NBA MIDSEASON AWARDS 2013

By: Oliver P. Cachapero

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

My Pick:

Nikola Vucevic. Who would have thought this sophomore player from Montenegro could almost duplicate his predecessor’s (Dwight Howard) stat line? He has become a double double machine and has been consistent since Day 1. His FG and FT percentages are also great for a big man.

Honorable Mentions:

Greivis Vasquez, Omer Asik, Larry Sanders, J.J. Hickson

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR

My Pick:

J.R. Smith. In fact he was close to being named to the East Allstar team. This guy has been a permanent source of Knicks offense especially when Carmelo is struggling. He has made two buzzer beaters so far this season and his playmaking and defensive play have improved considerably. Although his FG% and his shot selections are questionable at times, he is always there to deliver when the Knicks need him the most.

Honorable Mentions:

Jarret Jack, Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Kevin Martin, Corey Brewer

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

My Pick:

Damian Lilliard. He has led his team fighting for a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference when his team should have been rebuilding. This guy plays like a veteran in just his first year. His four year experience in college obviously helped him to be the player that he is right now. No other rookie comes close.

Honorable Mention:

Andre Drummond, Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis

COACH OF THE YEAR

My Pick:

Mike Woodson. During the preseason, all we heard was about the Heat dominating the East, Thunder keep it rolling and the Lakers breaking the Bulls’ 72-10 record. No one expected the Knicks to battle for the first seed in the East. Well, with the ballhog Melo leading the team, Amare nursing an injury, and with the oldest roster in the league, who would have expected it? Mike Woodson played through all the odds and placed the Knicks back in the basketball map. With a weak and old roster, they are still contending in the East.

Honorable Mentions:

Mark Jackson, Frank Vogel, Vinny Del Negro, Tom Thibodeau, Greg Popovic

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

My Pick:

Tim Duncan. It seems that defense is not a priority for the players today. We miss the Mutombos, the Mournings, the Rodmans, the Starks. In this category, the choices are scarce. But one player has consistently shown the different side of his game this season – blocking and altering shots, intimidating opponents, playing the passing lane and his inside presence alone is an advantage for his team already – the 36 years old Tim Duncan. Adding another achievement to his already very successful career.

Honorable Mentions:

Tyson Chandler, Joakim Noah, Serge Ibaka

MY ALLSTAR LINEUP

EAST

Starters:

C – Tyson Chandler, F – Carmelo Anthony, F – LeBron James, G – Dwyane Wade, G – Rajon Rondo

Reserves:

Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Brook Lopez, Chris Bosh, Jrue Holiday, Joakim Noah, Brandon Jennings

WEST

Starters:

C –Tim Duncan, F – Blake Griffin, F – Kevin Durant, G – Kobe Bryant, G – Chris Paul

Reserves:

Tony Parker, Russel Westbrook, James Harden, David Lee, Zach Randolph, Stephen Curry, LaMarcus Aldridge

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Fifth Place:

Tony Parker. Big part of his (and the Spurs) success all throughout these years should be attributed to Coach Pops and the Spurs administration, arguably the most disciplined and goal oriented franchise in all major sports this millennium.

Fourth Place:

Carmelo Anthony. Without regard to stats and FG%, Melo is carrying his team to the top. Injuries, distractions, age and shallow roster wont stop Melo from doing where he’s best at – scoring and winning. That’s what he is paid for. Don’t be surprised if the award goes to him at the end of the season. It’s all about who gets the first seed in the East.

Third Place:

Chris Paul. Remember what Steve Nash did in Phoenix where he won two consecutive MVPs? He was orchestrating his team’s offense, he was involving everyone and making them all better, he was shooting high percentage and turning the ball rarely. The difference is, CP3 plays defense unlike Steve Nash.

Second Place:

Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant is the most improved superstar this season. He can no longer be considered a one-dimensional player.  He now plays defense and involves his teammates, hence, with career highs in rebounds, steals, blocks, and surprisingly assists this season en route to the league’s best record so far. The only thing stopping him from getting the award is his teammate Russel Westbrook. It’s either Westbrook is better than him at times or KD needs Westbrook to win games.

My Pick:

LeBron James. I’m giving the award to him not because he is very much explosive this season but because of the player that he could be if he unleashes the beast in him. Thunder, Spurs and Clippers have better record than the Heat. James is fourth in scoring with three points separating him from third place Carmelo Anthony. Rondo leads the league in triple double so far and not LeBron. It’s just that LeBron’s statline is so clean good enough to win the East’s best record but not the league. KD, CP3, Melo and Parker have their own issues that is why I’m not giving the MVP award to them, therefore, LeBron is the played-safe choice for this award, yet he still deserves it as much as the Lakers deserve all the shit in the world.

Allstar break should be fun.

Don’t expect much trades before the trade deadline.

Second half of the season should be intense.

Playoffs should be hot as hell.

Gotta love this game!