2009-2010 Regular Season NBA Awards
By Jon Pastuszek
Tue, 04/13/2010 - 10:10pm
The NBA season is wrapping up, which means one thing:
NBA Awards!
With no introduction needed, let's get right to it.
MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron JamesSimply, there is nobody more important to his team, fans or city than James. Due in all part to the King’s all-around magnificence, the Cavs have won 60 games for the second consecutive season and are considered a prohibitive favorite in June. Scoring the ball with more consistency from midrange and passing better than ever before, LBJ has no peer. And unbelievably, nor does he have an All-Star teammate. Very rarely – four times in the last 20 years to beexact (New York in ’93, San Antonio in ’95 and ‘03 and Dallas in ’06) -- do 60 win teams have only one All-Star. The Cavs’success is completely dependent on their star, and luckily for everyoneinvolved, LeBron is completely capable of shouldering that load. We knew that already.
But, what some don’t know is if Chris Bosh wasn’t out injured for the All-Star game last year, Mo Williams would never have played in Phoenix. And keeping that in mind, the Cavs have 127 combined wins over the last two years without a legitimate All-Star running alongside Akron’s finest. By doing everything at a supremely high level, James is able to transform a supporting cast of role players into an elite team. That’s how good LeBron is. .
Dwight Howard, the MVP of the League on the defensive end, wins out in a tight race for second, just nudging out League scoring champ and centerpiece of the darling Thunder, Kevin Durant. As indispensable as both are to their respective teams, Howard is playing the best two-way ball of his life on a legitimate title contender. Dwyane Wade's torrential final third of the year jumps him past the worn down Kobe Bryant, whose long list of injuries and diminished shooting percentages have made him legitimately guardable for the first time since this millennium.The Ballot:
1. James
2. Howard
3. Durant
4. Wade
5. Bryant
6th Man of the Year: Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamal Crawford's sheer volume of points down in Atlanta are more visible. Jason Terry's confidence and consistent offense off the bench in Dallas are more noticeable. And both are certainly more entertaining to watch.
Yet, neither are as important to the cause as Varejao, whose non-stop energy, improved touch around the rim, and all-around defense in pick-and-roll, individual post-up and helpside defense situations have frustrated opposing teams all year and vindicated GM Danny Ferry for giving the flopping Brazilian a five year extension last summer.
It sounds crazy, but Andy is the Cavs’ second best player, despite limited athleticism and never having a play called for him. Hair aside, he’s a novelty: A highly valuable defensive big man who doesn’t move well laterally or block shots. On offense he doesn’t shoot the ball well and he has no post moves. Yet for all of his faults, Varejao is the most effective bench player in the league. On the best team in the league, he features in nine of Cleveland’s top ten units in plus/minus. It’s tough to accurately measure intangibles statistically, which is why relying solely on numbers is something that should only be left to baseball. But, when we watch Wild Thing with our eyes, we know his annoying, endless enthusiasm for the little things make the difference for the Cavs.
Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City ThunderThe Thunder were somewhat of a trendy pick to make thePlayoffs pre-season, but even the biggest of OKC believers couldn’t haveexpected this: a 27 win improvement, 50 wins and a shot (as of Monday, atleast) to get the 6th seed in the uber competitive WesternConference.No doubt, Brooks has ridden an unbelievable Durant on offense, but it's on the defensive end where the second year head coach has done his most important work. The Thunder are a top ten team in defensive efficiency, and fifth in rebounding differential, yet have a rotation that features five players under the age of 23. And anyone who has watched as little as five minutes of the Thunder knows, this team absolutely loves playing with each other.Shout outs to Nate McMillan, who gets points for not only enduring a rash of injuries to his roster, but also coaching through a torn Achilles he sustained while filling in during practice, Scott Skiles for maximizing the Bucks, Alvin Gentry for resurrecting the Suns and Jerry Sloan for finding new ways to make the Jazz stay consistently relevant.
