NBA: 2010-11 Award Predictions

As the NBA playoffs enter full swing, we must take the time out to award the players who shone brightest during the season.

The 2010-11 NBA regular season was arguably the most exciting season in recent memory. Moments ranged from LeBron James joining forces with Dwyane Wade in Miami to the Los Angeles Lakers trying to make one more run at a title to send Phil Jackson off to the sunset.

However, with these memories, there were a few players that stood out above the rest. So here are my predictions for the major NBA awards.

Most Valuable Player

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 07: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls moves against the Boston Celtics at United Center on April 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 97-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Prediction: Derrick Rose (G-Bulls)

As LeBron James left Cleveland for Miami, many expected Chicago to win the Central Division and be a dark horse in the East. However, no one expected that the Bulls would have an NBA-best 62-20 record and be a serious championship contender. Derrick Rose has been the constant for this team as Chicago dealt with injuries to Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, a new coach in Tom Thibodeau, and an adequate 2 guard. Rose raised his average to 25.0 points per game, while expanding his range on the floor with 128 made 3-pointers (he only ATTEMPTED 132 threes in his first two seasons). He, the team, and the city now hope he can lead the Bulls to their first title in the post-Jordan era.

Honorable Mention: Kobe Bryant (LAL), Dwight Howard (ORL), LeBron James (MIA), Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)

Defensive Player of the Year

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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 18: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic attempts to block the shot of Marreese Speights #16 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game at Amway Arena on December 18, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

Winner: Dwight Howard (C-Magic)

Actually more of a confirmation than a prediction, but choosing Howard for the third year in a row is a no-brainer. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Howard had the lowest defensive rating and accounted for more than 7.0 wins on defense alone over the past three years. If you want simpler stats, he had 9.7 defensive rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game this season. Great call for a definite game-changing big.

Actual Runner-ups: Kevin Garnett (BOS), Tyson Chandler (DAL), Tony Allen (MEM), Rajon Rondo (BOS)

Rookie of the Year

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes for a dunk over Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Celtics won 99-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

Prediction: Blake Griffin (F-Clippers)

This is another no-brainer here as Griffin dominated from start to finish after missing all of last season. Griffin made up for lost time after leading all rookies with 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Aside from his nightly highlight-reel dunks, he received a selection to the NBA All-Star Game—the first rookie to be selected by the coaches since 1998.

Honorable Mention: John Wall (WAS), DeMarcus Cousins (SAC), Greg Monroe (DET), Landry Fields (NY)

Most Improved Player

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves grabs the rebound before Marquis Daniels #8 of the Boston Celtics on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Prediction: Kevin Love (F-Timberwolves)

In his first two seasons, Love showed great potential in limited time. However, Love made the most out of his increased playing time by working on all aspects of his game. In addition to leading the NBA in rebounds, he made 41.7 percent of his 3-points and increased his scoring to 20.2 points per game. Also, one cannot forget the impressive 53-game double-double streak or the 31-point, 31-rebound performance against the Knicks on Nov. 12.

Honorable Mention: Eric Gordon (LAC), Dorell Wright (GS), LaMarcus Aldridge (POR), Derrick Rose (CHI)

Sixth Man of the Year

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against the San Antonio Spurs during the game at Staples Center on April 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Prediction: Lamar Odom (F-Lakers)

Possibly the toughest decision I have to make. Do I go with the “true” bench player in Jason Terry or do I go with the better sub in Lamar Odom? Odom wins out due to his 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Part of what makes a great sixth man is filling in when needed and Odom did that in his 35 starts. He increased those averages to 16.3 points and 10.2 rebounds while taking over for Andrew Bynum in the starting line-up. Had Odom started six or seven more games…it would be a different story.

Honorable Mention: Jason Terry (DAL), Jamal Crawford (ATL), Louis Williams (PHI), Glen Davis (BOS)

Coach of the Year

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls yells at his team during a game against the Orlando Magic at the United Center on December 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Magic defeated the Bulls 107-78. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Prediction: Tom Thibodeau (Bulls)

As the assistant coach for the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics, Thibodeau had a great defensive gameplan that made him very attractive to Chicago this past offseason. After guiding the team to 62 wins, it is safe to say that he is the coach of the year. The Bulls allowed the second-fewest amount of points per game, while winning 21 more games than the season before.

Honorable Mention: George Karl (DEN), Doug Collins (PHI), Gregg Popovich (SA), Monty Williams (NO)