2013 NBA Picks and Predictions: NBA Award Winners: The 2012-13 NBA regular season is in the books, and before the playoffs begin, it is time to hand out some hardware. For the most part, there were obvious winners for a majority of the major awards. Granted, injuries did play a role in helping certain players emerge from the pack, but overwhelming performances by some of the individual winners were ultimately the deciding factor. With that in mind, here is a look at the players that I predict will take home the NBA’s highest individual honors this season.
MVP: LeBron James, Forward, Miami Heat
For the fourth time in five years, James is going to take home the MVP Award. Even with Kobe Bryant literally sacrificing his body to lift a bum-filled Lakers’ roster into playoff contention, James is the pick by a landslide. In addition to averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, he also contributes elite-level defense and can guard every position on the court with the exception of larger centers. Not to mention the fact that he averaged career highs in field goal and 3-point percentage while averaging a career low in turnovers. Throw in the 27-game winning streak and the fact that Miami has the best record in the NBA by a wide margin, and this pick is a no-brainer.
Defensive Player of the Year: Marc Gasol, Center, Memphis Grizzlies
LeBron James can make a strong argument and Joakim Noah was putting together a strong resume until getting hurt, but in the end, Gasol’s role as the anchor of one of the NBA’s best defense is tough to deny. He is averaging a steal and 1.7 blocks per game for a Memphis defense that is allowing the fewest points per game, ranks second in efficiency and ranks third in opponent field goal percentage. More importantly, he is a physical post defender and an excellent at helping out and altering shots. The Grizzlies have been winning with their defense all year, and Gasol has literally been at the center of the unit.
Sixth Man of the Year: J.R. Smith, Shooting Guard, New York Knicks
Jamal Crawford and Jarett Jack both had their moments, but Smith’s ability to be the secondary scorer for a New York team that earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference while coming off the bench sets him apart. He is averaging 18.1 points per game and knocking down two 3-pointers per game. Smith has also been more than just a scorer, averaging more than five rebounds and almost three assists. Throw in the fact that he has scored at least 25 points 17 times this year, and shoulders more of a needed load for the Knicks than any of the other contenders do for their respective teams.
Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Portland Trailblazers
Considering he has won the NBA’s Rookie of the Month in every month, Lillard is a lock to add the Rookie of the Year Award to his resume, as well. He leads all rookies with 19.1 points and 6.5 assists per game, and he actually ranks 14th in the entire NBA in scoring. Lillard also leads all rookies and ranks seventh in the NBA with 2.3 makes from beyond the arc per game. Last but not least, he ranks second in the NBA in minutes per game. Anthony Davis entered the season as the obvious favorite, but Lillard will likely end up winning this award in unanimous fashion.
Most Improved Player: Greivis Vasquez, Point Guard, New Orleans Hornets
Vazquez spent his first two years in the NBA as a backup point guard, but he got a chance to start this year for New Orleans and never relinquished the role. He is averaging a career-high 13.0 points and knocking down a career-best 1.1 3-pointers per game. Vazquez is also averaging career highs in rebounding and assists, and in fact, his 9.0 assists per game rank third in the NBA. To a degree, his increase in production can be attributed to his increase in playing time. However, he has earned his playing time through his improved play. Vazquez will never be a major offensive force in the NBA, but he has shown this year that he can be a quality floor general.
Coach of the Year: George Karl, Denver Nuggets
A brutal early season schedule and a rash of random injuries couldn’t stop the Nuggets from catching fire in the second half of the year. Karl has installed an up-tempo offense that takes full advantage of his personnel and the thin air in Denver. Now, the Nuggets will have home-court advantage in at least the first round of the playoffs, and they have a league-leading 37-3 record at home. Players ultimately win games, but it is a coach’s job to make adjustments throughout the year when unexpected circumstances come into play. Karl had to do plenty of that this season, and he helped ensure the Nuggets kept on winning.
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