Rookie of the Year: Tyreke Evans, Sacramento KingsOther than Brandon Jennings’ brief claim on the award for best rook in November and part of December, this has been the year for Reke-ing Havoc. He’s already second behind LeBron finishing at the rack and his 20-5-5 line puts him fourth behind Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and James as the only rookie to have accomplished such well rounded numbers. Yes, Stephen Curry is a much better point guard than I anticipated and his high percentages in Golden State are enough to allow me to somewhat ignore the fact that he plays in Golden State. Brandon Jennings’ capacity to run the show for a Playoff bound Bucks squad is also worthy of a hat-tip, all clangers aside. But, the rule is: When you’re in the company of three of the best to ever play the game, you’re the best rookie in your class. Tyreke is the pick.With the ROY race not in any doubt, the real question is: Do the Thunder regret their decision drafting James Harden over Evans?
Rookie of the Year Evans may be. But, 50 wins, a great young core and a roster that loves playing together suggests that Sam Presti will happily take what he's got. Harden isn't the the most talented first year player, but he fits very well with what the Thunder do on offense, which is getting Durant the ball and filling in around him. ‘Reke is a known ball-stopper and a poor spot shooter and it is unclear whether he'd be able to change his game up in order to contribute as a complimentary player.
It's a question that is sure to rage on as Evans undoubtedly gets better through the year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
As much as I find it boring to hand out two repeat winners, I must defer to truth. Every fiber of my body wants to hand out this award to the Bobcats' tireless Gerald Wallace, who at an extremely average height of 6-7 has managed to slap up 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks and 41.3 minutes per game for the League's second best defensive team. Whether it's doing the dirty work down low out of necessity, or guarding opponents' best perimeter player, Crash has done it all while playing the most games and minutes of his career.
Trust me, I want to do it.
But, I can't. Not when Superman is flying around the rim, leading the league in rebounds and blocked shots for the second year in a row. It may seem like been there done that for Howard, but it's the only the first time in league history somebody has lead the league in those two categories. Orlando is the League's best in terms of defensive efficiency and it's because of their man in the middle. His mere presence alone covers for shoddy individual defenders like Rashard Lewis, J.J. Redick and Vince Carter, and his rebounding limits opponents' second chances. Everything Orlando does on the defensive end revolves around Howard, and thus, he can't be overlooked, boring as it is.
Josh Smith's commitment to becoming smarter on defense and Thabo Sefolosha's emergence as one of the league's best perimeter defenders are duly noted, and Varejao's non-stop hustle and annoying-ness get some recognition as well.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
When Yao Ming went down for the year with a foot fracture, the Rockets needed somebody to step up and become the team's star player. All systems pointed at Brooks, leader of the newest breed of post-rule change point guards. Undersized, very fast and accurate from deep with very little conscience, Brooks has become Houston's best player, averaging career highs in minutes, points, field goal percentage, three point percentage and steals.
At a generously listed 6 feet, 160 pounds, Brooks has had to adapt and improve his game in order to survive and thrive as a waterbug guard. The career best in shooting percentages is highlighted by the fact that he's nearly doubled his attempts from last year, which means he's become more efficient as he's become more focal in the offense.
Josh Smith came in second for administering a level of three-point self-control never before seen in the 6th year forward and becoming a much more heady defensive player. Marc Gasol has quietly dismissed widespread accusations that Mitch Kupchak robbed the Grizzlies blind and Corey Brewer also gets some ink for not sucking anymore.
Line of the Year: Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers (1/30 @ Dallas 52 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals)
55 is more than 52, and by that logic, Brandon Jennings' double nickel against Golden State in November should be the better line, right?
Not so fast. Incredible as it was to watch the much doubted subject of European experimentation go off in the second half, it's the Warriors. Many of Young Buck's points came from wide open pull-up threes, most of which were off ball screens that the Dubs neglected to defend.
Miller's 52 points ultimately come across as more impressive. First, it was done in Dallas, against an above average defensive team. Second, Miller went to the line only eight times (making seven) and shot one three (which he made). The rest came the hard way - on midrange jumpers and drives to the hoop. Last, it's Andre frickin' Miller!!! He shoots set shots! He's always been a crafty, shifty point guard who relies on post ups, getting to the line and tossing in unconventional runners near the rim, but he has never had a reputation as a volume scorer. In fact, in nine seasons previous to this year, Miller had never eclipsed the 40 point mark.
And achieved at 33 years of age, Miller joins Karl Malone as the only qualified NBA senior citizen to score over 50 points in a game since 86-87 (the earliest year basketball-reference.com tracks boxes scores).
Brandon Jennings' 55 point explosion against the Warriors in November was also very much in the running, as was LeBron's stat-sheet stuffing, fantasy league dominating 43-13-15-4-2 masterpiece against the Nuggets in December. But, the eye rubbing, jaw dropping reaction of Miller's out of nowhere explosion gives it the advantage over the rest.
Dunk of the Year: Dwayne Wade on Anderson Varejao
Before crying out in support of another dunk, know that I have certain stipulations when awarding the year's best throwdown.
1. Unless said dunker is considerably shorter than said poster, dunks on little dudes don't count. Sorry, Derrick Rose and Corey Brewer.
2. Dunks must have happened in a 09-10 NBA game. Dunks performed in dunk contests don't count either. Step aside Nate Robinson and Air Up There.
3. Dunking over a teammate puts you out of the running as well, Shannon Brown.
4. Dunks thrown down after the whistle, no matter how awesome, are automatically disqualifed. Maybe next year, LeBron.
That leaves us with a few to choose from, but in the end, none surpass D-Wade's destruction of Sideshow Bob. His coast-to-coast set-up, followed by a subtle change of direction and finished with a violent, hip to chest throwdown are what "Kodak Moments" are made of, and accordingly, what "Dunks of the Year" are made of too.
Also receiving consideration: Ty Lawson on D.J. Mbenga, J.R. Smith 360 Alley-Oop Jon Pastuszek can be reached at jon@hoopsdaily.com
NBA Awards!
With no introduction needed, let's get right to it.
MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron JamesSimply, there is nobody more important to his team, fans or city than James. Due in all part to the King’s all-around magnificence, the Cavs have won 60 games for the second consecutive season and are considered a prohibitive favorite in June. Scoring the ball with more consistency from midrange and passing better than ever before, LBJ has no peer. And unbelievably, nor does he have an All-Star teammate. Very rarely – four times in the last 20 years to beexact (New York in ’93, San Antonio in ’95 and ‘03 and Dallas in ’06) -- do 60 win teams have only one All-Star. The Cavs’success is completely dependent on their star, and luckily for everyoneinvolved, LeBron is completely capable of shouldering that load. We knew that already. But, what some don’t know is if Chris Bosh wasn’t out injured for the All-Star game last year, Mo Williams would never have played in Phoenix. And keeping that in mind, the Cavs have 127 combined wins over the last two years without a legitimate All-Star running alongside Akron’s finest. By doing everything at a supremely high level, James is able to transform a supporting cast of role players into an elite team. That’s how good LeBron is. .
Dwight Howard, the MVP of the League on the defensive end, wins out in a tight race for second, just nudging out League scoring champ and centerpiece of the darling Thunder, Kevin Durant. As indispensable as both are to their respective teams, Howard is playing the best two-way ball of his life on a legitimate title contender. Dwyane Wade's torrential final third of the year jumps him past the worn down Kobe Bryant, whose long list of injuries and diminished shooting percentages have made him legitimately guardable for the first time since this millennium.The Ballot:
1. James
2. Howard
3. Durant
4. Wade
5. Bryant
6th Man of the Year: Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamal Crawford's sheer volume of points down in Atlanta are more visible. Jason Terry's confidence and consistent offense off the bench in Dallas are more noticeable. And both are certainly more entertaining to watch.
