Post by jailblazer2352 on Apr 12, 2008 23:29:22 GMT -5
With the MVP, like any defining honor, looms controversy. There will always be atleast two worthy candidates. In some cases, two legendary candidates. Case in point: 1994 Best Picture race between Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction. Pulp Fiction proves to be slightly too radical for the rigid, feel-good biased voting core. Anyway, the 2007-2008 NBA season has been great. Deadline mania, power packed playoff races, nouveau riche powerhouses (Hornets), old guard powerhouses (San Antonio, Detroit), the reincarnation of hardwood legends (Lakers, Celtics), the closest MVP race in years, and even a team that presses with regularity (I add to get the Sixers in somehow). It's safe to say, whoever wins MVP will undoubtably deserve the award. That doesn't mean there won't be arguments. Here are my choices for the NBA end of season awards. Let the madness begin.
MVP
Winner: Kobe Bryant
Runner Up-Chris Paul
Honorable as Any: Kevin Garnett, Lebron James
It blows my mind how a player on the level of Jordan has never won an MVP. Shaq, fair or unfair, was always percieved as the more important player on the championship teams. It's time to give Kobe his due. The Lakers have maintained position at or near the top of the West, even with a spate of injuries that has shelved both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, Kobe's top two weapons, for a significant chunk of the season. While Chris Paul is deserving, multiple MVP's are in his future. As for Garnett, his team survived without him. Lebron is a one man show. In another season, his efforts would be enough.
Rookie of the Year
Winner: Al Horford
Runner-Up: Kevin Durant
I'm going with the upset for two reasons: Horford is extremely valuable to a playoff team and he plays with impeccable efficiency. Durant jacks up shots for cellar dwelling team. While Horford does have a stronger supporting cast and isn't counted on to shoulder so much of the load, his value is unquestioned. he has developed into the post prescence the athletic Hawks have lacked. He also opened the door for the Mike Bibby trade. By being the player that transformed his team into a contender, Horford gets the nod over Durant.
6th Man
Winner: Manu Ginobli
Runner-Up: Leandro Barbosa
A true runaway. Ginobli is not only the 6th man of the year, he might just be the best 6th man ever. Another master innovation pulled by coach Gregg Popovich is managing to utilize his most prolific scorer off the bench. Imagine being a tired starter and seeing Ginobli come into the game, fresh as a blossoming springtime peach. Ginobli leads the Spurs in scoring and his pinball antics make him a virtually impossible player to guard. I've never seen a more effective 6th man.
Coach of the Year
Winner: Byron Scott
Runner-Up: Rick Adelman
Scott has been masterful. The Hornets are the league's best story. They stand atop the rugged Western Conference, tying franchise mark for wins (54). For a team that won only 39 a year ago (missing the playoffs), that's quite a step in the right direction. The most impressive part is the sustained success with such a young roster. You'd expect the Hornets to atleast drop to a four or five seed, but they've managed to keep pace with the big boys. Hats off to Byron Scott, the most underrated coach in basketball.
Most Improved Player
Winner: Danny Granger
Runner-Up: Hedo Turkoglu
Playing on an irrelevant team in an irrelevant market, Granger has quietly put together a phenomenal season. Averaging nearly 20 a game, he has carried the Pacers down the stretch and kept them in the playoff hunt. The kid has a bright future. Hopefully, Indiana either puts a halt on their downward trend or trade their talented youngster to a place where his efforts will matter.
MVP
Winner: Kobe Bryant
Runner Up-Chris Paul
Honorable as Any: Kevin Garnett, Lebron James
It blows my mind how a player on the level of Jordan has never won an MVP. Shaq, fair or unfair, was always percieved as the more important player on the championship teams. It's time to give Kobe his due. The Lakers have maintained position at or near the top of the West, even with a spate of injuries that has shelved both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, Kobe's top two weapons, for a significant chunk of the season. While Chris Paul is deserving, multiple MVP's are in his future. As for Garnett, his team survived without him. Lebron is a one man show. In another season, his efforts would be enough.
Rookie of the Year
Winner: Al Horford
Runner-Up: Kevin Durant
I'm going with the upset for two reasons: Horford is extremely valuable to a playoff team and he plays with impeccable efficiency. Durant jacks up shots for cellar dwelling team. While Horford does have a stronger supporting cast and isn't counted on to shoulder so much of the load, his value is unquestioned. he has developed into the post prescence the athletic Hawks have lacked. He also opened the door for the Mike Bibby trade. By being the player that transformed his team into a contender, Horford gets the nod over Durant.
6th Man
Winner: Manu Ginobli
Runner-Up: Leandro Barbosa
A true runaway. Ginobli is not only the 6th man of the year, he might just be the best 6th man ever. Another master innovation pulled by coach Gregg Popovich is managing to utilize his most prolific scorer off the bench. Imagine being a tired starter and seeing Ginobli come into the game, fresh as a blossoming springtime peach. Ginobli leads the Spurs in scoring and his pinball antics make him a virtually impossible player to guard. I've never seen a more effective 6th man.
Coach of the Year
Winner: Byron Scott
Runner-Up: Rick Adelman
Scott has been masterful. The Hornets are the league's best story. They stand atop the rugged Western Conference, tying franchise mark for wins (54). For a team that won only 39 a year ago (missing the playoffs), that's quite a step in the right direction. The most impressive part is the sustained success with such a young roster. You'd expect the Hornets to atleast drop to a four or five seed, but they've managed to keep pace with the big boys. Hats off to Byron Scott, the most underrated coach in basketball.
Most Improved Player
Winner: Danny Granger
Runner-Up: Hedo Turkoglu
Playing on an irrelevant team in an irrelevant market, Granger has quietly put together a phenomenal season. Averaging nearly 20 a game, he has carried the Pacers down the stretch and kept them in the playoff hunt. The kid has a bright future. Hopefully, Indiana either puts a halt on their downward trend or trade their talented youngster to a place where his efforts will matter.