OnPointLikeCP3's Midseason Award Predictions

I disagree with the Rose selection but the media loves him so much that I’m almost sure he’s going to receive the award. I mean they seriously love him. If you look at his advanced statistics, his offensive rating, defensive rating and per are all behind Chris Paul’s. Add to the fact that the records aren’t that far apart and I don’t get the argument for Chicago.

People like to point to the injuries, but Chicago went out of its way to spend a ton of money this offseason to put together a deep, talented team. It hasn’t been all Rose.

but I’ll disagree with a few of them.

Terry is a nice pick but I think he’ll fade from the voters minds once Beaubois returns. return. Moreover, I feel Lamar Odom might even have the edge on him presently.

Most improved as of right now goes to Dorell Wright of Golden State. Dude has been in the league 6 years but only now has his potential exploded. For this reason he barely edges out the Love Beast. Besides these two, I could also see guys like Raymond Felton, LaMarcus Aldridge or Russell Westbrook finish the year strong and take the award.

MVP – Kevin Durant over Derrick Rose. Durant is a stat sheet stuffer and he’s been largely responsible for turning around a franchise which at the very bottom of the NBA for many years. I also find his numbers slightly more impressive than Rose’s. Having said that, Rose has had a great year leading Chicago through various injuries, I could see him also winning it, but I’ll go with Durant this year. I think Rose’s overall efficiency trips him up (44.6% FGs, low AST/TOs, questionable defense still). Durant is the run away leader in scoring and he does it at a very efficient rate. He can do it all on both ends. As good as Rose has been, I think LeBron has been better this season anyway (not that I’m a fan of either player when it comes down to it).

ROY – Blake Griffin. Who else? I think Griffin will be an MVP candidate next year (barring injuries) and could lead the league in rebounding. Injury to Gordon will likely derail the Clippers’ attempt to challenge for the last playoff berth, but Griffin is already possibly the best PF in the game (what do you think?)

6th Man – It’s a very close call. I’ll go with Jet over Crawford as well.

Most Improved – Wright stands out. I also think that Beasley, Bargnani, Al Horford, Raymond Felton, Wesley Mathews, Nick Young, Eric Gordon, LaMarcus Aldridge and of course Love, all have some arguments going for them in the MIP discussion.

Coach of the Year – Have to go with Popovich. What he has done with the Spurs is truly impressive, essentially turning their offense completely around while being able to manage nearly the same level of defensive efficiency. All this while playing around some aging superstars and without a true center (or true PF if you call Duncan a center). Spurs have lost only 9 times this season and still have a small shot at the Bulls’ high water mark. It seems almost hard to believe it, but they’d have to be the favorite for the title based on their regular season play. Thibodeau deserves honorable mention, as does Spolestra, just for being able to balance all of those egos. I consider Monty one of the better coaches in the league this year but not quite on the level of coach of the year.

Just my thoughts of course. Reasonable minds may well differ (except about ROY)^^