Envelopes Please...

It's everybody's (or at least my) favorite time of year again; the days are getting longer and warmer, school's drawing to a close and the NBA Playoffs are upon us, mere days away. There's sure to be plenty of incredible ball in the weeks ahead, but it's important not to lose sight of the amazing individual displays that players have put on this year. With that in mind, here's the Basketball Banter 2008-09 Awards; a chance for those who truly achieved greatness this year to be honored properly: in a lightly-read, highly irrelevant blog. Today we'll recognize the winners of the league's official awards with some fictional, but entirely deserved, trophies being handed out later this week.

Without further ado...

Rookie of the Year -- Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Rose's selection above Michael Beasley in last year's draft raised a few eyebrows and set the bar very high for a guy who'd be expected to quickly restore order to one of the league's schizophrenic offenses while learning the ropes of the big leagues. Any doubters were hastily silenced as Rose jumped out early as the best among a talented crop of rookies and never hit the proverbial wall. Although his jumper's been suspect, his quickness allows him to get to the hoop at will, where here's proven equally lethal at finishing among bigger bodies and setting up open shooters. His toughness and speed on defense are admirable and allow him to hold down even the league's biggest 1's. Even beyond pure talent, which he has in bundles, is his court presence; his poise and clutch playmaking have been the main reason the Bulls are back in the playoffs. Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called this season a "disaster" back in February, and if not for Rose, it likely would've been. Instead, the Bulls are headed back to the playoffs, and finally in the right direction.

Regards to: OJ Mayo, Grizzlies; Russell Westbrook, Thunder; Brook Lopez, Nets

Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

This might've been the easiest award to decide, Howard's leading the league in blocks and rebounds, imposing his will in the paint on D like no one since the Admiral. He's the defensive backbone of a team that isn't great at it, preventing more would-be attackers from entering the paint than any other just by suiting up. His combination of size and freakish athleticism are unmatched, and he's showing a better understanding of court positioning with each season. While his offensive game continues to (slowly) develop, Howard's already mastered the game's more disciplined practice and there's no reason to suspect he won't be raking in a lot more of these in seasons ahead.

Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Heat; Ron Artest, Rockets; Tim Duncan, Spurs

Most Improved Player - Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

Tough call here. There were a lot of guys who had breakout seasons; a couple swingmen took over and became straight-up dominant scorers, a point guard used a much-needed change of scenery to crack the starting lineup and double-up on his stats. Two more young 1's evolved into All-Star caliber players for top-tier teams, even an old warrior who once ruled the league shook off the rust and became a factor again. Despite all this it was Bargnani whose late-season stride showed the most growth in his game. Last season "Il Mago" (The Magician) was unimpressive, being bitched around on D by bigger pivots, and playing like the awkward shy kid at a junior high dance with the rock in his hands; never quite sure what to do with himself. This year, forced back into starting out-of-position by the O'Neal debacle, Bargs found some confidence, began taking better shots, attacking the rim more and at least standing up for himself in the post against stronger foes. Over the season's second half, he was perhaps the Raps' most potent offensive weapon, regularly droppin' 20's on an impressive variety of aggressive drives and long-range bombs. His numbers may not have jumped as much as some other contenders', but Bargnani defied expectations in a difficult situation and was the only bright spot in a disgraceful season for Toronto.

Regards to: Kevin Durant, Thunder; Chris Duhon, Knicks; Devin Harris, Nets

Sixth Man of the Year - Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

This became a serious race when perennial favorite Manu Ginobili missed considerable time this year, and the newly-benched Terry's embracing of his new role made him the immediate favorite; he had his best season as a Mav, doing almost 20/game as their only b ackcourt scoring threat. Instead of causing a fuss about losing his starting spot to a less talented player, Terry accepted the demotion and breathed life into a languid Mavs second line, becoming more of a pure scorer, true to his skill set. His brief injury absence brought on Dallas' worst ball of the season, so believe he'll be a key to any noise (however hushed) Dallas makes in the playoffs.

