And the Winner Is...

Halfway through the season, let's dish out some midseason awards:

Coach of the Year: 1) Gregg Popovich (SAS): As unappealing as the Spurs are and as boring of a team as they are, there is no doubt that Pops is the coach of the year. The Spurs are 36-6 currently and 3.5 games ahead of the Celtics for the best record in the NBA. Surprisingly, Popovich has only won one Coach of the Year award (2003) and he's coached four championship teams. This man really doesn't get the credit he deserves and it's really not fair especially for the brilliance that this man possesses. Is he a jerk? Sure. Does he offer the meanest sound bites in press conferences and interviews? Yeah he does. He's an a-hole. However his coaching cannot be underestimated. He gets the most out of his players (Bruce Bowen, Matt Bonner, Gary Neal, Nazr Mohammed, etc.) and he manages his teams for the long-run and a chance to win a title. Tim Duncan is having the worst season of his career, yet the Spurs keep winning thanks to the other guys (TP, Manu, etc.), a consistent starting lineup (same starting 5 all year), and a more uptempo style. I guess because Popovich has a winning team every year, he gets overlooked, but if the Spurs continue to win the way they currently are, he'll get the recognition he deserves and receive the award for a second time.

2) Tom Thibodeau (CHI): The Bulls are 29-14, 1st in the Central, 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and Thibodeau has had to coach with numerous injuries to his key big men (Noah & Boozer). He has brought the Celtic winning culture with him from Boston and the Bulls look to be a serious contender come playoff time. 

3) Monty Williams (NOH): For a team that has no current owner, a brand new front office, and supposedly worrying about trading a possibly disgruntled Chris Paul by this point of the season, 27-16 and 6th in the Western Conference is a job well done by Monty Williams. In fact, it's a hell of a job. The team started hot at 8-0, and since then have played .500 ball. CP3 looks satisfied for now, Emeka Okafor is having a wonderful season, role players are picking up the slack some nights, and a good amount of the credit goes to Williams. Being Nate McMillan's top assistant in Portland, Williams is now proving himself to be a good up-and-coming head coach in the NBA.

Honorable Mention: Mike D'Antoni (NYK), Rick Carlisle (DAL), & Larry Drew (ATL) 

Most Improved Player: 1) Kevin Love (MIN): I'm not really going to say much about Kevin Love because if you've read any of the basketball posts in the past, you know I <3 Kevin Love. Nine more minutes per game this year for the big guy equals 21 & 16 compared to 14 & 11 last season, and 29 straight double-doubles. Kevin Love really isn't improved, he's just been finally given adequate playing time and proving his amazing skills, but still, he's most deserving of this award so far.

2) Michael Beasley (MIN) & Eric Gordon (LAC):  This one is a tie because both men are doing work considerably in the scoring area of their game, both increasing their scoring average by 6 from last season. For Beasley, he's finally comfortable being the go-to guy in Minnesota. As for Gordon, his game isn't different, but he just looks more confident when he plays and he puts on a show, playing for the best worst team in the NBA.

Honorable Mention: Raymond Felton (NYK), Russell Westbrook (OKC), Wesley Matthews (POR), & Dorell Wright (GSW)

Rookie of the Year: 1) Blake Griffin (LAC): Is there really any doubt that Blake Beast is the rookie of the year? If I could use one word to describe the talent and explosiveness he plays with, it would be... supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? His streak of 27 straight double-doubles ended last night, 22 & 13, and he's a rookie? Astounding. If he wasn't on a losing team and say the Clippers were .500, he would strongly be considered an MVP candidate. If he works on his mid-range game and post skills, not just trying to dunk on everyone, in a couple years he could average 30 & 15 and it's not crazy.

2) John Wall (WAS): He started the season hot (triple-double in his sixth career game, an almost triple-double his third career game), but then injuries kicked in and slowed down his play. His numbers are still pretty solid for a rookie, 15 & 9, but it's not even close to Blake's monstrous numbers. John Wall will still be a superstar in this league, he is the dougie king, and he has his own song and dance that all athletes imitate, so things are pretty good for Wall anyways. If Blake had played last year, Wall would most likely be the ROY, too bad though.

