NBA Awards Season: Predicting the Association's Hardware Winners

The NBA regular season is almost at a close, and that means that all the end of season performance awards will be announced shortly.

It has been another outstanding season in the Association.

That being said, it doesn't make distinguishing the outstanding performers in each award category any easier.

This article looks at the predicted winners of all six NBA end of season awards. 

Most Improved Player: Marcin Gortat

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Marcin Gortat #4 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 91-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly a

Predicting Marcin Gortat to win the Most Improved Player award may seem controversial, however it is only that he is not a household name that prevents him from being in every conversation about the award.

Since being traded to the Suns and out of Dwight Howard's shadow with the Magic, Gortat has been putting up a beastly stat line.

At Phoenix, Gortat is averaging: 12.8 PPG (up 8.8 from Orlando stats), and 9.7 RPG (an increase of 4.4).

The statistics don't lie, Gortat has improved out of sight thanks to his new role at Phoenix, and this makes him the strongest case for Most Improved Player at this stage in the season.

Honorable Mentions

Russell Westbrook

Dorrell Wright

Derrick Rose

LaMarcus Aldridge

Kevin Love

6th Man of the Year: Jason Terry

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Jason Terry #31 of the Dallas Mavericks puts up a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 91-83. NOTE TO USER: Use

The JET, is having another outstanding year at Dallas, and his role of 6th man suits him perfectly. Terry always explodes in the fourth quarter, making him easy to integrate into the Mavs' rotation.

Although inconsistent at times, Terry has shown that he has the ability to be a top notch starting shooting guard across many seasons, 2010-2011 being no exception.

On the season, Terry is averaging 16.4 PPG, 1.90 RPG and 4.2 APG.

Terry's Mavericks are having another excellent season, and this elevates Terry over Odom, who's Lakers have performed under many people's expectations.

Honorable Mentions

Lamar Odom

James Harden

Thaddeus Young

Ty Lawson

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 25: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls gives instructions to his team during a game against the Memphis Girzzlies at the United Center on March 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 99-96. NOTE TO U

Tom Thibodeau signed with the Bulls this off-season, and has steered them into being a legitimate title threat.

It's fitting that the coach of the top seed in the East be named Coach of the Year.

The Bulls have improved out of sight since last season.

Keep watch to see how Thibodeau leads his Bulls deep into the playoffs this season.

Honorable Mentions

Gregg Popovich

Phil Jackson

Doc Rivers

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes for a dunk over Nenad Krstic #4 of the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Celtics won 99-92. NOTE TO USER: User express

Already an All-Star in his rookie season, Blake Griffin has put his fair share of opposing defenders on posters. The rookie power forward is just oozing potential to become one of the league's best, and is set for a big career.

Griffin has been the obvious choice for Rookie of the Year since the early part of this season.

Griffin's season averages are 22.4 PPG, 12 RPG and 3.7 APG.

His only legitimate competition for this award was this year's number one draft choice, John Wall. The stats don't lie, Blake Griffin blows John Wall out of the water to be the clear winner of this award.

Honorable Mentions

John Wall

DeMarcus Cousins

Greg Monroe

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Hakim Warrick #21 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Magic defeated the Suns 111-88. NOTE TO USER:

Dwight Howard is now undoubtedly the best center in the NBA. He is the complete defensive package.

His length and capacity to block shots is unmatched, and his post defensive presence is one that keeps offensive players switched on.

Howard produces no shortage of highlight reel blocks, and this season is no exception. He is the clear winner of this award.

Howard's defensive stats this season are 1.3 SPG and 2.4 BPG.

Further, Howards stats don't recognize the amount of shots he contests brilliantly, and his feared paint presence.

Honorable Mentions

Josh Smith

LeBron James

Andrew Bogut

Chris Paul

Most Valuable Player: Derrick Rose

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls reacts to a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on March 28, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 97-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Rose is having his best season of his young career.

He's averaging 25.0 PPG and 7.9 APG this season—the stats say it all.

Derrick Rose is the best point guard in the NBA right now.

He also has the best chance to take home this year's regular-season MVP. His name has been hyped up a lot of late, and it certainly doesn't hurt his chances.

The impact Rose has had on the success of the Chicago Bulls this season is easy to see, and that alone bodes well for his selection as this season's MVP.

Honorable Mentions

Dwight Howard

LeBron James

Kobe Bryant

Kevin Durant

Dirk Nowitzki