Regards to: Nate Robinson, Knicks; Lamar Odom, Lakers; Michael Beasley, Heat

Coach of the Year - Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic

Winning this award is increasingly impressive in today's age where coaches are canned like tuna and the bench boss' efforts often lie in the shadows of his players' exploits. 2008-09 was no exception; changes on the sideline were made early and often, poor Terry Porter didn't even make it through his first All-Star break with Phoenix. But it wasn't all bad. This year, Van Gundy was the unsung star for a Magic team that exceeded all realistic expectations through the usual early-season hype and loss of their All-Star point guard. He seamlessly incorporated Rafer Alston, he of the turbulent offense, as a replacement and Orlando hardly skipped a beat. In the process they managed to avoid the mid-season meltdown that's plagued them in recent years, and performed well against Boston and Cleveland, recently breaking the Cavs' spirits with a 30-point ass-whupping. This Orlando squad, despite going through numerous roster adjustments and having some very glaring weaknesses, is their best bet to return to the Finals since Diesel rocked Magic threads, and Van Gundy should be commended for it.

Regards to: Mike Brown, Cavaliers; Rick Adelman, Rockets; Nate McMillan, Blazers

Most Valuable Player - LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

It was a season of great importance for the Cavs; they were drawing ever closer to the summer of 2010, the day of reckoning when a hometown kid who just happened to be (arguably) the best basketball player alive would surely desert them if they didn't put a winner around him. There was a lot of talk about Lebron's supposedly imminent departure, and recent roster moves left plenty of uncertainty about what the Cavs were going to do this season. For the first time, King James' surroundings were as consistent as he was, but His Excellence's excellence managed to surpass even his own lofty standards this year. He improved his free-throw percentage and shot selection, became a more committed defender while continuing to score at will and create open shots for teammates where no others could. The Cavs consequently own the league's best record and its best player will almost certainly get to wear the MVP crown.

Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Heat; Kobe Bryant, Lakers; Chris Paul, Hornets

Congrats to all the winners. Part II drops in a few days...

It's Halftime

We're roughly halfway through the Association's 82-game schedule; as the All-Star break nears, it's a great time to look back over what we've seen so far and give some respect where it's due: it's time for the Haltime Awards.

Rookie of the Half
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
There's been a heavy load on Rose's shoulders this year; Duhon's gone, Hinrich's been hobbled. He's been looked upon to not only lead an offense that's politely called disorganized (remember he shares a backcourt with Larry Hughes) and features no low post scorers, but do it pretty much on his own. His outside touch needs work, but his ability to get into the lane makes him an extremely dangerous scorer and few point guards are strong and quick enough to stop him. 17 with over 3 and 6 each game; it's hard to say Chicago made the wrong pick.
Regards to: OJ Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Michael Beasley

Sixth Man of the Half
Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
Giving this award to a Mav pains me, especially since they're a serious question mark for the postseason now for a second straight year. Still, Terry's responded to his recent bench demotion by averaging a career-high 20/game, hitting .466 from the field. He's provided a push to Dallas' second unit on both ends of the floor with his speedy playmaking and pesky defending; one of Mavs' few bright spots over what's been a consistently inconsistent first half of the season.
Regards to: Manu Ginobili

Defensive Player of the Half
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Superman's having another monster year, leading the league in rebounds and blocks and making a strong push for an award he could very well own for most of the next decade. His presence in the post probably deters more would-be penetration than anyone else in the league, and those who do test him are more likely to be swatted than fouled. No player his size can cover ground so quickly; his patrol of the paint looms large enough for him to challenge shots and wax glass like The Admiral used to. His squad's unexpected ascent to the top of their conference can only help his cause.
Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Marcus Camby

Coach of the Half
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic
Proving why Pat Riley was right to trust him with the reigns to his franchise, and why he was wrong to show him the door after his coaching hiatus, Van Gundy's quietly steered the Magic to the league's upper echelon. While he leads a talented roster that's managed to remain healthy and, in the eyes of many, overachieve this season, the Magic's perennial early success has never sen them hold the league's best record after 41 games. They're the league's best road team and recently knocked off three division leaders on a tough Western road trip. No wonder Jeff's reluctant to head back to the bench.
Regards to: Mike Brown, Eric Spoelstra, George Karl

Most Improved Player
Chris Duhon, New York Knicks
After years of oppression under the cold rule of Scott Skiles, Duhon booked it to the bright lights of the Big Apple to play for the stat steroid master, Mike D'Antoni. As a result, his scoring, rebound and assist numbers have all doubled (along with his minutes) and he's posted improvements in every major statistical category (including turnovers, which is to be expected playing 40 minutes as the main ballhandler on a team that leads the league in possessions per game). When the rest of the Knicks start playing with his poise and consistency, they might become a team to respect again.
Regards to: Devin Harris, Jameer Nelson, Danny Granger

MVP
Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Finally surrounded by a team that can win enough games to solidify his MVP credentials, Lebron's having another unreal season. With Cleveland on pace for 60-something wins and part of every title conversation, his ridiculous numbers are somehow viewed in a more elite context, even though he's averaging fewer points, assists, rebounds and minutes than last year. Adding a second scorer/ballhandler has helped ease his burden on offense, evidenced by a much more energetic commitment on D. As a result, the Cavs are cruising and the dudes nipping at 'Bron's heels in the MVP race will need to do something legendary to catch him.
Regards to: Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard

...and now for a few awards the league doesn't dish out, but are still well deserved:

Disappointment of the Half
Toronto Raptors
After acquiring Jermaine O'Neal and locking up Jose Calderon, there was big talk north of the border prior to this season, but the Raps came out flatter than month-old soda and have played disorganized, brutally soft and defensively challenged ball all season. Injuries aside, their lack of cohesion's led to a 16-28 mark, good for 13th in the East and far from what Chris Bosh is willing to stick around for next summer.

Surprise of the Half
Denver Nuggets
Steadied by the presence of Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets are holding court among the West's top teams, even through the prolonged absence of their most talented player. No longer a one-way, free-wheeling bunch of self-serving scorers, The Nugs have buckled down on defense thanks to the addition of lynchpins Renaldo Balkman and Chris Andersen (bbbbroooooo!) and the newfound health of K-Mart and Nene. The absence of AI (his talents just weren't a good fit for their roster) has no doubt helped them climb into the conference's upper reaches and maybe even finally escape the first round.

Best Acquisition
Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
While Elton Brand's stuggled to find his spot in Philly, the other big addition out East has git in quite nicely alongside Lebron. Williams filled two voids for Cleveland, giving them another steady ballhandler/distributor and a second player who could create his own shot on the perimeter. As mentioned earlier, he's allowed Lebron to exert himself less on offense which allows him to save energy for D, and barring a serious meltdown, a deep playoff run. As a result the Cavs are on pace to eclipse last year's win total and are winning games more comfortably than any other team in the league. Hard to argue with those results.

Comeback of the Half
Nene, Denver Nuggets
Last season was one Nene would like to forget. He played all of 16 games, sidelined by a bout with cancer that was no doubt indescribably painful and cost him one of his nuts. The way he's played so far this year should help him put his past to rest, dropping carrer-highs of 15/8 while shooting 60% from the field to lead the league. His convalesence couldn't have come at a better time for a team that dumped its starting center for a bucket of Big League Chew over the offseason, and is a big reason why Denver's turning heads around the league with their recent success.

Ham Sandwich of the Half
Eddy Curry, New York Knicks
Curry wins this award not only because, much like a side of ham he's a large, immobile slab of meat, but because he's played an outstanding two minutes all season. Needless to say that for whatever reason (most likely his rubenesque physique and inability to bend at the waist or casually jog), he hasn't commanded a huge role in an offense that thrives on the run, but for a player who dropped 19/7 just two seasons ago, his disappearing act is too disturbing. More disturbing is that with the $10 million he's paying Curry this year, James Dolan could buy a fleet of 40 Bentleys that would provide similar levels of on-court productivity.