East finals: Nets for me this year, Frank is just one great coach. He's really brought the team around. I use to think coaching really didn't cause that major of a factor. But boy was I wrong....ever. Finals MVP: Probably Peja or Jason Kidd. Doesn't really matter which team wins, both will perform like MVP's. Webber not too much of a chance, missing half a season can really tax on one's game. MVP: KG, just so versatile. Great attitude, unlimited effort, plenty of stamina and energy is as close to perfect as we can get. TD is as well, although I wish his freethrows were better. MIP: Randolph for me, just such a great player on both ends of the floor. Redd has speed and great offense. I'm stuck between the two and not too sure who has a harder time or has the better supporting cast. I'll say Randolph for this one. ROY: LeBron James, exceeded so many Rookie performances. I've never seen someone play so well in their first year. It's so amazing, plus he'll become even better and he's already great as it is and giving his full all out efforts. DPOY: Big Ben still, it's all he truly knows how to do. 6th man: I'd be happy for Desmond Mason to receive it, but I believe Boykins will, I really like him as well. He just plays so well for what time he puts in, not to mention the severe disadvantage he is at. Such awesome speed.... Coach of the Year: Sloan or Bzdelik, Sloan simply because of his dedication and ability to make a team with such an unimpressive roster a pretty good team. Bzdelik, well let's just say he's really brought the Nuggets around.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Chris Webber - still the heart of that team.</div> "Webber" and "heart" in the same sentence? I haven't seen that unless it had "has no" included. :biggrin2:
NBA Champion <font color="purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - Gotta go with the Lakers, they signed 2 veterans who bring leadership to this team, and will be a huge factor down the stretch of the playoffs. However, we'll obviously have to be healthy heading into the playoffs. We'll have our competition with Sacramento, San Antonio, Minnesota, and Dallas being in the mix, but if all four of our stars are in the lineup and are somewhere near %100, LA can't be beat. It showed in the standings column, that we were the most dominant team in the league when everyone was healthy. West Finals Champion <font color="purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> - Why has everyone forgotten about the Lakers? The majority will probably say someone along the lines of Minnesota, Sacramento, or San Antonio. If we have everyone healthy, they won't know what hit em. East Finals Champion <font color="Navy">Indiana Pacers</font> - This year Pacers seem to be the top top team in the East. They have the depth, the leadership, and some veterans who know how to play smart basketball down the stretch of games. Though they will have their hands full with teams like Detroit, New Jersey, and I also think New York will give some teams trouble in the playoffs. Finals MVP <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> - Yes, Shaq has been the dominant force down the stretch of when the Lakers 3-peated, but this time I think it is going to be Kobe's turn. He has matured over the years, and has also improved his game in different ways that I think he'll be the guy to put LA over the top this year. Payton/Malone(if healthy) will contribute big with their veteran leadership, and Shaq will get his as usual, but it is Kobe's year to step up in the last year of his contract and show the world that he can be the man in LA, and that he is capable of winning the Finals MVP. NBA Most Valuable Player <font color="Blue">Kevin Garnett</font> - Pretty obvious here, either goes to KG or Duncan. Both young and talented, versitle in their own ways, and get the job done for their teams. But I honestly think Garnett deserves it this year, he is putting up stellar numbers as usual, and is proving the world he is the most all around player in the game today. He's racking up the wins as well, and if he can get his team deep in the playoffs, he is very well deserving of this award. NBA Most Improved Player <font color="red">Zach Randolph</font> - I think we all knew he had the stuff to be a star in this league, but this is a guy who averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds last year. Upgraded that to 21 points, and 11 boards a game, as the Blazers starting Power Foward this year. This guy is a stud, his consistency is the most that suprised me this season. #5 in the league in double doubles, if he doesn't win this award, that will be robbery just like the questionable All-Star selection. NBA Rookie of the Year <font color="navy">Lebron James</font> - Not a suprise here, at the begenning of the year, it was pretty much safe to say that their could be co-rookies of the year between himself and Carmelo Anthony. But LeBron has just pulled away with the award these last couple months, looking like an NBA star already. He has improved the Cavs season, and puts up more all around numbers on a consistent basis than Carmelo. NBA Defensive Player of the Year <font color="navy">Ron Artest</font> - It's time for Ron to get noticed as the best defensive player in the league. Usually, Ben Wallace runs away with these award, but with the way Artest has been playing defensivley this year, you can't go wrong with giving this guy the award. Brilliant defender and a big part of Indiana's success. Defense wins games, and with his lock down defensive efforts, you gotta give it up to him. 6th Man of the Year <font color="navy">Antawn Jamison</font> - Gotta go with the crowd here, he wins the award, hands down. He has accepted the role of being a 6th man, and has been successful all year in that position. He has had a good attitude about being the 6th man, and has excelled at it. NBA Coach of the Year <font color="purple">Terry Porter</font> - Porter should definetley win coach of the year, if Milwaukee is able to hold their ground and make it into the playoffs. The Bucks aren't the most talented team in the league, but Porter has worked with what he has. They are under matched defensivley, but he has still found ways to win with this team.
