Crystal Ball-Gazing

I am a huge fan of premature prognostication so it should come as no suprise that I felt the need to write an award prediction peice just one week into the 2009-10 NBA season. Of course it is ridiculously early to be predicting anything, but you have to admit; it is fun as hell to do. There have been some early suprises and disappontments, rookie heroes and veterans making a leap - but who is getting the nod for some hardware? Read on and you will find out.

Sixth Man of the Year - Lamar Odom


His off-court newsmaking has not made a dent in his production; in fact, he has been playing fantastic all-around ball. Once Pau Gasol comes back, Odom will make his move back to the bench, and if h can keep up this level of play he is lock for the 6th man hardware. In other news, I am extremely disappointed in his choice of women. I mean, come on, if you are going to be banging a Kardashian, at least make it Kim, and not only that he wifed the ugly sister. Disappointing Lamar, very disappointing.

Coach of the Year - Noone

I hate the way the way this honor has been awarded, and hence I think it should be abolished.

Most Improved Player - Trevor Ariza


He has gone from great role player to scoring machine in the span of a few months, and it is just what the depleted Rockets needed. Its exciting to watch guys grow before your very eyes, so keep yours glued to Ariza this year, because if he can keep this up, the ultra-athletic forward is going to be special.

Defensive Player of the Year - Greg Oden

Stop laughing please. Give me a chance. Before you call me crazy consider the following: Oden is averaging 10 boards and leading the league in blocks with 2.8 in just 24 minutes a game. Average that out to a regular starter's minutes at 40 per contest and his averages are 16 boards and 4.5 blocks per game. By the midpoint of the season he will probably cut down on the fouls and be on the court for longer and by the end of the year his averages will be close to 15 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. Sick.

Rookie of the Year - Brandon Jennings

Can a supposedly immature and too-flashy rookie point guard be a team's best player, leader, and clutch performer? In Jennings case, yes he can, with averages 20 points, 6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game to go along with a steal and half so far in 2009. He also dominated in the second half against the Pistons and lead the Bucks to victory, showing both style and substance. Blake Griffin's injury blew the race for ROY wide open, and Jennings is leading the way so far.

Most Valuable Player - Carmelo Anthony


113  points in 117 minutes. 37.7 points per game. Improved on D. Conditioning no longer an issue. Pounding the ball in the paint and not settling for jumpers and 3 pointers. I could keep going. Carmelo Anthony is the talk of the season so far, and rightfully so. A step below Kobe, LeBron, and Wade no longer.