NBA Awards Race: Final Predictions for Every Major Award

As the NBA season winds down, the annual debate for who will win the NBA's individual awards always puts the basketball world at a juxtaposition. Many of the awards this season are no-brainers, but there are a few that will stir up debate.

Here are my final predictions for each major NBA award, from Most Improved Player to Most Valuable Player.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Andrew Bynum, C, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers' patience with the young Andrew Bynum finally paid dividends this season, as the 24-year-old center emerged as one of the league's elite big men in 2012. The oft-injured Bynum managed to shake the bug this season, appearing in every game for the Lakers aside from the four he was suspended from for his conduct during the playoffs last season.

Bynum’s 12.2 rebounds per game is third best in the league behind Dwight Howard and Kevin Love, and his 18.6 points per game is third best amongst NBA centers behind Howard and Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson. Bynum is also a superb shot blocker (1.9 per contest) and post defender.

The big man's impressive numbers helped earn him his first All-Star bid this season, starting at center for the Western Conference.

Jeremy Lin might have the better story, but no player improved more than Bynum in 2012. It’s a tough call and will likely be a tight vote, but Bynum should take home the hardware. 

Honorable Mentions: Jeremy Lin, PG, New York Knicks; DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Sacramento Kings; Ryan Anderson, PF, Orlando Magic 

Executive of the Year: Elgin Baylor, GM, Los Angeles Clippers

Dan Gilbert probably deserves this award more than Elgin Baylor, but the Chris Paul deal instantly transformed the Clippers from cellar dwellers to contenders.

However, the team's moves go beyond CP3. Don’t forget the additions of Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler during free agency, as well as retaining explosive center DeAndre Jordan. Not to mention acquiring Nick Young from the Wizards was one of the biggest steals of the trade deadline.

Baylor might not be the most deserving GM like he was when he won the award in 2005, but he will likely take the award anyway.

Honorable Mentions: Mitch Kupchack, Los Angeles Lakers; R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs; Chris Wallace, Memphis Grizzlies

Sixth Man: James Harden, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

From my April 10 article:

"

James Harden is in a class of his own when it comes to sixth-man candidates. With all the offensive talent that he possesses, it’s difficult to fathom why head coach Scott Brooks keeps Harden in a reserve role.

Harden is a dangerous 2-guard who has a knack for drawing fouls while finishing and can score from just about anywhere on the court with his deadly jump shot. He handles the rock well and can distribute the basketball when in trouble.

Averaging 16.7 points per game as well as 3.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds per contest for OKC as they gear up for a championship run, Harden is the clear No. 1 choice for the Sixth Man award.

"

Honorable Mentions: Lou Williams, PG, Philadelphia; Jason Terry, G, Dallas; Al Harrington, F, Denver

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic

It’s hard to give him a vote after extorting both the city of Orlando and the Magic franchise, but there’s no player in the league that is more dominant defensively than Dwight Howard.

His strength, size and athleticism puts him in a league of his own as far as post defense goes. He’s quick enough to slide to penetrating defenders and has the dexterity and wing span to effectively block shots with both hands.

Howard is the complete package as a center, and it doesn’t look like his soap opera stint this season will impede him from his fourth straight Defensive POTY award.

Honorable Mentions: Serge Ibaka, PF, Oklahoma City; Tony Allen, G, Memphis; Marc Gasol, C, Memphis

Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Again, it’s a no-brainer here for this award. Ricky Rubio made a solid push early in the season, but his torn ACL and Kyrie Irving’s impeccable play this season put him out of the running for the league’s top rookie.

Irving has been everything the Cavs expected and more this season when they took him with the first overall pick in last summer’s draft. A scoring point guard at heart, he’s one of the best penetrating point guards in the league with the ability to take it to the rack with either hand.

Irving is lights out from beyond the arc (as he showed in his unforgettable Rising Stars game during the All-Star break). Averaging 18.8 points and 5.7 assists per contest to boot, Irving might be a unanimous ROY selection.

Honorable Mentions: Kawhi Leonard, F, San Antonio; Isaiah Thomas, PG, Sacramento; Rubio, PG, Timberwolves; Iman Shumpert, PG, New York; Chandler Parsons, F, Houston

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat

Kudos to Kevin Durant as a close second place, but as much as it might feel like swallowing Drano to basketball fans around the nation, LeBron James’ career year in Miami should rightfully earn him his third MVP award.

James’ 27.1 points, 6.3 assists and 7.9 rebounds per contest trumps just about any other individual player’s statistics this season. With Miami looking poised for another NBA title run as the second seed in the East, it’ll be hard to vote against the King this season.

The hard feelings that put him out of voter’s favor last season have died down a bit, and at this point it would be astonishing if James didn’t walk away with the award.

Honorable Mentions: Durant, F, Oklahoma City; Kevin Love, F, Minnesota; Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers; Chris Paul, PG, Clippers