ya know what...on second thought, i think its gonna be another elton brand/steve francis, jason kidd/grant hill year...there will be co-rookies of the year, melo and bron. (tryin to think outside the box )
NBA Champions Minnesota Timberwolves- I think the T-Wolves will go all the way to be world champs. They have KG, Sprewell,Sam, and their fans to take them their along with the rest of the Timberwolves players and staff. It's just their time IMO. West Finals Champions Minnesota Timberwolves- I just see them beating the Lakers in the seventh game to seal their spot in the Chaimpionship.It's just me East Finals Champions Indiana Pacers-They are just the best in the East without a doubt. Who can stop them. Finals MVP Kevin Garnett- Don't need to explain do I? NBA Most Valueable Player Kevin Garnett- Still don't need to explain IMO. NBA Most Improved Player Zach Randolph- The same reasons as everyone else. NBA Rookie Of The Year LeBron James- He has one every rookie of the month so far hasn't he. He just dominates in this league as a rookie and like no one else. NBA Defensive Player Of The Year Ron Artest-It's easy to know why he's getting it. The Man can play some serious D. 6th Man of The Year Earl Boykins- He has Carmelo and the Nuggets out so much of the bench and have you seen his jumper or seen him play. If you have then that's enough for me to explain why he's getting this. NBA Coach Of The Year Jeff Bzedlik- Look what he helped do to the Nuggets. He help turned them into a whole nother team and I ain't talking about the jerseys.
<u>NBA Champion</u> ? Sacramento Kings - You can call me biased if you want to, but this team has heart and is hardcore. When Webber gets back they will be even tougher to beat <u>West Finals Champion</u> ? Sacramento Kings -Again, call me biased, but when Webber comes back, they will be tough to beat, I dont care how many Shaqs and Duncans there are, how you going to defend their pick and roll? <u> East Finals Champion</u> ? New Jersey Nets - They finally got their chemistry together, the hottest team going into the All-Star game, theyve been there twice, and it will be a third time. <u> Finals MVP</u> ? None of the above, I think the Finals MVP will be Brad Miller or Chris Webber, because of those two they will lead the Kings to the ring. <u>NBA Most Valuable Player</u> ? Kevin Garnett -Is there any doubt that he should be MVP. The man is a beast, he can play all 5 posistions and when he gets hot, your team is done. He can dribble like a point and play post like a Center.. what more could you ask for? <u> NBA Most Improved Player</u> ? Zach Randolph - I dont follow the Blazers but I know he has came up alot from last year. <u> NBA Rookie of the Year</u> ? Carmelo Anthony -Althogh, James is a better scorer, Anthony has lead his team to a better record, it was the same with Pau Gasol, I thought it would be Tyson but I was suprised <u>NBA Defensive Player of the Year</u> ? Ben Wallace -Again is there any doubt, hes been there and done it twice, why dont you ask Kobe who should be DPOY :mrgreen: <u>6th Man of the Year</u> ? Antwan Jamison -Who else is a spark of the bench like Jamsion, he lead the leauge off the bench in scoring, and can come through when the Mavericks need him. <u>NBA Coach of the Year</u> ? Jerry Sloan - How else can you have a weird starting line up and be JUST ONE GAME under .500, just proves that its the COACH not the players that make the team.