Yet, neither are as important to the cause as Varejao, whose non-stop energy, improved touch around the rim, and all-around defense in pick-and-roll, individual post-up and helpside defense situations have frustrated opposing teams all year and vindicated GM Danny Ferry for giving the flopping Brazilian a five year extension last summer.
It sounds crazy, but Andy is the Cavs’ second best player, despite limited athleticism and never having a play called for him. Hair aside, he’s a novelty: A highly valuable defensive big man who doesn’t move well laterally or block shots. On offense he doesn’t shoot the ball well and he has no post moves. Yet for all of his faults, Varejao is the most effective bench player in the league. On the best team in the league, he features in nine of Cleveland’s top ten units in plus/minus. It’s tough to accurately measure intangibles statistically, which is why relying solely on numbers is something that should only be left to baseball. But, when we watch Wild Thing with our eyes, we know his annoying, endless enthusiasm for the little things make the difference for the Cavs.
Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City ThunderThe Thunder were somewhat of a trendy pick to make thePlayoffs pre-season, but even the biggest of OKC believers couldn’t haveexpected this: a 27 win improvement, 50 wins and a shot (as of Monday, atleast) to get the 6th seed in the uber competitive WesternConference.No doubt, Brooks has ridden an unbelievable Durant on offense, but it's on the defensive end where the second year head coach has done his most important work. The Thunder are a top ten team in defensive efficiency, and fifth in rebounding differential, yet have a rotation that features five players under the age of 23. And anyone who has watched as little as five minutes of the Thunder knows, this team absolutely loves playing with each other.Shout outs to Nate McMillan, who gets points for not only enduring a rash of injuries to his roster, but also coaching through a torn Achilles he sustained while filling in during practice, Scott Skiles for maximizing the Bucks, Alvin Gentry for resurrecting the Suns and Jerry Sloan for finding new ways to make the Jazz stay consistently relevant.
Rookie of the Year: Tyreke Evans, Sacramento KingsOther than Brandon Jennings’ brief claim on the award for best rook in November and part of December, this has been the year for Reke-ing Havoc. He’s already second behind LeBron finishing at the rack and his 20-5-5 line puts him fourth behind Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and James as the only rookie to have accomplished such well rounded numbers. Yes, Stephen Curry is a much better point guard than I anticipated and his high percentages in Golden State are enough to allow me to somewhat ignore the fact that he plays in Golden State. Brandon Jennings’ capacity to run the show for a Playoff bound Bucks squad is also worthy of a hat-tip, all clangers aside. But, the rule is: When you’re in the company of three of the best to ever play the game, you’re the best rookie in your class. Tyreke is the pick.With the ROY race not in any doubt, the real question is: Do the Thunder regret their decision drafting James Harden over Evans?
Rookie of the Year Evans may be. But, 50 wins, a great young core and a roster that loves playing together suggests that Sam Presti will happily take what he's got. Harden isn't the the most talented first year player, but he fits very well with what the Thunder do on offense, which is getting Durant the ball and filling in around him. ‘Reke is a known ball-stopper and a poor spot shooter and it is unclear whether he'd be able to change his game up in order to contribute as a complimentary player.
It's a question that is sure to rage on as Evans undoubtedly gets better through the year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
As much as I find it boring to hand out two repeat winners, I must defer to truth. Every fiber of my body wants to hand out this award to the Bobcats' tireless Gerald Wallace, who at an extremely average height of 6-7 has managed to slap up 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks and 41.3 minutes per game for the League's second best defensive team. Whether it's doing the dirty work down low out of necessity, or guarding opponents' best perimeter player, Crash has done it all while playing the most games and minutes of his career.
Trust me, I want to do it.
But, I can't. Not when Superman is flying around the rim, leading the league in rebounds and blocked shots for the second year in a row. It may seem like been there done that for Howard, but it's the only the first time in league history somebody has lead the league in those two categories. Orlando is the League's best in terms of defensive efficiency and it's because of their man in the middle. His mere presence alone covers for shoddy individual defenders like Rashard Lewis, J.J. Redick and Vince Carter, and his rebounding limits opponents' second chances. Everything Orlando does on the defensive end revolves around Howard, and thus, he can't be overlooked, boring as it is.
