Time to cast the ballots on an election I know something about

It’s Election Day!

No, not that one, sillyheads, one that I care about.

(I keed, I keed)

I’ve put off submitting my ballots for the NBA awards until today, mostly because I’m a wee bit lazy and partially because I really wanted to see how the regular season unfolded.

But when I got the reminder from the league office yesterday, figured it was time to get thinking.

So, as we go speeding to the end of the season – and speeding is bad unless you get busted by a cop who’s got better things to do on your court date -- this is what I thought, along with some other fun stuff sprinkled in.

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MVP

Derrick Rose

Dwight Howard

LeBron James

Kevin Durant

 

Kobe Bryant

Oh, yeah, this was hard. Very hard. Maybe the hardest one I’ve had in years.

What is the MVP? Best player on best team? Statistically dominant guy? Guy a good team could least do without? The guy who elevates teammates the most? A combination, to me. You have to consider numbers a bit, impact a lot, team success quite a bit.

I know you could make a compelling case for any of those five – in fact, Stan Van Gundy almost had me swung over to Dwight a couple of weeks ago – but, to me, Rose has passed the eye test and the numbers test and the team test.

I guess the biggest snub here would be Dirk but there’s only room for five names.

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Coach of the Year

Doug Collins

Tom Thibodeau

 

George Karl

I’m virtually certain that Thibodeau will win and he’s as deserving as anyone on the list; what he’s done in his first year is incredible.

But I saw Philly a couple of times early in the season, I saw them last week and what Collins has done with the talent available to him has been astounding.

In late November, I don’t think many thought the Sixers would win 25 games, let alone be the seventh seed in the playoffs.

And, yes, it was incredibly hard to leave Gregg Popovich off the ballot but George had all kinds of stuff to put up with and still coaxed the Nuggets to a great record.

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Rookie of the Year

Blake Griffin

Landry Fields

 

John Wall

Perhaps the biggest no-brainer of the bunch.

Sure, there could be questions about whether Griffin really is a rookie (does hanging around the NBA for a full season to learn the ropes count?) but the rules say he is and until they change the rules, I’m not sure how anyone could vote against him.

Should they change the rules? Maybe but that’s a discussion for another day.

Snubs? None, really, although I imagine DeMarcus Cousins will get some support.

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Defensive player of the Year

Dwight Howard

Grant Hill

 

Luol Deng

Oops. Sorry. This is the biggest no-brainer of the bunch.

If this isn’t near unanimous, I’ll be shocked, no one impacts the game from the defensive end more than Howard does.

A handful of coaches – heads and assistants – have been singing Hill’s praises all year and every time I’ve seen him, he’s been excellent.

Deng? Over Carl Landry and Thabo Sefolosha although I could have goe either way.

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Digression?

Just keeping you up to speed on what’s going on with my colleague Bill over in Beijing.

Guess he’s back in business.

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Double digression?

I’m not all the worried about my Jays, but I have to tell you, this west trip is not working out the way I’d hoped.

But it’s not like anyone in the AL East is off to a torrid start so I remain calm and confident.

And need them to get back East so I can watch more.

Anyway, we now return to the regularly-scheduled voting process.

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Sixth Man of the Year

Lamar Odom

Jason Terry

 

Glen Davis

Tough to vote against Terry, who’s been spectacular but Odom’s such a key cog to whatever the Lakers do – even moreso now that there will be questions about Bynum after he injured his knee late Tuesday night.

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Most improved

Russell Westbrook

Kevin Love

 

Kris Humphries

Another tough one but Westbrook’s overall team success rules the day.

Yes, some love for Hump because he’s finally figured it out and I’m glad.

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All NBA teams

First team

Derrick Rose

Kobe Bryant

LeBron James

Dirk Nowitzki

Dwight Howard

 

Second team

Russell Westbrook

Dwyane Wade

Kevin Durant

Amare Stoudemire

Pau Gasol

 

Third team

Tony Parker

Chris Paul

Carmelo Anthony

Blake Griffin

Zach Randolph

The first two kind of write themselves, the third took some thinking but I’m pretty sure there’ll be some agreement.

