MKRob Sports

By Brandon Taylor

As the season gets ready to start Tuesday night, let’s look at who potential Award winners are.

MVP

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

This is the year many people believe Durant will become the face of the NBA. Durant became the youngest Scoring Champion in NBA history last season. He also recently led Team USA to a win in the FIBA World Championships. With the imminent decline of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James taking his talents to South Beach and joining two other all-stars, this could be the start of a long reign.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

Kobe is still the man. Until he leaves, he will always be the man. Kobe is going for his sixth ring this year to tie Michael Jordan, and while he may start to decline, I don’t really see it happening until next season. I would not be surprised if Kobe won the MVP this year, just to prove to himself that he is still the man.

LeBron James (Miami Heat)

I know LeBron James may never win another MVP because he is playing with two other all-stars, but he is still the best player in the league. Nobody has that combination of power and speed. James has improved his jump shot, and has become dominant on both ends of the floor. I don’t see why LeBron can’t average 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists this season.

Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)

If Caron Butler disappoints again, Dirk may have to put Dallas on his back. The former MVP is still the best European player in the league and can go for 30 on any given night.

Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers)

Roy may start the season off slow, but as we get close to spring, look for Roy to be in the thick of the MVP race. Roy is solid in all areas without really standing out, but his leadership and ability in crunch time set him apart.

Sixth Man of the Year

1. Jamal Crawford (Atlanta Hawks)
2. Channing Frye (Phoenix Suns)
3. Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks)
4. Marcus Thornton (New Orleans Hornets)
5. Ben Gordon (Detroit Pistons)

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
2. Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks)
3. LeBron James (Miami Heat)
4. Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)
5. Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats)

Rookie of the Year

1. Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
2. John Wall (Washington Wizards)
3. DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)
4. Wesley Johnson (Minnesota Timberwolves)
5. Tiago Splitter (San Antonio Spurs)

Most Improved Player

1. Jrue Holiday (Philadelphia 76ers)
2. JJ Hickson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
3. Marco Belinelli (New Orleans Hornets)
4. Ty Lawson (Denver Nuggets)
5. Rodrigue Beaubois (Dallas Mavericks)

Coach of the Year

1. Nate McMillan (Portland Trail Blazers)
2. Tom Thibodeau (Chicago Bulls)
3. Rick Adelman (Houston Rockets)
4. Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
5. Alvin Gentry (Phoenix Suns)