NBA Awards
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April 17, 2008 · Print This Article
By: Michael Ganci
Update! Writer
The regular season of the NBA has ended and the final grades are in. Who’s this season’s MVP? Who’s the top rookie? And which player has been the biggest fantasy bust this season? Update! NBA writer Mike Ganci hands out his end of the season award. Read on to find out who won:
MVP
LEBRON JAMES
Cleveland Cavaliers, G/F
Comment: Forget Kobe Bryant, LeBron James is the most valuable player in the NBA. He is averaging 30.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. The only other player that comes close to improving his teammates like LeBron would be two-time MVP Steve Nash. But LeBron has eclipsed him even in that area. LeBron is the best player in the game, and he is willing to prove it each and every night in a classy matter.
Comment: Forget Kobe Bryant, LeBron James is the most valuable player in the NBA. He is averaging 30.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. The only other player that comes close to improving his teammates like LeBron would be two-time MVP Steve Nash. But LeBron has eclipsed him even in that area. LeBron is the best player in the game, and he is willing to prove it each and every night in a classy matter.
SIXTH MAN
LEANDRO BARBOSA
Phoenix Suns, G
Comment: Barbosa earns a close nod over Manu Ginobili on this one. Barbosa is averaging 15.8 points per game off the bench this season and has been giving guys like Amare Stoudemire and Nash a chance to take off their superstar laurels from time to time. Barbosa is always ready to come in and make a difference off the bench and deserves this award more than anyone in the league. The Brazilian Blur isn’t just the fastest player in the league, he’s also the sixth man of the year
Comment: Barbosa earns a close nod over Manu Ginobili on this one. Barbosa is averaging 15.8 points per game off the bench this season and has been giving guys like Amare Stoudemire and Nash a chance to take off their superstar laurels from time to time. Barbosa is always ready to come in and make a difference off the bench and deserves this award more than anyone in the league. The Brazilian Blur isn’t just the fastest player in the league, he’s also the sixth man of the year
ALL DEFENSE
KEVIN GARNETT
Boston Celtics, PF
Comment: Doc Rivers’ new defensive scheme overwhelmed opponents this season. Without Garnett, the whole thing fell to pieces. Opponents averaged 95.9 points in games Garnett missed. Of the nine teams that escaped his towering frame, five owned sub-.500 records. Those unlucky enough to match-up against the Big Ticket were held to 90.3 points a night — proof that Garnett is the glue that keeps the Boston defense together
Comment: Doc Rivers’ new defensive scheme overwhelmed opponents this season. Without Garnett, the whole thing fell to pieces. Opponents averaged 95.9 points in games Garnett missed. Of the nine teams that escaped his towering frame, five owned sub-.500 records. Those unlucky enough to match-up against the Big Ticket were held to 90.3 points a night — proof that Garnett is the glue that keeps the Boston defense together
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
KENYON MARTIN
Denver Nuggets, PF
Comment: After an injury riddled 2006-07, Martin came to play this season. His numbers jhave jumped big-time, including three extra points, an assist, steal and block per game. Martin has been a force for the Nuggets this year and is a major reason why they’re looking at the playoffs from the inside. Better luck next year Baron Davis!
Comment: After an injury riddled 2006-07, Martin came to play this season. His numbers jhave jumped big-time, including three extra points, an assist, steal and block per game. Martin has been a force for the Nuggets this year and is a major reason why they’re looking at the playoffs from the inside. Better luck next year Baron Davis!
COACH OF THE YEAR
BYRON SCOTT
New Orleans Hornets
Comment: No team has been as consistent as the New Orleans Hornets. They went from a troubled franchise to a serious contender and have a serious chance to cash in on the ultimate dream — winning an NBA championship. Byron Scott deserves a lot of credit for the way he motivates players every day — before, during and after games. Another tip of the cap to the stellar Chris Paul, the best point guard in the league this season.
Comment: No team has been as consistent as the New Orleans Hornets. They went from a troubled franchise to a serious contender and have a serious chance to cash in on the ultimate dream — winning an NBA championship. Byron Scott deserves a lot of credit for the way he motivates players every day — before, during and after games. Another tip of the cap to the stellar Chris Paul, the best point guard in the league this season.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
KEVIN DURANT
Seattle SuperSonics, G/F
Comment: Durant has blossomed into a star this season. Averaging 20 points, four rebounds and two assists per game, Durant has established himself as one of the premiere players at his position. The scary part is that he’s only only going to get better. His 42-point finish to the regular season is only a brief glimpse of what’s to come.
Comment: Durant has blossomed into a star this season. Averaging 20 points, four rebounds and two assists per game, Durant has established himself as one of the premiere players at his position. The scary part is that he’s only only going to get better. His 42-point finish to the regular season is only a brief glimpse of what’s to come.
BIGGEST BUST
BEN WALLACE
Cleveland Cavaliers, C
Comment: Ben Wallace has been atrocious this season. He probably appeared in the Sit Em’ section of our daily Hoop Scoop more than anyone else in the league. He averaged just five points and 8.5 rebounds. He also was injured and inconsistent. He threw in a couple of good games, but they were too few and far between.
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