NBA 10/11 Season. Half-way through - The Awards Thus Far
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January 17th - we're at the half-way point of the season, or thereabouts. So, having a look at the Awards thus far, here's what Rob (brumbygg) & I (Don) came up with:
MVP...
Don: I like Derek Rose... Sure, Boozer's presence has helped, but Rose has lifted a Chicago team to being one of the stronger units in the now stacked East. And they still have Noah to return.
Rob: Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, Amare Stoudamire and Dwight Howard have all impressed in different ways so far, but I'm not sure any of them is going to be able to sustain the level over the whole season. Unfortunately, it looks like LBJ is picking up a head of steam, putting up the numbers and, more importantly, leading the Heat to wins. LBJ gets the MVP which is sure to PMO (p#ss me off).
Rookie of the Year...
Don: Blake Griffin. I don't think anyone else has a chance... Blake's an explosive moment waiting to happen any time he touches the ball.
Rob: Blake Griffin. The other draft studs have failed to impress. Griffin has been all that was expected and more.
Defensive Player of the Year...
Don: He doesn't lead the league in blocks at the moment, but no other player in the game changes the way a team plays more than Dwight Howard.
Rob: The resurgence of Kevin Garnett has been a huge reason for the play of the Celtics this season. KG is commanding the paint once again and his absence explains the downturn in the C's fortunes recently.
Most Improved Player...
Don: I'd go with Raymond Felton. Did anyone see this coming? I know a lot of people will point to Kevin Love, but in pursuit of his own individual numbers - he does as much damage as good. Felton's been amazing at NYK, and in large part the resurgence of the Knicks belongs just as much to him as to Amare.
Rob: Derrick Rose has taken it to a new level this year. An MVP candidate and the MIP this season.
Sixth Man of the Year...
Don: Lamar Odom. Guy should - by all rights - be an All Star.
Rob: I tried so hard to type 'Glen Davis' here, but I just can't do it. As much as I 'dislike' (feel free to insert a more suitable noun) the Lakers and anyone who plays for them, you can't go past Lamar Odom in this category. Since coming off the bench he has been a vital component for LA.
Coach of the Year...
Don: Tom Thibideau. He's introduced a defensive intensity to the Bulls, and a never-say-die attitude. Loving what he's doing there.
Rob: Tom Thibideau. Anyone who questioned the role of Thibideau in the Celtics past 3 seasons can see very clearly now what he has been able to do with his own team. He has Chicago playing D like their lives depend on it.
NBA Finals...
Don: Boston vs LA. The Lakers complete history and get the three-peat.
Rob: Celtics to get past the Heat in the conference finals and defeat the Spurs for banner #18.
January 17th - we're at the half-way point of the season, or thereabouts. So, having a look at the Awards thus far, here's what Rob (brumbygg) & I (Don) came up with:
MVP...
Don: I like Derek Rose... Sure, Boozer's presence has helped, but Rose has lifted a Chicago team to being one of the stronger units in the now stacked East. And they still have Noah to return.
Rob: Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, Amare Stoudamire and Dwight Howard have all impressed in different ways so far, but I'm not sure any of them is going to be able to sustain the level over the whole season. Unfortunately, it looks like LBJ is picking up a head of steam, putting up the numbers and, more importantly, leading the Heat to wins. LBJ gets the MVP which is sure to PMO (p#ss me off).
Rookie of the Year...
Don: Blake Griffin. I don't think anyone else has a chance... Blake's an explosive moment waiting to happen any time he touches the ball.
Rob: Blake Griffin. The other draft studs have failed to impress. Griffin has been all that was expected and more.
Defensive Player of the Year...
Don: He doesn't lead the league in blocks at the moment, but no other player in the game changes the way a team plays more than Dwight Howard.
Rob: The resurgence of Kevin Garnett has been a huge reason for the play of the Celtics this season. KG is commanding the paint once again and his absence explains the downturn in the C's fortunes recently.
Most Improved Player...
Don: I'd go with Raymond Felton. Did anyone see this coming? I know a lot of people will point to Kevin Love, but in pursuit of his own individual numbers - he does as much damage as good. Felton's been amazing at NYK, and in large part the resurgence of the Knicks belongs just as much to him as to Amare.
Rob: Derrick Rose has taken it to a new level this year. An MVP candidate and the MIP this season.
Sixth Man of the Year...
Don: Lamar Odom. Guy should - by all rights - be an All Star.
Rob: I tried so hard to type 'Glen Davis' here, but I just can't do it. As much as I 'dislike' (feel free to insert a more suitable noun) the Lakers and anyone who plays for them, you can't go past Lamar Odom in this category. Since coming off the bench he has been a vital component for LA.
Coach of the Year...
Don: Tom Thibideau. He's introduced a defensive intensity to the Bulls, and a never-say-die attitude. Loving what he's doing there.
Rob: Tom Thibideau. Anyone who questioned the role of Thibideau in the Celtics past 3 seasons can see very clearly now what he has been able to do with his own team. He has Chicago playing D like their lives depend on it.
NBA Finals...
Don: Boston vs LA. The Lakers complete history and get the three-peat.
Rob: Celtics to get past the Heat in the conference finals and defeat the Spurs for banner #18.
