Midseason NBA Lester Awards

The season is more than half over, but with the break in the action that the NBA All-Star Game has afforded us, I’ll take the time to hand out my midseason Lester Awards.

MVP—LeBron James

LeBron has guided the Cavs to one of the best records in the league by averaging 28.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He’s even improved his free-throw shooting to 77.5 percent. Kobe Bryant was also considered.

Rookie of the Year—Derrick Rose

Rose is second among rookies in scoring at 17.0 and first with 6.3 assists. He’s grabbing 3.6 boards a game as well. He’s been every bit as good as advertised. O.J. Mayo is a close second. Russell Westbrook and Brook Lopez are in the conversation.

Most Improved—Devin Harris

Harris has flourished as the Nets' starting point guard. He’s averaging career bests of 21.8 points and 6.5 assists. Quite a jump for a career average of 11.7 points. Rajon Rondo has improved quite a bit, but I think he is more of a young player coming into his own.

Comeback Player of the Year—Nene Hilario

After playing just 16 games last year, Nene is averaging career highs of 14.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He’s missed just one game this year.

Sixth Man of the Year—Jason Terry

Terry has taken the sixth man job for Dallas and ran with it. He was averaging 19.9 points, 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals before breaking his finger. To this point, though, he’s been the best sixth man. Terry’s injury has opened the door for Manu Ginobili.

Defensive Player of the Year—Dwyane Wade

Wade is third in steals with 2.1 per game and is averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He’s helped Miami record the fifth best field goal percentage allowed and 11th best points per game allowed.

Coach of the Year—Phil Jackson

Phil has the Lakers off to the best start in the league. They are getting better play from their reserves and haven’t missed a stride since losing Andrew Bynum to a knee injury.

NBA First Team

Chris Paul
Dwayne Wade
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Dwight Howard
 

NBA Second Team

Kevin Durant
Danny Granger
Tim Duncan  
Dirk Nowitki
Al Jefferson

NBA Third Team

Brandon Roy
Caron Butler
Pau Gasol
Chris Bosh 
Yao Ming

Those are my picks. What changes would you make?