Individual Awards for Each NBA Team
Every year, the NBA presents the most valuable player, the best defensive player, best coach, etc. to the best of that certain position. It's always an amazing honor, and the player is almost always rightfully deserving of this award.ย
But what this means is that only one player, evidently, is chosen for the position; the other players who were constantly, as an example, the best defensive player on the floor for their team merit recognition as well.ย
For obvious reasons, we left Coach, Rookie and Sixth Man of the year off this lists. But we will present you with the MVP, Defensive Player of Year and Most Improved of year for every NBA team.ย
Some will be fairly easy, as the NBA has already chosen the awards for us (who else could the Chicago Bulls MVP be?), yet someone will present a challenge and, most likely, differing views (Miami Heat, anyone?)
Thus, we hope to hear your comments on your different thoughts and opinions.
Enjoy
Bell Malley and Co.ย
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
MVP: Josh Smith
Though Joe Johnson comes away with the most money and Al Horford with an All-Star appearance, if you put the whole season into context, the most valuable player award has to be given to Josh Smith. Though on some nights he can do more for the other team than for his own, especially with his notion that his jump shot should be taken whenever possible, he's almost always the most energetic on the floor, and, when he drives, can be virtually unstoppable to stop. We saw just how good he could be offensively against the Magic in the first round, and at some points against the Bulls in the second, as he led his team to surprise victories. But, what makes him MVP even more than his offensive game is this next award...
DPOY: Josh Smith
Another reason that Josh Smith wins MVP, which by no means should be determined by the best offensive player, is because not many teams can claim to have perhaps the best offensive player and defensive player in the same guy. Night in and night out, in almost any given Hawks game, it is easily noticeable that the best player on the other team, sometimes no matter the height, is defended by Josh Smith. His athleticism permits him to block or rebound shots only imaginable by other players and allows him to guard any position if he wills himself to. J-Smoove should have been more talked about in the DPOY award league wide, but at least he gets recognition here.ย
MIP: Jeff Teague
I'll be honest. If only the regular season were in consideration, the Hawks really shouldn't hand any player the most improved player of year award. Most players stayed the same, some even degrading their games. For proof, look no further than a worsened record with almost the exact same roster.
But for the purpose of this slide, I will take playoffs into review and give Jeff Teague the award. It was obvious come playoff time that he deserved more than his 13.8 minutes a game numbers. He matched, or sometimes beat, Derrick Rose's ridiculous speed at times and held his own on both ends of the floor. Quite a feat against the most valuable player of the season.ย
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
MVP: Rajon Rondo
Though the Celtics original big three are still great players, the fourth wing has taken over has MVP of the team. If only Rondo improved his shot, he'd easily be in the conversation for best in the league. In the meantime, though, he remains the Celtics only true hope for the future after Garnett, Allen, and Pierce are gone. His passing ability is unbelievable, as he sees passes that perhaps only Nash or Chris Paul in the league could see as well. His rebounding skills are also inane for a point guard, regularly getting in the top three of this category for his team. Lastly, his defense landing him a place on the all defensive team, and was the best on his team, save for...
DPOY: Kevin Garnett
Though his offensive game has deeply been affected by age, Garnett is still a top three or four defensive player in the league. It's not only his defensive skill, though that is more than a formidable, but it his ability to get the whole team playing balls to walls on that end of the court. He is still the heart and soul of their defensive unit, and the team sorely missed him in games he couldn't play as much as this defensive leader.ย
MIP: Glen Davis
Evidently, on a team where the best players are as old as they are on the Celtics, a most improved player will prove hard to find. Yet, Glen Davis at times showed flashes of brilliances which even indicated that he could help run the future of the franchise with Rajon. His shot has steadily improved, as have his defensive skills. Furthermore, and I don't mean to be vulgar, he's finally learned to use that big ass of his to his advantage, constantly pushing opponents out the way with it.ย
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30
MVP: Stephen Jackson
This team really lacks in talent. Earlier, the obvious MVP would have been Gerald Wallace, but in a trade to clear up cap space, Michael Jordan gave him away. Thus, it has to be given to Stephen Jackson, really their only scoring threat and their only form of leadership on the court. Also, rumors have it that MJ is a big fan of his, which must amount to something.
DPOY: Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Thomas has yet to mature into the NBA player the Chicago Bulls thought he would be when he was picked in the lottery not too long ago, but his defensive ability has not faded. Thomas is one of the best shot blockers in the league, a rarity for players of his height. It must also be noted that whenever in, and this is playing along side veteran defender Stephen Jackson, Thomas will regularly find himself guarding the oppositions best wing player and even sometimes post player.
MIP: DJ Augustin
This season, Augustin finally demonstrated how valuable his speed could be at the professional level, and though he needs to develop for point guard instincts, his dribbling and drive are one of the best for his position. Augustin might be the only bright spot for the Bobcats at the moment, and their future might revolve around him. Next season could answer if he's up to the task.ย
Chicago Bulls
4 of 30
MVP: Derrick Rose
He was league MVP. That should be enough said. Derrick Rose has transformed his team into his own identity, making every teammate work 110 percent every single game. He goes in the game every time knowing that in the clutch, when the points matter, he's the only one on his team capable of taking over.ย
DPOY: Keith Bogans
In all fairness to either Rondo or Kobe, Bogans should have had one of those spots. Though his offensive game is indeed subpar and could actually be one of the reasons they don't win the championship, his defensive game is unquestioned. He's always in his guys face and isn't afraid to test the best of them. Though his stats may not blow you away, even on the defensive end, watch him defend his opponent and one thought pops in your mind: at least he's not defending me....
MIP: Derrick Rose
Yes, I know he won MVP. But Derrick Rose's improvement should be unquestioned. He went ย from a very good player, capable of carrying his team into the playoffs, to a player so good he won the MVP award in the regular season and could very have the finals most valuable player award in a month and a half. His jump shot has improved tremendously, and because of this, defenders have to keep it honest with him, meaning he has a much easier time getting to the hoop.ย
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30
MVP: Antawn Jamison
I'll admit that it was hard finding an MVP for a team with such a dismal record and with only one or two players who would even start for any other team in the league. But Jamison was one of the few players who kept his head high all season and also averaged 18 points and six rebounds as the only real leader on this ball club. Unfortunately for Jamison, he finds himself on a very bad team for the second time in three years. For his benefit, the club should trade him away as they start to try and rebuild around Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams.
DPOY: Anthonyย Parker
The only thing harder than finding an MVP for the Cavs was finding the best defensive player. All season, the Cavs were last, or near last, in defensive efficiency. Even with this, though, every team has a best defensive player, and in Cleveland's case, it was Anthony Parker. He has a knack for knocking away the ball and is always ready to guard the opponent's best perimeter player.
MIP: JJ Hickson
Hickson finally showed signs of promise of the potential the Cavaliers thought he had when, last season, he was the only player they refused to trade to the Wizards besides LeBron in a trade to receive Antawn Jamison. His rebounding skills have improved, as well as his post moves on both ends of the court.ย
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30
MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
For maybe the ninth or 10th year in a row, Dirk is Dallas' MVP. Though this is about the season and not the playoffs, it must be mentioned that this has never been more apparent than these playoffs, where Nowitzki single handedly carries his team in crunch time (erasing any myths that he's not clutch) and has already scored 40 points three times. If you look at Dallas' roster, they really shouldn't be where they are, but because of Dirk's almost unstoppable jump shot and unselfish team play, they are.
DPOY: Tyson Chandler
This is another no brainer. The reason Dallas could never win a championship all those years was because of their defense. Even at the beginning of this year, it seemed to be killing them. Then, Tyson Chandler came along and completely changed the team's defensive identity. He's a great shot blocker and, more importantly, as Dirk said so himself: he changed the whole team's mindset on that end of the court.
MIP: Peja Stojakovic
This is really a weird most improved player recepient. Because in his prime, Peja's game was much better than this. But last year, and the beginning of this year, he was so bad he prompted the Raptors, who had one of the worst rosters in the league, to drop him. Upon getting resigned with the Mavericks, he started showing signs of life, and by the end of the season, had once again become a deadly three point shooter and good passer.
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30
MVP: Nene
For the first time in as many years, Carmelo Anthony won't be the MVP for the Nuggets. After getting traded away, the Nuggets assembled many people only considered good supporting cast members and tried to make it into a team. If the MVP could be handed out to anyone, in all actuality, it would have to be given to George Karl. Yet, obviously, it has to be given to a player. Because of this, Nene deserves it for his great defensive and rebounding year, as well as his huge improvement in his outside offensive game.
DOPY: Kenyon Martin
Towards the end of the year, when everyone started to take notice of the Nuggets' resurgence without Carmelo, NBA.com had a piece on how Kenyon Martin was anchoring Denver's defense. And they were spot on. The former number 2 pick was the heart and soul of their defense, as well as their best rebounder and shot blocker. Definitely deserving of this award.
MIP: Ty Lawson
Though many people on the Nuggets showed signs of improvement, none was more remarkable than Ty Lawson. He managed to adapt his game to the NBA, quickly becoming one of the faster and more agile point guards in the league. He kept the team in sync after a giant trade as starting point guard, which is an accomplishment for any player no matter their credentials.
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
MVP: Rodney Stuckey
Pistons are yet another team not truly having a player deserving of this award, but in this scenario, it would have to be given to Rodney Stuckey. He was their best passer their whole season and best scorer at times and remained one of the only positive assets on the most unorganized and trouble making teams in the NBA.
DPOY: Ben Wallace
Former three time Defensive Player of the Year recepient, "Big Ben" has obviously lost a step or two. Yet, he remains a very good shot blocker and on ball defender and constantly defends players three or four inches taller than him to near perfection.
MIP: Austin Daye
I don't really know much about Austin Daye, but I couldn't disagree with his big leap in statistics, so had to give him this honor.
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30
MVP: Stephon Curry
Curry and Monta Ellis are both extremely talented offensive players. Curry gets the nod here because he is a lot more valuable to the franchise, he is probably the only guy they don't want to get rid of. Ellis is older and less open-minded than Curry about improving the rest of his game. Curry has always been a lights-out shooter, but it is easy to see that he worked hard to improve the rest of his game, most notably his passing. This makes him the player that the Warriors would rather keep.ย
DPOY: None
Keith Smart was brought in to institute a new defensive-minded approach (or at least for them to play some); that plan failed. Miserably. How can a team that plays no defense have a top defensive player? No player hustles back; they just sick back and watch.
MIP: Dorell Wright
Overnight, Dorell Wright became one of the top three point shooters of the season. He went from taking 157 to a league-leading 516. If he starts becoming more than a one-dimensional player, he will help improve the Warriors and might even make one or two all-star teams.ย
Houston Rockets
10 of 30
MVP: Luis Scola
Scola had a tremendous year for the struggling Rockets. He put up solid averages of 18.3 points and 8.2 boards a night. The most obvious improvement was Scola's confidence in his shot. When the Rockets needed a big shot, they usually turn to him; and he rarely disappointed. This is a quality Houston will never want to lose.
DPOY: Luis Scola
Houston plays great team defense and doesn't have very many great one-on-one defenders. However, Scola takes on the role of taking the best down-low players. He is always working hard and hustling back. He isn't very strong or quick, but his determination helps him slow down anybody.
MIP: Chuck Hayes
Hayes was always a terrible offensive player. When he was on the court, it used to seem that the Rockets were in a 4-on-5 type situation. However, this season he added some good moves on offense to accompany his always solid defense and rebounding. His scoring average jumped from 4.4 to 8 and his rebounding also improved vastly.ย
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
MVP: Danny Granger
The Pacers showed big improvements this season, and a lot of the credit goes to Granger. He added getting to the basket to his arsenal instead of just throwing up threes. Although there have been some trade rumors swirling around, the other team will most definitely have to pay a hefty price.ย
DOPY: Roy Hibbertย
Hibbert anchors a solid and vastly improved Pacers D. He is huge (7'2", 278 LBS), and it is tough for any player to get in the paint against him. He has great jumping ability for a man his size and averaged 1.9 BPG. His foot quickness is a very underrated aspect of his defensive ability.
MIP: Josh McRoberts
McRoberts was heralded as a rookie out of Duke, but injuries derailed his career, first in Portland and then Indiana. However, this season he averaged a solid seven points and five rebounds. In the playoffs, he played very good defense and forced Carlos Boozer into tough shots, as he limited the All-Star to only 10 points a game. Although he will never live up to the hype, McRobert can one day be a valuable piece on a championship contender.
Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30
MVP: Blake Griffin
Rookie of the year Blake Griffin was also the Clippers most valuable player, and was there really ever any doubt? He sparked life into a franchise that hadn't seen anything special since perhaps 2006. Sure, his dunks were the cover of at least eight different magazines, but underrated is the rest of his offensive game. His jump shot has steadily improved over the season, and for a big man, he possesses incredible dribbling skill and court vision.
And...
DPOY: Blake Griffin
Yes, Blake Griffin is also an excellent defender. His jumping ablility evidently helps his blocking ability, but his quick hands help him a lot, as he can steal the ball from slower, but sometimes more powerful, opponents. For a rookie, being the MVP and DPOY for a team is quite an accomplishment and the beginning of what should be an amazing career.ย
MIP: Eric Gordon
Gordon's breakthrough year came in 2009-10. However, he played a lot better in 10-11. He gained experience by playing for Team USA in Turkey. Then, the Clippers found the perfect player to draw all the defenses attention: Blake Griffin. This freed up Gordon to get the looks he's always desired, and he was up to the task, averaging 22.3 points, up from 17 last season. The duo of Griffin and Gordon will be one to be reckoned with for years to come.ย
Los Angeles Lakers
13 of 30
MVP: Kobe Bryant
Another fairly obvious choice. Kobe is his team's best scorer by far, and also, save streaks by Lamar Odom, his team's best passer. Also, much like D-Rose, he makes his team conform to what he wants. Kobe wants it so bad, that it makes his teammates want it that bad too. Yes, I didn't forget that they got swept in the second round by the Mavericks, but Bryant almost regularly brought his, and his teammates', A games.ย
DPOY: Tie: Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum
This will be our only tie for DPOY, but a well deserved one. Here's why: Bryant was the one named to the All Defensive team and is his team's best off ball defender, Ron Artest is the one generally assigned to the oppositions best perimeter player and is the team's best on ball defender, while Bynum is the trigger to everything, as he is the most imposing post presence and is the defensive influence of the team.
MIP: Shannon Brown
The Lakers didn't really improve too much at all this year. But for a long time, they wanted a spark off the bench besides Lamar Odom. Brown has definitely provided that spark this season. His fast break dunks always give LA energy, and he gets to the rim with as much ease as anyone else on his team.
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30
MVP: Zach Randolph
It was never a secret that Zach Randolph had the talent, but it also wasn't a secret that his attitude problems were holding him back. Memphis, though, took a gamble on him, and he finally allowed his play to do the talking rather than his often inappropriate mouth. In the playoffs, the country finally got to see his play, and suffice to say, he surprised all with his knock down shot and "sexy" spin move.ย
DPOY: Tony Allen
Though this team could have potentially also had a tie in this category, between Shane Battier and Tony Allen, Tony ultimately came on top. Though he's not as smart, he's a much better physical defender and his plus/minus which, yes, does matter, was off the charts against the league's best players. Really deserved a place on the All-Defensive team.ย
MIP: Mike Conleyย
As a whole, Memphis was the most improved team in the NBA. While it is tough to pick only one player, Conely finally showed up as the player the Grizzlies thought he would when they picked him fourth in 2007. He put up very good averages of 13 points and six dimes. Although much of the credit can go to an improved supporting cast, nothing can be taken away from Conley's outstanding year.
Miami Heat
15 of 30
MVP: LeBron James
Almost as close as it gets; at times, LeBron was more valuable, and at times, Dwyane. Yet, in the long season, James proved all the slightly more valuable. His passing game is much better, and the improvement of his shot ultimately puts him on top. Though this team would evidently still be good without him, LBJ is the main reason they are in the realistic realm of the title.ย
DPOY: LeBron James
Another close call, this one between James, Wade and Joel Anthony. But James generally guards the oppositions best player rather than Wade, and his shot blocking ability is rivaled by no one except for Dwight Howard. Furthermore, it puts a fear into the opposition's head knowing that if LeBron steals the ball, it will undoubtedly end in a crowd-pleasing dunk.ย
MIP: Joel Anthony
When Udonis Haslem went down injured early in the year, many analysts were not sure who would step up. Joel Anthony did. Although he is not much of an offensive player, his defense and rebounding were just what Miami lacked. He has been tough throughout these playoffs, even against the likes of Elton Brand and Kevin Garnett.
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30
MVP: Brandon Jennings
Jennings was pictured to lead the Bucks back onto the NBA map. However, he showed bad discipline issues and did not want to pass the ball. He has tons of talent, and even though rumors say the Bucks are looking to deal him away, I doubt it. His lackluster season might have been just a sophmore slump, and if the Bucks keep developing him, he will one day turn them around into a good team.
DPOY: Andrew Bogut
The Bucks' defense was very, very impressive this past season. They let in the third least pointsโand a lot of that can be credited to Bogut. He struggled offensively, but that defensive stat is very impressive. They have no known lockdown perimeter defender, but any visitor to the paint was greeted by Bogut's league-leading 2.88 blocks per game.
MIP: None
The Bucks got worse overall, and consequently, so did all their players. No one on the team seemed to have worked during the offseason, as every player descended from last year's production.ย
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30
MVP: Kevin Love
On a team this bad, it's not that hard to be MVP, but still...Kevin Love was impressive. His numbers were through the roof, leading the league in double doubles and rebounds per game. Not only that, he is one of the few big men in the league capable of scoring at ease in the post and still being able to knock down a three or far two on the next position.ย
Also, that 30-30 game is ridiculous to say the least.
DPOY: Kevin Love
Though Love may not be the greatest on ball defender, to average almost 16 rebounds a game, most which are obviously on the defensive end, merits some DPOY credit. Also, the rest of his team sort of sucks at defense, making him a clear lock.
MIP: Kevin Love
Kevin Love won the MIP for the whole league, and on a team filled with subpar players, he obviously takes it again. While he has always been a good player, this year, he made the jump into the elite group. He led the league in rebounds and scored much more easily this season. Don't be surprised if Love continues this very remarkable jump.ย
OUR FIRST CLEAN SWEEP!
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30
MVP: Deron Williams
Though he didn't play many games for the Nets, Deron Williams was far and away the most valuable player to suit up in a Nets uniform this season. Their record, even after losing two talented players in the trade, became much better when D-Will came, and he put what could have been a D-League roster into sync.
DPOY: Kris Humphries
Much like just stated about Kevin Love, Humphries wins this award more for his amazing rebounding ability than for his own ball defense (I went to one Nets game this year and came away blown away by how many rebounds Humphries seemed to get). But, Kris did hold his own against some of the best this year, as his blocking ability proved to be much better than expected.
MIP: Kris Humphries
Entering the year, Humphries was a virtual no-name. However, his rebounding has greatly improved and his scoring also took a big leap. The Nets gave up some valuable money to be able to re-sign the quickly improving Humphries.
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30
MVP: Chris Paul
This is a fairly obvious choice. On what many considered one very injured leg, Paul carried his team to a very over achieving regular season, a six round series against the defending champs and many games without his sidekick and second best player in David West. Paul's explosion wasn't what it used to be this season, but he grew in maturity, and his court vision still ranks as the best in the league.ย
DPOY: Chris Paul
For all the talk about his offensive ability, what is sometimes overlooked is Paul's defensive ability. Though it is true that he is one of the dirtiest defenders in the league, Chris Paul is also the one of the NBA's best thieves in the league and gave Kobe Bryant (who is approximately five inches taller than he is) trouble whenever Ariza took a seat on the bench.ย
MIP: Marco Belinelli
Belinelli finally showed that he is a great three point shooter after struggling throughout his first three seasons. After the Peja Stojakovic experiment failed, the Hornets might have finally found the perfect spot-up shooter to complement Chris Paul. If the Hornets are going to keep Paul, the supporting cast must step up. If Belinelli has another career year, Paul might have a bright future in the big easy.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
MVP: Amare Stoudemire
Though the Knicks ultimately made the right decision in bringing Anthony, what is now overlooked is that Amare was constantly in MVP chatter before the trade. He was playing the best ball in his life, and adding the jump shot to his arsenal made his whole game stronger. Even more, though, was that he stopped being a "ball stopper" and learned to trust his teammates more, inevitably making his team better.
DOPY: Landry Fields
Fields was the biggest steal of the 2010 draft. He was very consistent and the best rebounding guard from last year's class. The Knicks have quite a few players on their roster who won't play defense, but Fields isn't one of them. Every single game, you will see Fields matching up against the opposing team's best perimeter player. Since he is only a rookie, you can expect to continue to see great improvements.
MIP: Shawne Williams
Williams was a solid sixth man for the Knicks this year. In his first year as a regular, he averaged seven points and four rebounds. He made all 11 of his starts after the all-star break and provided consistently when given the opportunity. With New York thin on depth, it will be key to keep developing Williams.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
MVP: Kevin Durant
Any favorite for the actual MVP award should almost always be the most valuable player of their given team. Although Durant as an amazing sidekick, who a few may even argue is as good as Durant himself, Kevin was the most dangerous player on the floor for the Thunder at almost all times. He is the best scorer in the league right now, but is also a very willing passer.
DPOY: Serge Ibaka
Ibaka was raw material last year, but this year showed just how important is defense can be to this unit. He has almost unheard of shot blocking ability, as well as rebounding. Yet, he is also a very good on ball defender, as we see that even with Perkins in the line up is told to defend the other team's best post presence, as we saw with the great job he did against Zach Randolph.ย
MIP: Serge Ibaka
Over the course of one year, Ibaka transformed from a raw player with tremendous athleticism to a great defender and a solid contributor on offense. His ridiculous jumping ability saw him finish third in the league in blocks, and he averaged a career-best 10 points. He will definitely contribute greatly in the Thunder's hunt for hardware in the future.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
MVP: Dwight Howard
For the first time this season, Dwight explored how dominant he can become on the offensive end as well. He was their first option in almost every single scenario. His post moves, as aided by Olajuwon, were greatly improved. But, as we were about to see, it is his defensive presence that earns him this spot more than his offensive game.ย
DPOY: Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard became one of three players ever to win Defensive Player of the Year Award for three straight years and was deserving of all three of them. He is one of the best on ball defenders in the league, if not the best, and the best shot blocker. He is also the leagues second best rebounder. These things add up, making him DPOY...again.ย
MIP: Ryan Anderson
Dwight Howard has always had great three ball shooters around him. This year, everybody decided it was time to go cold. Except one person. Ryan Anderson had a great year launching from beyond the ark. Although he had spurts of cold shooting, when he was open, Orlando was almost guaranteed three points. If Orlando hopes to keep Howard, Anderson and the others must keep hitting after Dwight gets doubled.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
MVP: Andre Igoudala
Igoudala did a wonderful job leading the much-improved Sixers. He became one of the best all-around players in the league; scoring, rebounding, passing and playing good defense. The Sixers were able to lock him up to a long-term deal, so they will be trying to surround him with better role players
DPOY: Andre Igoudala
Igoudala is one of the most underrated players defensively in league. He has quick feet and is very good at forcing turnover. His great jumping ability helps him greatly in blocking shots, and he has developed more patience so that he doesn't go after steal or every block anymore.
MIP: Jrue Holiday
Many people questioned Doug Collins' decision to hand Jrue Holiday the reigns to his offense in the summer. Holiday rewarded him and proved his critics wrong by coming through with a near all-star season. He averaged 14 points and 6.5 assists and torched opposing defenses with his remarkable speed. With young, improving players to accompany Holiday, the Sixers are ready to take the league by storm.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
MVP: Steve Nash
How obvious was this one? Nash has been the Suns MVP ever since he arrived in Phoenix. With his supporting cast weaker than ever this season, Nash had to step it up. Nash played well, but not quite well enough to lead Phoenix into the playoffs. Although Phoenix might be quietly shopping their best player, Nash's value to his team can never be argued.
DPOY: Marcin Gortat
One part of the Vince Carter deal helped out the Suns. Receiving Marcin Gortat. Gortat is a hard-nosed big man who goes after every 50-50 ball. He is one of the league's best hustle players and rotates beautifully, which helps a weak perimeter defense.ย
MIP: Marcin Gortat
As mentioned above, the Pole is a good defensive presence. However, when he joined the Suns from Orlando and earned more quality minutes, his scoring jumped from six to 13 points. He mid-range jumpshot just keeps on improving, as do his inside moves. With Phoenix sure to rebuild, Gortat is a piece they'll want to hold on to.
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
MVP: LaMarcus Aldridge
In his first year as the main man in Portland, Aldridge did a wonderful job. With former star Brandon Roy stuck to the bench due to injury most of the year, Aldridge took control of the Blazers O. He developed a very sold mid-range jumper and continues to add bulk to his frame. With Portland looking to be in the thick of things in the near future, Aldridge will need to keep up the high level of play.
DPOY: Marcus Camby
While Camby struggled greatly on the offensive end, he didn't miss a beat on the other end of the court. He averaged nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks in only 27 minutes of play during the season. With injuries and a trade depleting the big man corps, Camby, who started as the se
MIP: LaMarcus Aldridge
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
MVP: Tyreke Evans
Evans took a gigantic leap backward from his rookie season, but some of this can be attributed to his injuries. Tyreke would largely benefit from a coaching change, as this team has too much talent and potential to be flirting with the league's worst record. Evans is still a triple threat (shooter, driver, passer), but his natural position is looking more and more like shooting guard. 'Reke has too much talent not to succeed in this league.ย
DPOY: Samuel Dalembert
Even a very, very bad defensive team has a DPOY. Newcomer Dalembert is this player. He's been a
shot blocker since his first days in the league, and this hasn't changed even in the latter years of his career.
Furthermore, he was their only real defensive presence all season and was extremely vocal on that end of
the court.
MIP: Marcus Thornton
Although I rarely watch Kings games since they are never on national TV, I have begun accustomed to seeing Marcus Thrornton on SportsCenter. He has developed a deadly three point shot and has been the Kings' most consistent player since arriving from New Orleans in a deadline-deal. He and Evans will be the keys for Sacramento to be relevant again.ย
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
MVP: Manu Ginobili
For the first time since the Duncan era, in my opinion, a player not nicknamed the "Big Fundamental" was not only the most valuable for team, but also the most reliable. This player was Manu Ginobili. Long one of my least favorite players for his flopping, Manu had his career year this season, as he led the team in scoring and became an exceptional defender. Most valuable player on the second best regular season team in the league should evidently be recognized.ย
DPOY: Tim Duncan
Though he lost his position as Spurs MVP, Duncan is still the Spurs best defensive player. It's not as much his man on man or his intensity, but rather his smarts and communication that benefits the Spurs the most on that end of the court. Watch a Spurs game this season, and watch how he's always talking on defense, and boxing out to almost perfection.ย
MIP: DeJuan Blair
Although the Spurs had an improved record, not too many of their players improved individually. DeJaun Blair's stats didn't take too much of a leap from his rookie campaign; his contributions did. The Spurs were able to get someone who get put the ball in the hoop from post besides Tim Duncan, and even with no ACLs, Blair is an athletic player. While the entire Spurs team is aging, and the rebuilding project has started. Blair is at the center of it.ย
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
MVP: DeMar Derozan
DeMar Derozan was a rare bright spot in a otherwise very dark season in Canada. He continued to add more and more to his game, and he now has everything besides passing the ball. He is one of the best dunkers, and with his jumper and moves to get to the rim improving, he is bound to become a star.
DPOY: Reggie Evans
While Evans is not a great defender, he is a outstanding rebounder. On a team where seeing defense played is a rarity, this rebound machine takes the award. It is obvious, however, that Evans concentrates more on his defense, as I rarely see him shoot the ball at all for Toronto.
MIP: Demar Derozan
This was a tough call between Derozan and Evans, but I give the second year player the nod. He played with intensity, which is seldom seen on a team with such a bad record, and you can see it in him that he wants to win. Last year, he was lazy, but now he wants contenders to take notice of him, so he decided to take off. Last year, he was considered a decent rookie, but now he is almost prepared to make a leap into the league's elite. With Derozan almost surely wanting out, the Raptors need to do everything in their will to keep him.
Utah Jazz
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MVP: Paul Millsap
Millsap was very valuable in keeping a rebuilding Jazz team decent. He added a solid inside and outside shot and added some muscle to his frame. On a team heavy with big men, he remains their most important. They should add more pieces to the team to keep him in town for a long time.
DPOY: Andrei Kirilenko
Kirilenko, who used to be one of the top defenders in the L, had a bounce-back year after a lackluster 2009-10. He started blocking shots again and is perhaps their best defender on both the outside and the in. With Kirilenko on the decline offensively, his defense keeps him as a good player in this league.
MIP: Paul Millsap
Millsap was the favorite to win the MIP until Kevin Love happened. He improved every aspect of his game. He was the team's leader for the second half of the year and led them in scoring and rebounding. A year after being a sixth-man, he had to become the face of the franchise after the departures of Boozer and Deron Williams. He is an improved and underrated passer, as well as a solid defender. The Jazz front office hope the rest of his blooming happens in Utah.ย
Washington Wizards
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MVP: John Wall
Wall has the role of face of the franchise as a 19-year-old rookie. By looking at his supporting cast, you must say he did a good job. By no means was he a perfect floor general, but he did everything: scored, passed, rebounded and getting steals. With an improved cast sure to greet him next season, Wall and the Wizards can improve again.
DPOY: Javale McGee
If McGee learns how to not jump at every pump- fake, he can be an unbelievable defender. His ridiculous ups and athleticism helps him be one of the top shot-blocker in the game. He also had improved his rebounding and foot speed to stick with quicker people. He will hope to anchor a good Wiz D in the near future.
MIP: Javale McGee
Along with his problem at jumping at everything, he also likes to dribble down the court too much. However, he really polished his offensive game, adding a lot of muscle. His game should keep on improving with John Wall tossing him alley-oops and looking for him in transition. These two should prove a good duo for Washington moving forward.
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