The 2007-08 NBA season is knocking at the door and I'm ready to answer it with a smile on my face. However, before the official tip-off of the season, I'm going to make some predictions for the major NBA awards given to the top NBA players and NBA coach, as well as who will emerge as the NBA Finals champions. The Amazing Kreskin glasses firmly in place, let's begin to look into the future!
NBA Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets
After a string of successful seasons with the Sacramento Kings and his questionable firing from the Kings (he led the team to 44 wins in his last season), Adelman is back in the NBA with a talented Rockets team led by Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. Adelman's motion offense suits the guard/wing-heavy rotation and big men with passing ability, and should be a successful change of pace from last year's "pass the ball to Yao"-based offense. However, Yao will still get his points, but with more points distribution all-around. Can they improve on last season's 52-win season? Time will tell, but either way, Adelman will have his players happy, as well as the city of Houston.
NBA Most Improved Player: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Yes, everyone will be talking about the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, however, Rondo should get some love as well. Last year, when given the opportunity to start, Rondo put up impressive numbers, especially defensively. In the last month of the regular season and with ample minutes of burn, Rondo averaged 13.0 points on 55.3% shooting from the floor, 5.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in about 37 minutes per game. Sure, Rondo doesn't hit the three ball, but he'll still get his modest points, an increase in assists considering the Celtics new personnel, and could possibly lead the league in steals. Just as the Celtics should be, Rondo will be the most improved.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns
On any other team, Barbosa probably starts. However, he's on a team with Steve Nash, so it's understandable that he comes off the pine. However, thanks to his ability to put up points in a hurry, the 6'3" guard can also spell starting shooting guard Raja Bell as well. Last season, Barbosa obviously excelled in his role as sixth man, winning this award last season while averaging 18.1 points and sticking 2.4 three-pointers per contest. Expect Barbosa to get this award again.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
I know this prediction might sound crazy, afterall, Smith has never made an NBA All-Defensive team in his short career, but the 21-year-old has to start somewhere and why not by winning the ultimate defensive prize. Granted, the "real" NBA establishment hasn't given much respect to those players that put up great fantasy numbers in the blocks and steals categories (ask Shawn Marion and Gerald Wallace), however, it's tough to deny Smith 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 6.3 defensive boards. With an expected improvement from last season, the Hawks rise should also give J-Smoove some shine, maybe enough to win a major award.
NBA Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant, Seattle SuperSonics
This was a deep 2007 NBA Draft, but the buzz was mainly (and justifiably) around the Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden and Durant. Even though Oden will miss the season with a knee injury, I still think Durant would have (will) won the award. Why? Durant is offensively superior to Oden and the rest of the draft class as he can hit from anywhere on the court, as well post players up down in the box. He won't dominate in the offensive block as he did in college because he's not strong enough yet, but he doesn't have to. Durant will get all the playing time in the world and will be allowed to make his mistakes and adjust to the NBA in the quiet of Seattle.
NBA Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
After coming close a couple of seasons ago when Steve Nash won his second of back-to-back MVP awards, James should get his due this coming season. The Cavs didn't make any significant moves this offseason other than letting the contract situations of two important reserves, Anderso Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic, get messy and have the players not with the team. It was amazing that James led the Cavs to the 2007 NBA Finals and there isn't much hope of that happening this coming season. However, after seeing James' sheer force of will in the latter half of last season and postseason, I believe he puts the Cavs back on his shoulders and comes at the league stronger than before.
NBA Finals Champion: Houston Rockets over the Chicago Bulls
Yes, I know what you're thinking... I'm picking the wrong team in the right state. All due respect to the Spurs, but I have to go with my gut and take the Rockets. Of course, Yao and T-Mac will have to stay healthy, but I have a feeling that both players will finally get past the first round of the playoffs with a BANG!How will I do with my predictions? We'll find out in eight months. It should be a great ride!
