2012 NBA Awards Races: Updated Winners and Predictions

Three awards down and three more to go!

Much has changed in the NBA since a week ago, as three individuals have been awarded titles of greatness. This includes decisions on who won Most Improved Player, Defensive Player and Coach of the Year.

As for what will happen with the rest of the picks, fear not. I've compiled a full breakdown of each individual award and what to expect of them.

Rookie of the Year

This one has been decided for quite some time now, but it's worth noting that other rookies have begun to make a name for themselves.

Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets is already establishing himself as one of the better rebounders in the NBA, while Isaiah Thomas brought a sense of life to a hopeless Kings team. Nevertheless, no one can touch what Kyrie Irving has been able to accomplish.

Irving's Player Efficiency Rating of 21.49 is great for any point guard, but astonishing for a rookie. His 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game are just icing on an already set cake.

A magnificent season will be rightfully rewarded.

Front-Runner: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Columnist Choice: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Other Candidates: Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets; Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento Kings

Most Improved Player of the Year

A year ago, Orlando Magic sharpshooter Ryan Anderson scored 10.6 points and grabbed 5.5 rebounds. In 2012, Anderson has proven that he has what it takes to make it at the NBA level by averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. That's been enough to win the 24-year-old the 2012 Most Improved Player of the Year award.

With great reward, however, almost always comes great debate.

While Anderson was a deserving selection, it's truly astonishing how many people overlooked Andrew Bynum and Nikola Pekovic. Both have been phenomenal in 2011, improving across the board.

Unfortunately, Anderson's establishment as a solid rebounder and deadly three-point shooter takes the prize home.

Winner: Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic (33 first-place votes, 260 total)

Columnist Choice: Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers (14, 101)

Other Notables Receiving Votes: Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee Bucks (21, 159); Nikola Pekovic (10, 104), Minnesota Timberwolves

Sixth Man of the Year

This is yet another award that has been done for quite some time, and rightfully so. James Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals while coming off of the bench, similar numbers to that of a great starter.

While Harden continues to struggle to place his name in the conversation of Oklahoma City's elite, his play has been just as pivotal. Upon potentially winning this award, stardom may finally hit James Harden.

Special consideration to Al Harrington of the Denver Nuggets, O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies and Lou Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Front-Runner: James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

Columnist Choice: James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

Other Candidates: Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets; O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies; Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers

Defensive Player of the Year

For the first time in NBA history, a member of the New York Knicks has taken home the Defensive Player of the Year award. Center Tyson Chandler changed the culture of the Knicks' defense, helping breed a new generation of Knickerbockers who bust their behinds on D.

While many fans were expecting to see Dwight Howard or do-it-all defender LeBron James take home the gold, it was the underdogs who rose above the competition. By rise above, of course, we mean escape by the thinnest of threads.

Tyson Chandler won by just 17 points, registering just four more first-place votes than Serge Ibaka. Nevertheless, a victory is a victory, and Chandler's Knicks will take one whenever they can find one.

Winner: Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks (45 first-place votes, 311 total)

Columnist Choice: Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

Notable Others Receiving Votes: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder (41, 294); Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (18, 186); LeBron James, Miami Heat (7, 112)

Coach of the Year

Many speculated who would walk home with the 2012 NBA Coach of the Year award, with Gregg Popovich and Tom Thibodeau going neck-and-neck. In the end, however, it was Popovich who walked home with the hardware.

Others who received votes were Frank Vogel of the Indiana Pacers and Lionel Hollins of the Memphis Grizzlies. While this is Popovich's day to shine, the young coaches coming up as Pop's reign one day comes to an end are worth keeping in mind.

Winner: Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs (77 first-place votes, 467 total)

Columnist Choice: Frank Vogel, Indiana Pacers (7, 161)

Notable Others Receiving Votes: Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls (27, 315); Lionel Hollins, Memphis Grizzlies (6, 50); Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics (1, 26)

Most Valuable Player

At this point in time, the award is as up for grabs as it has been in any season. Some believe LeBron James has walked away with the title, but Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker have all given reason as to why that's not the case. The question is, will their actions speak loud enough to prevent a third King James MVP ceremony?

I believe so.

Tony Parker has led his team to a marvelous season, in spite of early and mid-season injuries to key Spurs players. His passing and scoring inspire faith, but it's his role as both the catalyst and closer that gives him my selection.

Who do you have? Hit the comments section and let me know. 

Front-Runner: LeBron James, Miami Heat

Columnist Choice: Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Other Candidates: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder; Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers