Major Excitement
Sidebar: Speaking of New Jersey, did anyone see that Richard Jefferson injured himself celebrating during opening night last night. Man, he is going above and beyond this season. The first game, and he injures himself. That is impressive.
Since we have gotten underway with the first slate of games, I thought I would hit you with who I believe are the front-runners for the major awards this NBA season:
MVP
1. Gilbert Arenas - I think Agent Zero, with the help of Jamison and Butler can win the Eastern Conference outright, especially in a contract year.
2. Carmello Anthony - The Denver Nuggets should have an awesome season, and ‘Melo will get a lot of the recognition.
3. Nash - At this point, he gets thrown into the conversation every year for the next three seasons.
4. LeBron - See Nash above.
Most Improved:
1. LaMarcus Aldridge - With all the Oden hype, Aldridge was sort of forgotten as a #3 overall pick. This kid is going to be awesome, especially with his beautiful 15- to 17-foot jumper. Aldridge should put up at least 17 ppg, and 8 rebounds this season.
2. Nobody else if Aldridge has that good of a season.
6th Man of the Year
1. Manu Ginobili - Don’t rob him this season.
2. Jason Terry - Dallas will be good, so he will get some love
Comeback Player of the Year
1. Charlie Villenueva - After a tremendous rookie year, Charlie V. was hurt for most of last season. Once people realize Chairman Yi is not ready, Charlie V. will become the starter and post low-end double-doubles (read, 11 and 11).
2. Bobby Simmons - After signing a fat contract, the hard working baller spent all season injured. Hopefully, he will get back to playing excellent defense, and posting very efficient numbers.
3. Dwyane Wade - Sounds weird, but Wade was injured a lot last season. After he comes back from his shoulder surgery, Wade will be a monster to remind everyone of how awesome he really is in this ‘quick to forget’ sports world.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Bruce Bowen - I’ve been pining for this for years. It looks like his last shot to win, so for crying out loud, give the man his due.
2. Tyson Chandler - He should continue to thrive in the paint in New Orleans. High energy, blocked shots, a lot of rebounds, what’s not to love?
Coach of the Year
1. Isiah Thomas - Just kidding.
1. Rick Adelman - Seriously, I’m joking.
1. P.J. Carlesimo - This one is serious. P.J. calmed down a lot while being the lead assistant under Popovich, and he should do big things with all the young talent in Seattle. If they sneak into the playoffs this season, P.J. deserves the love, especially after being blackballed for some many years. How can a guy be the victim of the assault, and get less love than the person doing the choking? Craziness.
The NBA Cares program has never received the recognition it so rightfully deserves, which is sad. It is the best program at giving back to the community in all of professional sports. Well, David Stern has upped the bar once again with a new program to help the rebuilding efforts for the great city of New Orleans, and it was kicked off last night at the Hornets first home game. Check out a little bit more info on the program.
One last note for those of you who have enjoyed the video of the Trinity University win in Millsaps. Obviously, you know what I’m talking about at this point. Well, there has been so much publicity, the tremendous parent organization, PAWS, has set up a special website as a tribute to the play and the great players of Trinity University. As a proud former TUF (that’s Trinity University Football) player, I am happy to see the recognition that this great program is getting. Check out the website, and give the program some love.
Have a great afternoon, and I’ll see you again tomorrow when the NFL picks return.
