Midseason Awards

MVP

Derrick Rose has easily been this years MVP so far.  He has put the team on his back and brought the Bulls to a 36-16 record while Boozer, second best offensive option, has missed 15 games and Noah, second best player, has missed 28 games and counting.

Most Improved

 Derrick Rose is also receiving my vote for Most Improved in a highly contested race.  Most of the winners of this award usually are not much improved at all, but just received more playing time or opportunity.  One look at Rose game and you can easily see he is a whole new player.  His shot is much improved, he has added a solid three (3pt % from .267 to .367) and long jumper to his offensive arsenal as well as shooting much better at the line (.766 to .834).. Please take note Rondo.  His assists have jumped up up from 6 to 8 and he has been been playing much better defense as well.  He should be thanking Thibs for that one.  He has more TOs then I like, but also has 4th highest usage rating in NBA so I can excuse that.  Honorable mentions for this award are Aldridge who has also put his team on his back and Eric Gordon.

Coach of the year

Gregg Popovich is the Coach of the Year.  Everyone thought Spurs were on their way out after last season and Tim Duncan huge decline in the playoffs.  He has changed the whole philosophy of team that has been winning since '99 over one offseason, had all the players buy into it (Including best PF of all time taking a back seat), and has the best record in the NBA.  SA is 5th in the league in PPG.  Not what you have come to expect.  Thibodeau gets honorable mention.

6th Man

Big Baby takes the 6th man award.  He provides much needed spark off the bench when the 2nd unit on the Cs is flat.  He can score down low, has steadily improving jumper, and has finally found out how to use his body and the basket to not get blocked every shot down low.  His defense is very underrated as well.  He cannot jump at all, but has very quick feet, high basketball IQ, gets to right place at right time, and has no problem sacrificing his body for the team (leads league in charges).  The award is his.  If Odom had played more games as 6th man he would take this, he started 32 of 56 games.

Rookie of the Year

Blake Griffin. Do I need to explain?

Defensive Player of the Year

Dwight Howard.  Do I need to explain?