Maybe Garnett could have been in there somewhere and I’m sure there are others but I’d be okay with any of those teams.

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Hey, Ira talked to Chris about tonight – the dude’s always finding the right story – and here’s what he’s got, making it easier for me this morning at shootarounds.

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Oh yeah, we’re a late start tonight, 8 p.m. East, because the league has set the final night of the season up with all 8 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. starts. Probably has something to do with tanking possibilities or flexibility for TV partners but it’s a bit of a deadline pain for me. And we know it’s all about me, right?

Anyway, if you’re looking for the IGBT, don’t look ‘til 7:45 or so.

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Comments

[Peter]

Another great season from Grunt Row. Thanks for the entertainment on the web, we needed it, because it wasn't all that pretty from the court!

[Mo]

Hey Doug,

In your grades article, you said this for bargnani:

"Stay or go: What he brings them on offence can’t be discounted, but he has to try to defend."

I'm not sure if that means he's staying or going.

What do you think SHOULD happen with him? and what do you think WILL end up happening?

Blogger's note: They should keep him and they will. That's what I think

[Johnn19]

Doug, you left Kleiza off your article on grading the Raptors. I guess out of sight, out of mind.
With his injury status and contract, 3 more years, he is sure to be back next year, although not active till late in the year, at best.

Blogger's note: Oops, I did; and you're right about back, not sure about your timing

[Paul]

Doug, Bosh refers to "his old, favorite restaurant" - do you know what it is? Just curious. Maybe I should check it out!

[Shawn]

Any consideration for Lemarcus Aldridge... for atleast the third team doug? Thought he did a great job leading that team to the playoffs with all the injuries the blazers had this year...

Blogger's note: Some, yeah; was tough to leave off

[Tim S]

Doug, any love for Tyson Chandler for Defensive player? He did a pretty job protecting the paint over in Dallas.

Blogger's note: Sure, after the three I thought were better

[Kenny]

Wow Blake Griffin on the third team as a rookie. That is high praise indeed, especially from someone who can sometimes be a little skeptical towards the young 'uns. Personally I think Griffin is very impressive, but I doubt the other voters would give him that much respect after just his first year.

[Sump]

Does anyone else think Kevin Durant is 1st team ? How can you rank the leagues #1 scorer and the fact that his team is so young and they have done so well in the hardest Conference in the league yet he gets no love for 1st team?

You also rank LBJ higher than him on the MVP rankings when Durant is easily the most eclipsed players in the league. Just because his market is not as big as Chicago or the Florida teams he doesn't get the ESPN coverage like LBJ or Rose might well frankly Durant will probably have more rings than LBJ will have when it is all said and done and he doesn't need 1.5 men to do it.

[Kent]

Kobe is going to stay on the NBA 1st team (and probably the 1st defensive team as well) this year but he will do it based on his reputation. I think Rose and Wade have been the two best guards in the regular season. Kobe has looked very jaded at times this year and he was outplayed by both Rose and Wade when their teams met....Rondo didn't make your 3rd team?...Will BC have the stones tonight to come out and address the crowd after the game?

Blogger't note: He's never done it, what make you think he would, or should, tonight?

[joe]

Doug,

Have you been informed if the Big 3 will even play tonight? I know they want to rest up for the playoffs but many fans paid big money for tonight's game to see them play. I hope Coach Spo doesn't do what Coach Rivers did on Monday with the Celtics and sit them all out. Even if they played only for a quarter they would be alright.

Blogger's note: No clue at the moment

[The J]

How about Executive of the Year? I think Pat Riley will get a lot of love for bringing the big 3 together, but in some ways that feels more collusion and luck than great executive planning (finding some jewels, well placed contracts, drafting, etc.). I do like Masai Ujiri for weathering the Carmelo mess and still pulling off what now looks like a great trade. But I would give the award to Gar Forman in Chicago, because I love the moves he made after losing out on the biggest 3 FAs of the infamous summer. Plus hiring Tom Thibodeau was very smart, and definetly paid off.

