Surprise Team:  

G.R. Baker:  Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets will be a good team but I feel as if they will be better than what many people currently think.  The Rockets could become the Western Conference champions do to the inside/outside tandem of James Harden and Dwight Howard but their bench will be particularly strong as well.  

C.D. Paul:  Washington Wizards

John Wall, Bradley Beal, Nene and newly acquired Marcin Gortat got them a nice nucelus to work with, also adding Otto Porter Jr. in the draft and the luxury of being in the East can get them a 40 win plus season, that’s right, I believe if this team is healthy, 40 wins, the guards can create for their teammates and get their own shot, Nene is solid in the post, and Gortat will solidify them as far as rebounding. they will be the 2nd best team in their division.

C.L. Anthony:  Golden State Warriors 

In the vain of G.R. Bakers assessment of the Houston Rockets, I think that people expect the Golden State Warriors to be good but I can actually see them making a run to the Western Conference Finals.  They are young, dynamic and can beat teams in a number of ways.  Who’s to say that the Warriors if healthy during last season’s playoff run would not have defeated the San Antonio Spurs?  It was a tough 6 game series and perhaps the Warriors could be won if not for the injuries to Bogut, Lee, and Stephen Curry.  

Rookie of the Year:

G.R. Baker:  Victor Oladipo

If the playing time is there consistently, Victor Oladipo will be a major factor in the Orlando Magic’s current youth movement and will garner national attention.  It’s not hard being the best player on a team with low expectations but at least it will grow his legend in the meantime.  

C.D. Paul:  Victor Oladipo

The draft I thought was a weak one, but in my eyes, I think he could be a star in the making, his jumpshot is better than I thought, attacks the rim, disrupt the passing lanes, he will get at least 30 minutes a game, and at times, I believe he will be the one closing games too, sky is the limit for this kid.

Defensive Player of the Year:

G.R. Baker:  Dwight Howard

It’s kind of a joke that Marc Gasol won the award last season despite the fact that Howard’s numbers just wasn’t there.  This year and seemingly 100% healed, it’s Howard’s award to lose.

C.D. Paul:  Larry Sanders

I remember seeing a stat whereas when Sanders is on the Floor, that teams were allowed 95 points over 100 possessions while Skiles were there. He doesn’t rebound as much as a big man should but he does alter shots and blocked 2.83 a game.  He actually had a 10 block game against the Timberwolves last season.  Milwaukee is not really a good team at the moment, but, if he can carry them on that side of the ball and have them overachieve a bit, then he should be recognized because he can guard the post and does it very well. 

C.L. Anthony:  Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard being in Houston along side of James Harden does one thing, takes the offensive pressure of off the center.  Lets be honest, Howard lacks the offensive fortitude of past greats who’ve played center for the Rockets and if Howard is to stand along side of the like of Moses Malone, Yao Ming, and Hakeem Olajuwon then it must be done on the defensive end.  Leave the offense to James Harden and the other quick 2’s and 3’s and patrol the paint like we all know he can.  

Coach of the Year:

G.R. Baker:  Jason Kidd

I feel Jason kidd might do a descent job and better than most think.  In order for Kidd to win I feel that the Brooklyn Nets would have to have a great regular season as in top 3 in the Eastern Conference.  Being recently retired from the league, the trick for Kidd will be commanding the respect of his veterans in crunch time.  They can’t question his authority in those scenarios.

C.D. Paul:  Mike Brown

NBA MVP:

G.R. Baker:  Chris Paul

Yup I got Chris Paul, only because it’s Chris Freaking Paul and that’s all I got

C.D. Paul:  Kevin Durant

Westbrook is going to be out for four to six weeks, Kevin Durant must make his guys that he has available now such as Jeremy Lamb, Reggie Jackson, and Serge Ibaka better while finding ways to dominate. Durant is a offensive machine, can pratically get any shot he wants, I think he comes out to a hot start without his sidekick Westbrook, and it’s his to win just as long as he doesn’t get complacent.