2008-2009 NBA Season Awards

Correspondent Written on April 17, 2009

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 15: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Western Conference walks across the court in front of LeBron James #23 of the Eastern Conference during the 58th NBA All-Star Game, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 15, 2009

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

It's that time of the year again! Let's throw out our predictions before the Associated Press and all the other writers make the final decision (which sometimes causes controversy). Clearly, they hand out these awards before the playoffs get all nail-biting because they are trying to emphasize that these are SEASON awards. The only playoff awards any player wants is a ring...

MVP

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 6: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the fourth quarter during a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Banknorth Garden on March 6, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 105-94. NOTE TO USER: User expres

Come on, now. We all knew it was just a matter of time. Well, now the time has come. He played 81 games averaging 28-7-7, and lead his Cavs to 66 wins, tops in the league. Also, his minutes decreased this year because he made his team dominate almost every game, allowing him to rest in the 4th quarter. This year it was all LeBron. Good job, Kobe, but Bron had the better stats AND team record (with a weaker supporting cast and no Hall-Of-Fame coach).

Runner-up: Kobe Bryant

Rookie Of The Year

CHICAGO - MARCH 17: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives against the Boston Celtics on March 17, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 127-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreees that, by

In his first year, he lead his team to the post-season. Like, HE actually lead them there. Not to mention he had the best overall numbers out of all the rookies. Note: Greg Oden owes me $10.

Runner-up: O.J. Mayo

Defensive Player Of The Year

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot by Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics at the TD Banknorth Garden on March 8, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics lost 86-79. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Just look at the image! He's now the face for defensive presence in NBA. It would just be wrong to give this award to anyone else who didn't lead the league in rebounds (13.9) and blocks (2.9) while averaging over a steal a game.

Runner-up: Dwyane Wade

Sixth Man Of The Year

DENVER - MARCH 05: J.R. Smith #1 of the Denver Nuggets awaits action against the Portland Trail Blazers during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on March 5, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 106-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

He was the spark for the Nuggets this year. Hard for George Karl question his shot selection when it keeps falling (11 3-pointers one night).

Runner-up: Manu Ginobli

Most Improved Player Of The Year

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - MARCH 04: Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets slips with the ball against the Boston Celtics during their game on March 4, 2009 at The Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Even though are not in the post-season, this man proved that the Mavericks were using him all wrong. He proved this year that he can start in this league and be successful.

Runner-up: Danny Granger

Coach Of The Year

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Mike Brown of the Eastern Conference waves to the crowd during intorductions before the 58th NBA All-Star Game, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 15, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO US

He finally figured out how to get the most out of LeBron and Co. Good job, Mike. Don't let this get to your head. Past winners usually end up fired a couple years later (Avery Johnson, Sam Mitchell)...

Runner-up: Stan Van Gundy

All-NBA Teams

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after defeating the the Denver Nuggets, 116-102, at Staples Center on April 9, 2009 in Los Angeles , California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User ex

1st:

Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul

2nd:

Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade, Maurice Williams

3rd:

Shaquille O'Neal, Amare Stoudemire, Danny Granger, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams

Most Entertaining Player

MIAMI - DECEMBER 12: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul late in the game against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Arena on December 12, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Hawks defeated the Heat 87-73. NOTE TO USER: User

Hands down. YouTube it, if you don't know.

Runner-up: LeBron James

Most Disappointing Team

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 16, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Oh wow. These guys had big expectations with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal to Bosh/Calederon and Co. What ended up happening? No playoffs and JO is living it up in Miami...

Runner-up: Phoenix Suns

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written on April 17, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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