Josh Smith's commitment to becoming smarter on defense and Thabo Sefolosha's emergence as one of the league's best perimeter defenders are duly noted, and Varejao's non-stop hustle and annoying-ness get some recognition as well.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
When Yao Ming went down for the year with a foot fracture, the Rockets needed somebody to step up and become the team's star player. All systems pointed at Brooks, leader of the newest breed of post-rule change point guards. Undersized, very fast and accurate from deep with very little conscience, Brooks has become Houston's best player, averaging career highs in minutes, points, field goal percentage, three point percentage and steals.
At a generously listed 6 feet, 160 pounds, Brooks has had to adapt and improve his game in order to survive and thrive as a waterbug guard. The career best in shooting percentages is highlighted by the fact that he's nearly doubled his attempts from last year, which means he's become more efficient as he's become more focal in the offense.
Josh Smith came in second for administering a level of three-point self-control never before seen in the 6th year forward and becoming a much more heady defensive player. Marc Gasol has quietly dismissed widespread accusations that Mitch Kupchak robbed the Grizzlies blind and Corey Brewer also gets some ink for not sucking anymore.
Line of the Year: Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers (1/30 @ Dallas 52 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals)
55 is more than 52, and by that logic, Brandon Jennings' double nickel against Golden State in November should be the better line, right?
Not so fast. Incredible as it was to watch the much doubted subject of European experimentation go off in the second half, it's the Warriors. Many of Young Buck's points came from wide open pull-up threes, most of which were off ball screens that the Dubs neglected to defend.
Miller's 52 points ultimately come across as more impressive. First, it was done in Dallas, against an above average defensive team. Second, Miller went to the line only eight times (making seven) and shot one three (which he made). The rest came the hard way - on midrange jumpers and drives to the hoop. Last, it's Andre frickin' Miller!!! He shoots set shots! He's always been a crafty, shifty point guard who relies on post ups, getting to the line and tossing in unconventional runners near the rim, but he has never had a reputation as a volume scorer. In fact, in nine seasons previous to this year, Miller had never eclipsed the 40 point mark.
And achieved at 33 years of age, Miller joins Karl Malone as the only qualified NBA senior citizen to score over 50 points in a game since 86-87 (the earliest year basketball-reference.com tracks boxes scores).
Brandon Jennings' 55 point explosion against the Warriors in November was also very much in the running, as was LeBron's stat-sheet stuffing, fantasy league dominating 43-13-15-4-2 masterpiece against the Nuggets in December. But, the eye rubbing, jaw dropping reaction of Miller's out of nowhere explosion gives it the advantage over the rest.
Dunk of the Year: Dwayne Wade on Anderson Varejao
Before crying out in support of another dunk, know that I have certain stipulations when awarding the year's best throwdown.
1. Unless said dunker is considerably shorter than said poster, dunks on little dudes don't count. Sorry, Derrick Rose and Corey Brewer.
2. Dunks must have happened in a 09-10 NBA game. Dunks performed in dunk contests don't count either. Step aside Nate Robinson and Air Up There.
3. Dunking over a teammate puts you out of the running as well, Shannon Brown.
4. Dunks thrown down after the whistle, no matter how awesome, are automatically disqualifed. Maybe next year, LeBron.
That leaves us with a few to choose from, but in the end, none surpass D-Wade's destruction of Sideshow Bob. His coast-to-coast set-up, followed by a subtle change of direction and finished with a violent, hip to chest throwdown are what "Kodak Moments" are made of, and accordingly, what "Dunks of the Year" are made of too.
Also receiving consideration: Ty Lawson on D.J. Mbenga, J.R. Smith 360 Alley-Oop Jon Pastuszek can be reached at jon@hoopsdaily.com
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