| RealGM Forum Accurately Predicts Awards Again? Authored by Tom Kristian Braaten/RealGM Forum Members - April 19, 2008 - 12:41 am
| Current Featured Columns | | The First Three Weeks of 2008-09 Now that we’ve had a little time to watch free agency unfold, along with the usual accompaniment of trades, let’s look at some of the key moves and how they impact the teams involved.
Grading The Deal: W's Sign Maggette And TuriafThe Boom Dizzle era is over, and the Warriors quickly recovered by signing two nice pieces to complement their young core.
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The point system installed was the same the league uses for most awards. The ballots for the most prestigeous award, most valuable player ran 5 deep. Players were awarded 10 points for each first place vote, 7 points for each second place vote, 5 points for third, 3 for fourth and 1 point for each fifth place vote. For the six other awards, the ballots asked for the voters top 3 choices. Players, coaches or GMs received 5 points for each first place vote, 3 for second and 1 point for each third place vote. 500 points was the maximum for MVP, and 250 for all the other awards. Without further introduction, here are the people’s choices for NBA awards for the 2007-08 season:
Most valuable player – points (first place votes)
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 412 (29)
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets – 383 (15)
3. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics – 212 (3)
4. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers – 188 (2)
5. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic – 56 (1)
Others receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs – 17; Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets – 15; Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns – 5; Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets – 5; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks – 2; Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns – 2; Deron Williams, Utah Jazz – 2; Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons – 1.
Comments: In the end this came down to Kobe Bryant vs Chris Paul. Both had amazing seasons and it’s too bad they can’t both win the award, because they both deserve it. Paul, who led the league in both assists and steals led his Hornets to the second best record in the Western Conference. Kobe, the second leading scorer in the league led his Lakers to the top spot out west despite numerous injuries to key players. Who would have thought that these two teams would stand as the top two teams in the Western Conference at the start of the season? No one, and that’s why this is a two horse race between Bryant and Paul.
Paul was the only player on all 50 ballots, while Bryant made 49 of them while edging out Paul on the first place votes and thus winning the vote overall with 412 points out of 500 possible.
Kevin Garnett, who was traded to the Celtics prior to this season helped install a defensive mentality in Boston which ultimately led to the biggest turnaround in league history. Garnett’s raw numbers are down compared to previous seasons, but that’s because he didn’t need to do everything like he used to do in Minnesota. Having the luxury to play less minutes because of how great the Celtics were this season also led to his raw numbers taking a slight dive.
LeBron was the leagues best player statistically this season. He posted a monster stat line of 30 points (led NBA), 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists with 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks to go with it. Despite LeBron’s individual brilliance this season the Cavs as a team failed to win enough for him to climb to the top as far as the MVP is concerned.
Dwight Howard rounded out the top 5 after yet another impressive season leading his Magic to 52 wins. Howard has improved his game every year of his career, and it’s scary to think about how good he’s become given his age.
Defensive Player of the Year – points (first place votes)
1. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics – 234 (43)
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs – 65
3. Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets – 59 (4)
4. Shane Battier, Houston Rockets – 48 (1)
5. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks – 19 (1)
Others receiving votes: Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs – 7; Brendan Haywood, Washington Wizards – 5 (1); Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic – 4; Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 4; Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets – 2; Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics – 1; Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia 76ers – 1; Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings – 1.
Comments: As the votes indicate, this wasn’t a close race at all. Garnett helped change the culture in Boston after coming over from Minnesota. Together with Doc Rivers he laid down the foundation for what turned out to be the best defensive team in the league this season.
The Spurs have been a defensive dynasty ever since Tim Duncan joined the league. It’s a shame that Duncan has never won one of these awards, but despite being his usual stellar self he’s going to have to settle for second this season because of Garnett’s brilliance.
Last years winner, Marcus Camby had another big season leading the league in blocks, and fans recognized his strong defensive play by voting him in third. Shane Battier of the Houston Rockets and Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks rounded out the top-5.
Rookie of the Year – points (first place votes)
1. Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics – 201 (31)
2. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks – 177 (17)
3. Luis Scola, Houston Rockets – 50 (2)
4. Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers – 14
5. Jamario Moon, Toronto Raptors – 3
Others receiving votes: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls – 2; Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers – 2; Carl Landry, Houston Rockets – 1.
Comments: Most experts predicted that Durant would take home the rookie of the year award after Greg Oden had to sit out the entire season after micro-fracture surgery in the off-season.
Durant did win the fan vote, but Al Horford gave him a run for his money after averaging a near double double. In the end, Durant’s 20 point average was enough for him to get he nod.
Sixth Man of the Year – points (first place votes)
1. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs – 239 (47)
2. Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns – 68 (1)
3. Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks – 52
4. Josh Childress, Atlanta Hawks – 33 (1)
5. Travis Outlaw, Portland Trailblazers – 16
Others receiving votes: Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls – 11; J.R. Smith, Denver Nuggets – 8; Kyle Korver, Utah Jazz – 5 (1); Luis Scola, Houston Rockets – 4; Ronny Turiaf, Los Angeles Lakers – 4; David Lee, New York Knicks – 4; Jerry Stackhouse, Dallas Mavericks – 3; Jannero Pargo, New Orleans Hornets – 1; James Posey, Boston Celtics – 1; Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons – 1.
