With the NBA season tipping off on Christmas Day, its time to do some looking ahead. I've decided to list my predictions for All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player.
Western Conference All Stars
Starters
PG Chris Paul, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Kevin Durant, PF Blake Griffin, PF/C Kevin Love
Reserves
PG Russell Westbrook, SG Eric Gordon, PF Dirk Nowitzki, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, PG/C Pau Gasol, PG Steve Nash, PF Zach Randolph
Snubs: C Nene; SG Monta Ellis; SG Manu Ginobili
Eastern Conference All Stars
Starters
PG Derrick Rose, SG Dwyane Wade, SF LeBron James, PF Amare Stoudemire, C Dwight Howard
Reserves
PG Rajon Rondo, SG Joe Johnson, SF Carmelo Anthony, PF Kevin Garnett, C Al Horford, PF Chris Bosh, PG Deron Williams
Snubs: PF David West; SF Paul Pierce; SF Danny Granger
Rookie of the Year
PG Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers - With Baron Davis no longer on the team, head coach Byron Scott will be turning over the keys to the #1 overall pick of the draft. Despite only playing in 11 games in his only year at Duke, Irving displayed an ability to finish in the paint, as well as shoot the three-pointer. Irving is more of a score-first point guard, and like most rookie point guards, his assist-to-turnover numbers won't be spectacular. Being the primary option in Cleveland will help his numbers, and I could see a line of 15 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists this season.
Contenders: Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves; Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats; Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Sixth Man
Lamar Odom, Dallas Mavericks - The Mavericks acquired Odom from the Lakers for a future second-round pick, which is an absolute bargain for a team that didn't retain key players like Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea from last year's championship team. Odom is one of the most well-rounded forwards in the league, and has the size and strength to play power forward, but the shooting, ball-handling and athleticism to play small forward.
Contenders: Jamal Crawford, Portland Trailblazers; Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks; Louis Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Defensive Player of the Year
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic - Howard is the premiere post defender in the NBA, and is also a rebounding machine. He'll likely lead the league in blocks again, and whether with the Magic or another team, should put up the requisite numbers to retain the award again.
Contenders: Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies; Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics; Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
Most Improved Player
Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers - Thought to be the most "NBA-ready" player in the 2010 Draft, Turner struggled finding a rhythm early in the season last year (40.9% shooting before the All-Star break). Settling for too many jump shots as a rookie, Turner will use his solid frame and ball-handling to be more aggressive attacking the rim, and should see considerable improvement from last years' numbers (7.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists).
Contenders: Jordan Hill, Houston Rockets; DeAndre Jordan; Los Angeles Clippers; Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
Most Valuable Player
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder - Durant was the youngest player to ever lead the league in scoring (27.7 points/game), and is one of the top five players in the NBA. With the Western Conference seemingly without a clear-cut favorite, Oklahoma City has a very good chance of taking the top spot. If Durant can improve his defense and passing ability to go along with the teams' success, there's no reason to believe he won't be a serious contender for MVP come seasons-end.
Contenders: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls; LeBron James, Miami Heat; Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
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