[Kelsie]

Hey Doug,

I found your 'keepers and packers' article this morning interesting.

I am in disagreemnt with you on one players and I think it might be advisable for the Raps to consider moving Bargnani but not for the normal angry reasons most bloggers post about his laziness, lack of rebounds and defence etc.

The team has very few options and very little in assets to improve. A top pick in this draft is not that significant unless it's in the top 2 as this draft is undeniably weak. BC has said they are probably not going to use the TPE (no surprises there) and whatever 'financial felxibility' or cap money they have probably won't be invested on a team that is a bottom tier team. Also what FA's would want to come based on this current situation without having to overpay for their services?

The ideal way to improve would be to try and trade whatever disposable assets they have and BC has said all along that Andrea gets the most inquiries in trade talks. Scoring is good but that is the skill most readily available in the NBA and quite frankly he drops 21 ppg on 18 shots. Thats 8-18 on a normal night based on his %'s which is not that impressive or irreplaceable in this league.

This is not even addressing what it might do for other players and their growth to a significant change in culture that has allowed 'enabling' and non-accountability on both ends of the court.

I truly belive Raps best hopes for getting better and sustain growth is through the draft. If Andrea can be packged for picks or for a combination of young players and or picks I think it would be the best option going forward for this team to improve long-term. Keeping him only serves to further diminish the kind of basketball culture everyone wishes for and allows for diffferent set of rules for different players.

He's going to be the highest paid player on the team and has 5 years in the league. Expecting effort, or motivating him to play defence should come from within at this point in his career. Being the best payer you possibly can shoudn't have to be coaxed anymore. It should be expected.

[Dallas]

Hi Doug,

Will there be exit interviews and press conferences tomorrow morning?

Blogger's note: Oh yeah, same as every year

[Matt M]

I'm a little disappointed in the Jays western road trip too. But then this is the year that the Jays get to learn about themselves a bit and the west has taught them a few things. For instance, no one is going to pitch to Jose until Lind picks it up a bit. Lind can be passable in the field. Hill is a very good bench player, maybe even a good utility player. He either needs to pick it up significantly or good second baseman will be necessary by this time next year. Snider needs to start hitting on a regular basis. Encarnacion is best as a DH. Davis needs to learn his speed is useless if he can't get on base. Or play Patterson as all a left hander at the top of the order might be better for the team. Arencibia is a keeper. Can't wait for Lawrie. The bullpen is lights out unless they are overworked. They need a couple of starting pitchers to step up and make it to the seventh or eight inning on a regular basis (Thanks Romero). Other than that I can't think of anything. It will be fun to watch how the Jays improve over the course of the season.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

How do, Doug,
Wow, a load of good reading today in Mother Star. Thanks for another banner year of down and dirty grunt work. You salvaged the season for a large number of us (again).
Question: Are defensive quotas possible? Would Bargs respond to something like that? Would Jay enforce something like that?
The big guy definitely did not take advantage of his chances to shine this year. Maybe it relates mostly to his knee injury in mid-December, followed by the foot, then the ankle(s). There was a short stretch early in the season when he was doing a good job working the elbow and moving into the mid- to low post, and even showing some hustle on D. But then he started drifting back out to the perimeter, moving a lot less without the ball, and showing little interest (or ability? again, due to injury?) in D, setting decent picks, blocking out, putting in the effort to go after boards rather than having them fall into his hands...
If he's going to continue to position himself basically as a 2, doesn't he forfeit all the advantages he should be having as a 7-footer (beyond not having many shots blocked)? And if that's the case, could you see him being used primarily as instant offence off the bench, as the go-to sixth man – so he can concentrate entirely on his best skill (i.e., making shots)? Couldn't he then become the 3-point specialist the team's been looking for – but who's been on the roster all along? (with some help from a healthy Kleiza)
Thanks again, Doug. Hope you have a chance to enjoy some more down time this spring and summer. Cheers.