3) DeMarcus Cousins (SAC): DeMarcus has actually been pretty consistent all season. He's averaging 13 & 8, and recently he's been playing even better. He doesn't lack confidence and he definitely plays with and has an attitude that is sometimes disruptive to his team. However, if he keeps his temper in check, he can be an excellent player in this league for a long time.

Honorable Mention: Landry Fields (NYK), Gary Neal (SAS), & Greg Monroe (DET)

Sixth Man of the Year: 1) Jamal Crawford (ATL): Jamal won this award last year and in my opinion he's ahead of the second place man slightly. The reason he wins this award at this point of the season is because he consistently does what he's asked of off the bench which is score and keep scoring. Averaging 16 & 3.5 off the bench is pretty solid, and when you have a crossover like this, you can have the award.

2) Glen Davis (BOS): Big Baby has really improved his game this year and his numbers certainly prove it. He has been excellent for the Celtics all season, filling in for an injured Shaq or KG when need be, and playing his role to perfection. His scoring is up, his rebounding is up and he has a really nice mid-range jumper now. I feel like he is very deserving of the award, but when you do this in your free time, you lose.

3) Jason Terry (DAL): If the season were to end today, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Jet win this award. The Mavericks were winning until recently and Terry was super clutch for his team. However he won't win this award because the Mavericks need him in the starting lineup for offensive production, now that Caron Butler is out for the season.

Honorable Mention: Tyrus Thomas (CHA), Louis Williams (PHI), Ty Lawson (DEN)

Defensive Player of the Year: 1) Kevin Garnett (BOS): Ok, Kevin Garnett is not the most likable player in the NBA. He's a bully. He likes to make fun of people with cancer, which is actually not funny, and he gets under the skin of all players on purpose, especially European players, occasionally initiating unnecessary contact after the whistle is blown. Even though he is a big jerk, one thing that cannot be disregarded is his play on the defensive end of the floor. He is the best defender in the league period. He locks down opposing post players and is an amazing help defender as well. That presence was quite evident in his game-clinching steal on MLK day against the Magic. When KG is on the floor his defensive presence is always felt and his numbers don't do him justice for the defender he truly is. KG is a great player and he's having a great season. His injuries may be the one thing preventing him from winning this award. I just wish he would go back to the more likable star he was back in Minnesota...

2) Andrew Bogut (MIL): Personally in my opinion, I have always felt that Bogut is underrated, very underrated. He's super skilled and a wonderful passer, and a MAN for coming back from a horrid broken arm so soon. He was the 1st pick in 2005 and I guess a lot of people expected him to be an elite superstar, but Bogut is an all-star caliber player and his numbers are solid. The thing that stands out this season are his defensive numbers. He leads the league in blocks with about 3 per game and he grabs around 12 boards a game as well. Those are quite impressive and good enough to land him 2nd. People need to watch the Aussie play to truly enjoy and respect his game.

3) Dwight Howard (ORL): He might actually be the true front-runner to win this award, but with a change in style of play on his team and his defensive numbers not as great as last season, it's time for Dwight to share this award.

Honorable Mention: Josh Smith (ATL), Chris Paul (NOH), LeBron James (MIA)

Most Valuable Player: 1) Derrick Rose (CHI): This pick is seriously no bull. In just his third season in the league he has become in the words of Charles Barkley, "The best point guard in the NBA" and in Josh's and my opinion, the best player in the league, this season. Kobe Bryant is still the best player on the planet, but for this NBA season, Derrick Rose is doing work. Just coming off his first triple-double, Rose has been playing excellent basketball all year and it's not really improvement but rather taking on greater responsibility and asserting himself as the star of the team and the league. His team is winning and his teammates are feeding off his energy as well. He's always had the raw talent but now he's putting it together. If he keeps it up, he can very well win this award in a year where the race is wide open.

2) LeBron James (MIA): LeBron simply does not get it. He claims to like being a "villain" yet he can't do it correctly. When he tries to save face, he just comes out looking like a bigger jerk. Some advice Bron Bron, just be a jerk, it's cool, it's acceptable. The league needs more bad guys. Just remember God sees everything. One of LeBron's statements this year that may actually be quite modest is him saying he won't be an MVP this year, but he actually can be. LeBron is having a wonderful season (25,7, & 7) and his Heat are winning (2nd best in the East). He's still the most physically-gifted player in the league and can be whatever player he wants to be, and if LeBron James wants to be the MVP this season, he can damn sure put up the numbers to do it.

3) Amare Stoudemire (NYK): Amare has been wonderful for New York this season, and New York has been wonderful for him. He's putting up career numbers at 26 & 9 and even averaging 3 assists per game. Mike D'Antoni and him get along and he's found a new and younger running mate in Ray Felton. About a month ago, he would've been given this award but recently his team has been slumping despite the fact that he's still putting up his numbers. Amare can still win this award if the Knicks continue to win and either of the two ahead of him slow down their production. Like I said before, this year's race is wide open and in a couple months a new deserving candidate may even emerge.

Honorable Mention: Dirk Nowitzki (DAL), Dwight Howard (ORL), Blake Griffin (LAC)

The Stars Align

As you may or may not know, the NBA season is nearly half way through. Just about 40 games through the season. Every February, there's every basketball fan's dream. For one weekend, the stars align and the league's brightest stars all share the spotlight on the court. This season, the annual NBA All-Star game is held in L.A. at Staple's Center. Despite all the bright lights and media coverage, there's always a few players every season that are deserving of a spot on the league's star-studded event, but are left off. So...let's hope I get it right on this one.

Eastern Starters


G. Derrick Rose - Yes, Derrick Rose. (<-- You just might wanna click that link on the left.) Not Rajon Rondo. Derrick Rose is playing at the highest level of basketball. Arguably the MVP so far of the first half of the '10 - '11 season. He's carrying an injury plagued team (Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah), and carrying them well. Leading them to the third best record in a stacked Eastern Conference. There's no one playing at a higher level than Derrick Rose. The man has been absolutely amazing.

G. Dwyane Wade - Dwyane Wade hasn't exactly been producing nearly as much as what we're accustomed to seeing him produce, but nonetheless, he's been great. When playing without LeBron, Wade dropped 33 points in a losing effort to the Chicago Bulls. Even with LeBron in the lineup, Wade scored a jaw-dropping 40 points on the New York Knicks on December 28th. That's only one game though? Oh well...Mr. Wade just so happened to score a season-high 45 points the following night on the Houston Rockets. Any more questions?

F. LeBron James - Next up on the list is Mr. LeBron James. LeBron James has been... well... LeBron James. There's not really much else that I can say other then the fact that, he's taken the Miami Heat from Dwyane Wade. Don't get me wrong, Dwyane Wade's been great, but has he been better than LeBron James? I don't think so. After a busy summer, LeBron's put in work and has been able to quiet his doubters (momentarily?). He even led the Heat to a Christmas Day victory over the reigning champs over on the other conference in the league. A lot of nights, I feel like LeBron doesn't even try and he still manages to get about 20 points. That just shows how much talent that this young man has.

F. Amar'e Stoudemire - Amar'e Stoudemire is back. Since he first returned from that microfracture surgery, a couple of seasons ago, people have been wondering whether or not, he would ever return to his former self. Well, let me be the first to tell you that he's back and better than ever. A lot of people doubted him at the beginning of the season and during the summer, myself included. No one saw him single-handedly leading the Knicks back to glory before the season started. I mean, sure, you could say that you thought they'd be alright, but can you say that he would be able to lead them back to contention this early? Amar'e is having a career year, and there's been only one person that's been more exciting to watch (Blake the Cornflake Griffin anyone?).



C. Dwight Howard - A rather magical season by Dwight Howard wouldn't you say? He's not putting up the numbers that he's put up in recent years, but he hasn't really needed to. His number of boards is up, but it's his efficiency this season that does it for me. One summer with Hakeem the Dream, and his post game has gotten that much better. It really has. If you've watched Orlando play this season, you should be able to notice that Dwight's inside game has improved immensely. His footwork has gotten a lot better as well. Putting in the work has only helped improve Howard's candidacy for a starting spot in the coveted All-Star game.

6th. Rajon Rondo - At the beginning of the season, Rondo was arguably the best player in the beginning of the season. Since his injury, people have stopped talking about Rondo and started talking about Derrick Rose. Rajon Rondo was on track to decimate the NBA assists per game (APG) record set in the '89 - '90 season by none other than John Stockton. If it weren't for the injury, I would have both Rondo and Rose starting in this year's All-Star game.

Rest of the squad:

7. Al Horford
8. Raymond Felton
9. Andrew Bogut
10. Danny Granger
11. Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce
12. Chris Bosh


Snubbed: Joakim Noah - Joakim Noah would be on the All-Star team if it weren't for his recent injury. In my opinion, I think he's been playing much better than Chris Bosh. Statistically, he's been better than Andrew Bogut as well.

Western Starters


G. Chris Paul - Christopher Emmanuel Paul has been dazzling fans with his basketball wizardry since he entered the league in '05, but is he deserving of a starting spot in the NBA All-Star game? Yes and no. Yes, because his team is at its best since '08. No, because he hasn't exactly been needed as much this season only putting up 16.1 PPG and 9.6 APG. Yes, because he just got back from an injury filled season, he's playing pretty good, and he's Chris Paul, everyone's favorite. No, because Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook are, arguably, playing much better than Paul this season. Even with Williams and Westbrook "playing better", Chris Paul will still get that starting spot. Why, you ask? Because he's Chris Paul, one of the best the world has to offer.

G. Kobe Bryant - Fresh off of a championship season last season, Kobe Bryant is playing better than ever. Statistically, it's not the best, but no one has worked harder and been more deserving of a starting spot on the Western Conference starting lineup than Kobe Bean Bryant. With age, you'd think that Kobe would be getting slower, playing more inconsistently, and so on and so forth. But no, he hasn't. About a week ago, I saw Kobe play for the first time in person, and it was nothing short of amazing. Kobe wowed the crowd with near impossible shots. Bucket after bucket, the basket just seemed to be getting bigger and bigger for him. He finished the game with a game-high of 39 points. Kobe just seems to be getting better and better. With that work ethic we've heard so much about, Kobe's window of opportunity is still wide open for that 6th ring. This season, Kobe is chasing greatness in the shadow of his Airness.


F. Kevin Durant - Durantula is leading the league in scoring and is leading the Thunder to the third best record in the NBA. Coming back from the Gold Medal this summer in Turkey, Durant caught the eye of many. While he's not exactly performing as well as he did last season or as he did in the summer, Kevin Durant is still having quite a season. And in my opinion, he's a top 3 talent in the league, and should only be getting better. Kevin Durant and his team had a lot of expectations heading into this season, and they've responded well. The Thunder currently hold the 3rd spot in the West. However, some people are saying that Russell Westbrook has been more valuable and playing better than Durant this season. I can see where these things are coming from, but at the end of the day, this is Durant's team and without him, the Thunder wouldn't be in the top three of the conference right now.

F. Kevin Love - To be honest, I don't think anyone is playing better basketball than Minnesota's Kevin Love. I know everyone loves the Kevin Love, because well...you just have to. Kevin Love would be my number one pick for this season's MVP Race if it weren't for his team's horrible record. The Timberwolves currently stand at 10 and 32. I mean really now? I know you lost Al Jefferson and everything, but when you have a guy that's playing as well as Kevin Love, you really should at least be above .250 in win percentage. Kevin's probably not going to get the starting spot during the All-Star game, but he really deserves it. When's the last time you heard of someone scoring 30 points and grabbing 30 rebounds in one game? Oh. Never you say? Me neither.

C. ? - Without much talent in the West's center pool, I really don't think any of the players on the list deserve to start in the All-Star game. Initially, I was going to put Pau Gasol, but due to the NBA's messed up ballot, I couldn't. I think the East has a much better pool of centers this season (Andrew Bogut? Joakim Noah? Al Horford? Brook Lopez? Roy Hibbert's even better than 95% of the centers on the West's list.) I really don't have much else to say, except for... Yao's going to lead the votes. However, he's injured so he won't be playing. Hopefully, the NBA puts someone worthy in his spot.

5th. (I didn't pick a center) Manu Ginobili - The best player on the best team in the league this season should most definitely have a spot on this year's NBA All-Star team. No one on the Spurs has carried the load more than Manu Ginobili has this season. I know a lot people aren't exactly Ginobili fans or even Spurs fans for the matter, but there's no denying that this man is deserving of an All-Star spot this season.

Rest of the squad:

6. Blake Griffin (Would start over Ginobili)
7. Deron Williams
8. Russell Westbrook
9. Pau Gasol
10. Dirk Nowitzki
11. Monta Ellis
12. Carmelo Anthony

Snubbed: Eric Gordon - Eric Gordon has been playing very well this season. Gordon and Griffin have been the only bright spots on the lowly Clippers. Everyone knows that Gordon's been playing much better than Tim Duncan. However, Gordon's overall team record will hurt him when it comes time for the GM's and coaches to vote on this season's All-Star reserves.

Life Is a Struggle

The following post is dedicated to Coach Mike Gragnani.

First week back from winter break, and...let's just say it's been a long two days so far. I already feel like I'm behind in school in someway, even though I'm not. The weather has been absolute crap too. Way too cold. How often are you indoors and see your breath? Really now? I'm thinking that if it's gonna be this cold, could it at least snow? Snow's always fun. But whatever, I guess. School makes everything in my life that much more stressful. I know I should appreciate the fact that I even get to go to school though. A lot of people would kill to go to school everyday to get their edumacation on. Even with that in mind, I still feel that spring break needs to hurry up and come already. (That's what she said?) First game of the season's been postponed to Friday. Wanna play tomorrow though. I kinda really miss summer time, chilling without any worries. Just basketball and chill time. I wish summer was a lot closer than it is, but life's a struggle and I just gotta deal with it.

Anyone else thinking it's too cold?

Basketball is more than just a game.

Bout to get lightweight deep. Just saying.

I've learned a lot of things from the game of basketball. Knowledge that's applicable for not only things on the court, but off the court as well. In life, there's a lot of setbacks and adversity. A lot of the things that we face and experience, are beyond our control. No matter what happens, you still have to get back up from it and just cope. It's about ups and downs. Same with basketball, you can never give up. Just because things aren't exactly going your way during the course of a game, doesn't mean that you just give up and quit. You can't give up when life gets tough. That's one of the many things that I've learned from Coach Mike. He always said the only thing that you can do wrong is not trying your hardest and giving it your 100%.

Basketball is much, much more than just a game.

R.I.P. Coach Mike Gragnani, you're forever in our hearts.

We Reminisce: Boom Tho!

Well what is there for me to say about Mr. Rodrique Benson? Well he is one funny dude and I guess you can call him an underrated basketball player. The reason why I write about him is not because of his basketball skills however, it's because of his blog. Rod's blog is the first I ever read and continued to follow. Besides Mr. Leung's blog, he might be the other big influence for me maintaining a blog. Rod is currently playing basketball overseas in Korea, and before that he played college ball at Cal, then he spent time in the D-league and in Europe trying to make the NBA. What he should have done was play volleyball. Anyways I started to read his blog around my sophomore and junior year of high school and I was quite saddened when he decided to stop blogging to focus completely on basketball. Today is a celebration though because he's back! What he has to offer isn't really much. He just talks about his life in the minor leagues of basketball and makes terrible music videos, but to me, they were excellent. There really isn't much for me to say except that I truly respect this guy and thank you Boom Tho for all those great posts. Good stuff.

"She ready like spaghetti, so we're in there like swim wear, you already know, Boom Got Them Tho!" - Rod Benson

Chill

New year. New attitude.

"Music full of relevant and money’s overrated

That’s why I spend it like I look at it with hatred

To look at you is painful, cause I ain’t seen you naked

But Ima wait it out I’m bout to see that drought

Cause if I hit it now these feelings take a different route

So, I’m on some 40 days and night shit

Feeling like it’s Ramadan and I just need a bite quick

Tryna get inside your mind without that night shift

So Ima be aight for the night with a goodbye kiss."

 - Mr. Folarin