Comments: This was a blowout, and rightfully so. It’s kind of weird to think of Ginobili as a 6th man, when he in reality is one of the leagues best players. Becuase of his role in San Antonio starting most games off the bench, no-one can deny him for this award this season. It would be a travesty if he doesn’t end up winning the actual award after the season he’s had. The reigning 6th man of year, Leandro Barbosa came in second while Dallas’ Jason Terry came in third.
Most Improved Player – points (first place votes)
1. Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic – 164 (26)
2. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers – 58 (6)
3. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors – 48 (5)
4. Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies – 43 (4)
5. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets – 39 (6)
Others receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers – 29; Mike Dunleavy Jr, Indiana Pacers – 23 (2); Andew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers – 23 (1); Rajon Rondo, Boston, Celtics – 4; Rashad McCants, Minnesota Timberwolves – 3; Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors – 3; J.R. Smith, Denver Nuggets – 3; Beno Udrih, Sacramento Kings – 2; Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers – 2; Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic – 1; Sasha Vujacic, Los Angeles Lakers – 1; Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz – 1; Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves – 1; Travis Outlaw, Portland Trailblazers – 1; Brandon Bass, Dallas Mavericks – 1.
Comments: After getting snubbed for a spot on this years Eastern Conference All-Star team, Hedo Turkoglu at least got some recognition from the fans for his hard work to improve his game. Turkoglu has been a star for the Magic this season, and together with young superstar Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis they have formed a nice core for the future down in Orlando.
Chris Kaman showed what he’s capable of after Elton Brand went down for almost the entire season averaging 15.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Clippers fans should look forward to seeing what the front court duo is capable of next season (assuming Brand stays).
Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors, Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies and MVP candidate Chris Paul rounded out the top 5.
Coach of the Year – points (first place votes)
1. Byron Scott, New Orleans Hornets – 206 (35)
2. Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets – 93 (7)
3. Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics – 53 (4)
4. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers – 30 (3)
5. Mo Cheeks, Philadelphia 76ers – 25
Others receiving votes: Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz – 16 (1); Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic – 15; Eddie Jordan, Washington Wizards – 6; Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix Suns – 3; Nate McMillan, Portland Trailblazers – 2; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs – 1.
Comments: The New Orleans Hornets had a great season. Fans awarded coach Byron Scott for his efforts to work with the youngsters on the roster to improve their game. Watching Chris Paul and the rest of the Hornets play this season, there is no doubt that they have had the luxury of an excellent coaching staff led by Scott.
Rick Adelman got to show his coaching talent this year in Houston after getting brought in to replace Jeff Van Gundy in the off-season, and it paid off for the Rockets. With a more open and free offensive strategy while maintaining the defensive foundation Van Gundy had developed, the Rockets went on the second longest winning streak in NBA history when they won 22 straight games.
The coaches for the conference champions Celtics (Doc Rivers) and Lakers (Phil Jackson) finished 3rd and 4th respectively while Philadelphia’s Mo Cheeks finished 5th.
Executive of the Year – points (first place votes)
1. Danny Aigne, Boston Celtics – 226 (39)
2. Mitch Kupchak, Los Angeles Lakers – 157 (9)
3. Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets – 17 (1)
4. Kevin Pritchard, Portland Trailblazers – 15 (1)
5. Steve Kerr, Phoenix Suns – 12
Others receiving votes: Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons – 8; Sam Presti, Seattle Supersonics – 3; Billy Knight, Atlanta Hawks – 3; Ed Stefanski, Philadelphia 76ers – 2; Otis Smith, Orlando Magic – 2; Kevin O’Connor, Utah Jazz – 2; Jeff Bower, New Orleans Hornets – 2; Billy King; Philadelphia 76ers – 1.
Comments: This was the year of big trades. From Allen and Garnett going to Boston, Richardson to Charlotte, Gasol to Los Angeles, O’Neal to Phoenix, Kidd to Dallas and Bibby to Atlanta, two contenders for executive of year separated themselves from the rest. Danny Aigne built a team who broke the all time record for biggest turnaround in Boston while Mitch Kupchak saved the Lakers’ near future by rebuilding the Lakers to a contender to get superstar Kobe Bryant to stay in LA after requesting a trade in the off-season.
This has been an incredibly enjoyable season. The Western Conference playoff race alone has made it exciting, but adding all the big trades and the brilliant play by several players made this one of the best NBA seasons in a while. Hopefully we’ll get to enjoy many more seasons like this one.
The only thing that remains now is to congratulate Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Durant, Hedo Turkoglu, Manu Ginobili, Byron Scott and Danny Aigne. The 2007-08 winners of the people’s end of year awards. Congratulations to all of them. |
