Rookie of the Year-Kevin Durant: Even if Oden were healthy, i'm not sure he would've beaten out Durant, simply because Seattle will depend more on KD than Portland would have on Oden. The same could be said for Atlanta's Al Horford. The former Gator has shown in the preseason that he can fill the stat sheet, but unfortunately is among the plethura of forwards that litters the Hawks' roster. While Durant at shooting guard may not be pretty at times, it should be enough to win him ROY.
6th Man of the Year-Andres Nocioni: I was trying to decide between Noc and Adam Morrison, but then the bomb dropped yesterday that 'Stache would be out for the season with a torn ligament. Nocioni has already shown this preseason that he can provide the offensive punch that Chicago will need off the bench. Gordon and Deng can only do so much, and Nocioni has the consistent firepower (and inner fire) to get the job done.
Most Improved Player- Andrea Bargnani: Everyone's been harping about Dwight Howard's improved offense, but the jump in stats from last year to this season may not be large enough to warrant the nod from voters. While Toronto is loaded at the guard and wing spots, their options in the middle are mediocre at best. Bargnani will see plenty of playing time, as GM Bryan Colangelo will want to see further returns from his #1 draft pick. Expect coach Sam Mitchell to tweak the offense around his dynamic duo of Bargnani and Bosh, now that he knows what the Italian sensation is capable of.
Defensive Player of the Year-Shawn Marion: Just as I can't support Marion on his recent rave about underappreciation, neither can I support that Marion has never been named to an All-NBA Defensive team. This includes last year, when he was somehow left off both the first and second teams despite finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year award. He's the only player in the league that can guard successfully all five positions on the floor. He's always among the league leaders in both steals and blocks. What more can you ask for?
Coach of the Year-Rick Adelman: The only concern with the running philosophy of Adelman being applied to Houston is whether Yao Ming will have the necessary stamina to do the job. When they set up in a half-court offense, however, Adelman will be sure to take advantage of Yao's exceptional passing, and teammates McGrady, Bonzi Wells, Steve Francis and Luis Scola should thrive, and hopefully do so past the first round. Orlando's Stan Van Gundy is another candidate here.
MVP-Kevin Garnett: His stats may not be impressive while playing with two other All-Stars, but KG could very well have the same effect on the Celts that Shaq and Nash had on their respective clubs in the 2004-05 season. Boston is bound to improve dramatically, and KG's effect, both statistically and otherwise, will be impossible to ignore. Nash, Nowitzki, James and Bryant will all be in the discussion, but Boston's renewal under a new face will likely give Garnett a few extra votes.
