2012-13 NBA Awards Picks

With the 2012-13 NBA season coming to an end it's time to hand out some hardware.

Rookie Of The Year

Damian Lillard - This was one of the easier awards to hand out as Damian Lillard was consistent throughout the season and played more minutes than anybody in the league.  Also, one of the few top rookies to actually play the entire year without an injury.  On the season, the Weber State product averaged 19 points and 6.5 assists for a young Portland team.  Lillard creates a great building block to go along with LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicholas Batum.

Second Place: Anthony Davis
 

Most Improved

Paul George - When Indiana Pacers all-star Danny Granger was going to start the season on the injured list, Paul George was looked at to try and fill his shoes.  And he didn't disappoint.  George led the Pacers in scoring at 17.4 and steals with 1.8 a game.  He was also second on the team in rebounds (7.6) and assists (4.1).  George has the Pacers as a 3-seed in the East with a 49-32 record.

Second Place: Nikola Vucevic


Sixth Man

J.R. Smith - Always the first guy off the bench, J.R. Smith put up the best numbers of his career while helping the New York Knicks secure the 2-seed in the East.  Smith played his most minutes in any season and led all NBA reserves with 18.1 points per game, good for second on his team.  He was an integral part of the Knicks and will need to continue his great play if they hope to challenge the Heat in the playoffs.

Second Place: Jamal Crawford


Coach Of The Year

George Karl - Nobody expected the Denver Nuggets to be as successful as they were this year but they managed to get the 3-seed in the West thanks to George Karl.  With out a premier player, Karl has the Nuggets playing great team basketball with nine players averaging at least eight points a game.  He lost Danilo Gallinari to a season ending ACL tear but are still a threat in the West as they lead the league in points with 106.1 a game and had the best home record at 38-3. 

Second Place: Mike Woodson


Defensive Player Of The Year

Joakim Noah - This was a tough category but Joakim Noah was a defensive force for the Chicago Bulls helping them hold opponents to 92.9 points per game, good for third in the league.  He posted career bests in rebounds (11.1), blocks (2.1), and steals (1.2).  Noah also recorded a triple-double against Sixers on Feb. 28 with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 blocks. 

Second Place: Tony Allen


Most Valuable Player

LeBron James - In the middle of the season there was some debate to Kevin Durant being the MVP but once he lost his scoring title there is no question LeBron James will get his 4th MVP trophy.  James is fourth in the league in scoring with 26.8 points and fifth in shooting percentage at .565 with also grabbing a career best 8.0 boards and dishing out 7.3 assists.  He's led the Miami Heat to the best record in the NBA (66-16) and has them poised for another title run. 

Second Place: Kevin Durant