Award Watch: Predicting Who Would Win Hypothetical NBA Postseason Awards

With the Conference semifinals upon us, the end of the 2012 NBA season is as close as it's ever been. Only the strongest teams remain and the players with the greatest will to win continue to survive. For survival, of course, there is a form of recognition worth noting.

While the NBA playoffs has never seen players crowned for the same individual awards as the regular season, it's worth asking: Who has been the best in each category thus far? Most importantly, who would win the postseason awards?

While  not officially recognized by the NBA, Bleacher Report has decided to pay dues to the best thus far. Maybe one day these will have value amongst the masses...

Postseason Rookie of the Year

Kenneth Faried was the most consistent player on the floor who does not go by the name of Kobe Bryant or Ty Lawson. Faried was also the young power forward who outperformed one of the league's elite, Pau Gasol, for six out of seven games.

Not too shabby for the rookie out of Morehead State.

Faried posted three double-doubles, two multi-block games and never grabbed less than seven rebounds in one game. He was also a major factor in JaVale McGee's success as he set screens and drew defenders out on a consistent basis to create lanes for his teammate. A mature, poised and, at times, dominant series from the rookie 4.

Columnist Choice: Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets

Postseason Statistics: 7 GP—27.4 MPG—10.4 PPG—10.0 RPG—1.4 BPG—53% FG

Fellow Candidates: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs; Lavoy Allen, Philadelphia 76ers

Postseason Most Improved Player of the Year

In 2011, Glen Davis averaged just 4.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.0 blocks and shot just 39 percent from the floor. In 2012, Davis put up 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 44 percent from the field.

A drastic improvement worth the recognition Davis is hypothetically receiving.

Although the Orlando Magic fell in five games to the favored Indiana Pacers, Big Baby made quite the statement. His versatility was on full display scoring in the post and from the perimeter. He also became a dominant rebounder, solid interior defender and talented without-the-ball player.

Columnist Choice: Glen Davis, Orlando Magic

Postseason Statistics: 5 GP—38.0 MPG—19.0 PPG—9.2 RPG—1.2 BPG

Other Candidates: Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers; Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets

Postseason Sixth Man of the Year

In the only repeat on this list, the 2012 Sixth Man of the Year has proven worthy of the honor by carrying over his regular season success to the postseason. Believe it or not, Harden has actually played better.

After averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game in the regular season, Harden has posted 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals in the postseason. In other words, the rich have gotten richer and the Thunder are thriving off of his success.

Columnist Choice: James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Statistics: 5 GP—18.0 PPG—4.8 RPG—3.6 APG—2.4 SPG—47% FG

Fellow Contenders: Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz; Andre Miller, Denver Nuggets

Postseason Coach of the Year

After Game 1 of the Indiana Pacers' first-round battle with the Orlando Magic, Frank Vogel's young squad had every reason to feel dejected. They had blown a 77-70 lead with 4:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, failing to score a single point the rest of the way as Orlando pulled off a shocking 81-77 upset—in Indiana.

Game 2 wasn't much prettier as the Orlando Magic controlled the pace for two-and-a-half quarters. With his team facing an 0-2 hole as the series shifted to Orlando, however, second-year coach Frank Vogel came up in a major way as he preached defense over everything. The Pacers responded, outscoring the Magic 41-26 after tying the game with 8:07 remaining in the third.

Since then, Indiana has overcome the Magic, nearly upset the Miami Heat and firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Credit is due to the players, but no one deserves more recognition than the man in charge: Frank Vogel.

Columnist Choice: Frank Vogel, Indiana Pacers

Fellow Candidates: Vinny Del Negro, Los Angeles Clippers; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Postseason Defensive Player of the Year

For this award it comes down to a battle between two of the league's premier centers: Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers and Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers. Upon evaluating each player's contributions and worthiness for the award, one man emerged behind the reasoning of consistency.

Andrew Bynum currently averages 12.5 rebounds, good for second amongst all postseason performers, and 3.63 blocks per game, good for first. He also boasts an impressive 2.42 block-to-foul ratio and an equally as eye-popping average of 16.4 rebounds per 48 minutes.

Roy Hibbert, meanwhile, has averaged 10.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. He's also boasting a block per 48 minutes average of 5.49 and a rebound per minute average of 17.8. The difference between Bynum and Hibbert, however, has been the fact that Hibbert has never failed to step up—Bynum, meanwhile, has been dominated by JaVale McGee.

A tough decision, but consistency is key. Bynum just hasn't done enough beyond the statistics.

Columnist Choice: Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers

Postseason Statistics: 11.4 PPG—10.9 RPG—3.3 BPG—17.8 Reb. per 48 Min.

Fellow Candidates: Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals MVP

With the 2012 NBA playoffs in full swing, only two outcomes remain in the NBA season: the crowning of an NBA champion and the recognition of the postseason's best player. Fortunately for NBA fans, Chris Bosh's recent injury opens the door for plenty of debate-worthy possibilities.

From Chris Paul's seven games of playoff resiliency to Tony Parker's four games of suave domination, there has been plenty to talk about. If we're hoping to evaluate the potential winner of this award though, it is important that their respective team is an NBA finalist. More specifically, the future NBA champions.

Welcome to the conversation Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook and Tony Parker. Yes, Russell Westbrook.

Due to the process of elimination, I am left with two names: Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook.

In a battle between elite point guards, the outcome of the series is the deciding factor. It's also a prediction for who will win the NBA title...

Columnist Choice: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Postseason Statistics: 15.0 PPG—12.7 APG—6.7 RPG—3.3 SPG—2 Triple-Doubles

Fellow Candidates: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers; LeBron James, Miami Heat; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder