NBA Awards After the First Quarter of the '08-09 Season

I know we’re only one quarter of the way through the 2008-09 NBA Season, but some glaring surprises headline the Season’s Awards so far.

MVP

LeBron James- Cleveland Cavaliers

Give this award according to what the honor actually says, Most Valuable Player. Whether you want to say “to his team” or “to the league,” LeBron stands out among the elite so far.

He’s most valuable to the Cavs. If you take LeBron away from the Cavs you have...well, Oklahoma City.

Sure, Mo Williams has provided somewhat of a relief for LeBron—but let’s be honest, it’s still a one-man show.

LeBron is also most valuable to the league right now. How does $170 million grab you? This is the current amount of sponsorship deals James has, according to Fortune Magazine.

His competition includes Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Chauncey Billips. I believe that Kobe is still the best all-around player on the planet, but LeBron is the most valuable. Take Kobe away from the Lakers and you still have a playoff team capable of even winning a first-round series. Same with Garnett.

Rookie of the Year

OJ Mayo - Memphis Grizzlies

This is a tough one. Many may say Derrick Rose and you really cannot argue with either choice, however, Mayo gets the nod for his scoring, consistency and durability.

Other considerations: None in serious contention.

Coach of the Year

Mike Woodson - Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have been the surprise team of the 2008-09 NBA season. Mike Woodson has proven to be a survivor in this ultimate age of: “What Have You Done For Me Lately”. A few months ago, Woodson didn’t know if he would even be given a contract. Last year’s showing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the eventual Champion Boston Celtics has energized the young team and a city thirsty for a winner.

Other considerations: Mike Brown of Cleveland could be seriously considered with the start the Cavs have accomplished—but anything less than a Finals appearance is considered a failure with LeBron and company.

Phil Jackson in LA has Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and an unlimited supply of resources to acquire players. They have the second-best record in the league—but second-best is also a major disappointment, I’m afraid.

Greg Popovich has done his best job in years holding down the fort with key injuries to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili but the nod has to go to Woodson. His Hawks are off to a 15-10 record despite an unfavorable schedule (14 road games) and injuries to key players.

Most Improved Player

Zach Randolph - Los Angeles Clippers

Escaping one circus (New York) and landing in another (Clipper Nation) has not affected Randolph at all this season. He has always been considered one of the premier low post scorers in the league but this year he is making a strong case for an All Star birth in the loaded Western Conference. Averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a surprising 37.6 minutes per game, Randolph is making the surging Clippers forget all about Eldon Brand.

Other considerations: Nene Hilario, Nate Robinson, Rajon Rondo and Mike Bibby.

Sixth Man of The Year

Jason Terry - Dallas Mavericks

Most people don’t even know that this guy is a sixth man. Jason Terry is averaging 21 points per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free throw line. He has accepted his role as the energizer for a Mavs team still trying to find their identity.

The emergence of Jose Barea as a starter and Rick Carlisle as the new coach has seemed to provide some sense of excitement to an otherwise disappointing last few months.

Other candidates: Nate Robinson, JR Smith, James Posey, and Joel Przybilla.

GM of the Year

Mark Warkentien/Rex Chapman - Denver Nuggets

What appeared to some as being an even trade turned out to be lopsided. The Nuggets' acquisition of Chauncey Billips has propelled Denver into one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The confidence they showed in Nene Halario as their center  also allowed Denver to trade Marcus Camby and free up money and acquire draft picks for the future.

Other candidates: Daryl Morey (Houston), Rick Sund (Atlanta), Larry Bird (Indiana).