Mid-season 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 “ mid-season” Lester Awards.

MVP—LeBron James
James has guided the Cavs to one of the best records in the league, and is 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%.  Kobe Bryant was also considered.

Rookie of the Year—Derrick Rose
Rose is second among rookies in scoring at 17.0 ppg, 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 per contest—quite a jump for a career 11.7 ppg guy.  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 season, Nene is averaging career highs of 14.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.  He’s missed just one game since the 2008-2009 started.

Sixth Man of the Year - Jason Terry
Terry has taken the sixth man job and ran with it for Dallas.  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 in the league.  Terry’s injury, however, has opened the door for San Antonio's 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 also helped Miami record the fifth-best FG percentage allowed, and 11th-best PPG 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 Nowitzki
Al Jefferson

NBA Third Team
Brandon Roy
Caron Butler
Pau Gasol
Chris Bosh 
Yao Ming

Those are my picks. What changes would you make?