Blogger's note: Not sure what kind of "quotas" are possible

[GM]

The only changes that leap to mind for me would be in COY. I'd give it to Nate McMillan. Portland continues to amaze me. I don't know how they keep winning but they do. As for Most Improved, I thought Westbrook and Love were pretty damn good last year so hey haven't improved all that much, relatively speaking. (Westbrook is playing the same number of minutes, has the same assist numbers and is scoring 5 more points a game; Love is playing 7 more minutes, has six more points and 4 more boards.) How about someone like Nick Young or your favourite Marcin Gortat, or Tyson Chandler?

[sg60]

I read your "Should he stay or should he go" article today and I agree with all of your assessments, except for Bargnani. I really think that this is the time to trade him when he still has value and possibly fill many of the holes on this team. My reasoning goes beyond emotion although I'll admit I don't like him as a player and never really have. So given that we would lose a lot of offence by moving him, why should the Raptors do it.

1. This team is rebuilding anyway and he's too much of a defensive liability to be a starting centre on this team. If Calderon stays, and I agree he should, then Bargnani has to go. A team that is this defensively challenged can`t weather tthe impact of both of those guys in the sarting line-up. I believe that Calderon is more important to this team than Bargani.

2. Interest level and dedication. He's had every opportunity from management and coaching to raise the level of his overall game and take the leap to premier player but he refuses to make the sacrifices. There's no doubt he has the ability but he just doesn't have the heart. He`s far too timid for a seven footer. It`s obvious that his comfort level is on the perimiter, not in the paint. In addition, his effort level is far too inconsistent.

3. Market Value. I think there are many teams that could benefit from his scoring and absorb his defensive liabilities. His contract is also pretty reasonable. Trade him while we can still get something useful for him.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

Excellent article on who stays and who goes. I don't agree with all of it, but I can't fault your rationale and thoughtfulness--the same approach you use all year every year.

Last week I was all for dumping Bargnani for draft picks and I still would be willing to arrange a small parade to the airport if the Raps tied the can to his lazy behind. But with the lock-out looming, I'm not certain that amassing draft picks this year is such a good plan. Perry Jones and Jared Sullinger have already said they are staying in school--arguably two of the top five picks if they decided to bolt. More players may decide it's better to play in college next year rather than risk sitting out the season at home. So it's probably wise to hang on to Il Mucko for now and try to pawn him off mid-season to someone who could use a hot shooter off the bench.

Thanks again for a great season Doug...

AG, Toronto

[LeeZ]

"The word from coaches is that he’s so raw they worried about him hurting teammates in practice." Wow. I nearly fell off my chair when I read this. That's almost like a punchline to a Johnny Carson joke: How raw is Alabi? The coaches are worried he'll hurt his teammates, that's how raw he is, camel breath!

[LeeZ]

Hey Doug, any thoughts on this item from Dave's column today? Offering Colangelo a short-term extension — say, a two-year deal that’s only partially guaranteed. Do you have any opinion on whether that's a good idea, or any guess (informed or uneducated) as to whether Brian would accept it?

Blogger's note: In my opinion, it would be a huge slap in the face, an unprecedented move -- especially with next year in limbo -- and I'd walk away

[Lorie]

Doug!
So. Another season ends. Quelle slog, eh? Don't you feel that after making it through this one, a stint on "Survivor" would be a snap? Even that season with Corinne and Sugar. Anyway, thanks for keeping us even of keel, strong of heart, light of spirit and full of brew...I mean, in the loop about our HOTHC. Bravo, Sir! Now, one more time...into the breech!!! Cheers!

[doug]

good on you for picking Collins Thidodeau will win it but Collins deserves it, he took virtually the same group of guys that had no clue on how to play together and got them to do so, impressive...and to me the Bulls are just easy pickings in the playoffs...plus Kobe wasn't "jaded" the dude has a lot of wear and tear on that body, his knees are dead he needs to pace himself as he did.....the Jays are only going to go as far as Lind,Hill and Snider take them so far it hasn't been to far...

[SHJ]

Doug, the numbers in no way support Derrick Rose as the MVP. If you're looking at the numbers, then Lebron or Dwight are really the only options. Derrick is the best offensive player on a team that has won with its defense.

Blogger's note: Which is precisely why you don't ever only look at numbers