Complete Projections for 2012 All-NBA Team and Season Awards
The arrival of the 2012 NBA Playoffs means we are getting close to NBA award winners and the announcement of the 2012 All-NBA team.
With those announcements come predictions, projections and the usual guesswork involved. Here is how the awards and All-NBA team will shake out.
All-NBA Team
PG: Chris Paul, Clippers
Paul has turned around a historically laughable franchise. His ability to dish the rock and score himself are vital to the Clippers' championship aspirations.
SG: Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Kobe finished second to Kevin Durant in the race for the NBA's scoring title but that does not diminish his wonderful season. Bryant has adapted his game as he has matured. He has been an All-NBA mainstay and that is not changing anytime soon.
SF: Kevin Durant, Thunder
LeBron James will win the NBA's MVP award but Durant is the NBA's premier scorer. Durant took home the league's scoring title and has the Thunder primed for a deep postseason run. Durant will be an institution on All-NBA teams for the next 10, or more, years.
PF: LeBron James, Heat
This could easily be Kevin Durant, but the soon-to-be league MVP is impossible to deny. James' scoring is tough to match, but his passing ability is the lifeblood of Miami's attack. James is one of the most polarizing figures in sports but that doesn't hurt his All-NBA stock.
C: Dwight Howard, Magic
Whether you love or hate Howard at this point, he is still the best center in basketball. Despite his minimal effort and off-court antics, Howard is the league's biggest double-double threat and an intimidating presence on both ends of the floor. Maybe next year, Andrew Bynum.
Season Awards
MVP: LeBron James, Heat
James did not win the NBA's scoring title but he is the backbone of the Miami Heat. James has played with a chip on his shoulder this season and has turned in numerous superhuman efforts. His ability to create for his teammates is among the NBA's most underrated player traits.
James' name is coupled with whispers in every NBA circle at this point. He is the best player in basketball despite the heavy criticism.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
Irving wins this award in a landslide. Irving has injected optimism back into Cleveland's fan base with his dynamic abilities in the backcourt. Irving leads Cleveland in scoring and is a rising star in today's NBA. He will only improve as his supporting cast improves. For Irving, the sky is the limit.
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler, Knicks
Chandler is an intimidating defensive presence and a menace on the glass. He was known for his stalwart interior defense in Dallas and his role has not changed as a member of the New York Knicks. Chandler's 9.9 rebounds per game and one-plus block per game are vital to the Knicks' defense and their championship dreams.
Most Improved: Andrew Bynum, Lakers
Taking this award from Jeremy Lin will be tough, but Bynum deserves it. Bynum has gone from a player with potential to one of the NBA's budding superstars. Bynum is the main reason the Lakers are a relevant playoff team. He has given Los Angeles a viable threat in the paint and take some of the pressure off Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.
Bynum averages a double-double and blocks nearly two shots per contest, showcasing his presence on both ends of the court.
Sixth Man: James Harden, Thunder
This one isn't even close. Harden is the league's best bench player and would start for any other team in the NBA. Harden's 16.8 points per game adds an absurd punch to Oklahoma City's potent starting five. He is also a capable rebounder with developing passing ability. Harden understands how to create his own shot, and this award was created for players like him.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Bulls
Thibodeau has kept his Bulls atop the Eastern Conference despite Derrick Rose's frequent health issues. Thibodeau's team has bought into his team-first philosophy and it shows on the defensive end every single night. Rose is a legitimate superstar but Chicago wins games with average players, otherwise.
This award could easily go to Lionel Hollins, Gregg Popvich or Frank Vogel. Thibodeau's ability to coach through injuries to his best player gives him the edge.
