NBA awards

The end of the regular season is here. Which players had good enough seasons to win awards? The CT sports editor gives you his picks for NBA awards.

Most Valuable Player

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Why: While Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade could have received this award, “King James” deserves this award. James averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game and also played the best defense of his career this season. James led the Cavaliers to the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, where the Cavaliers have lost only one game this season.

Honorable Mention: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Defensive Player of the Year

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Why: Howard is the most dominating defensive player in the post today. He led the NBA in blocked shots with 2.92 per game. Not only does Howard block shots, he alters the shots he does not block. Whenever a player drives the lane against the Magic, they know that Howard is looming in front of the basket.

Honorable Mention: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Rookie of the Year

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Why: The point guard showed the league why he was the No. 1 overall pick. Rose finished first among rookies in assists with 6.3 per game, second in scoring with 16.8 points per game and seventh in field goal percentage at 47.5. To this point, Rose has proven the Bulls made the right decision to draft him over Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley.

Honorable Mention: O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies

Sixth Man of the Year

Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

Why: Terry is fourth among point guards and 22nd overall in scoring with 19.5 points per game despite only starting 11 games this season. Only forward Dirk Nowitzki scores more for the Mavericks. Terry helped lead the Mavericks to the playoffs this season.

Honorable Mention: Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers

Most Improved Player

Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

Why: Roy improved his shooting touch and scoring output this season. Last year, Roy shot 45.4 percent from the field and 34 percent 3-point range. This year, Roy improved those numbers to 48.1 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from 3-point range. Roy increased his scoring from 19.1 points per game to 22.9 points per game. More importantly, Roy became the leader of the Trail Blazers and led them to at least the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Honorable Mention: Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets

Coach of the Year

Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers

Why: It’s hard to argue with a 21-game improvement. The Cavaliers finished last season at 45-37. This season, the Cavaliers will finish with at least 66 wins. While many people give most of the credit to LeBron James and the Cavaliers front office for acquiring Mo Williams in the off-season, Brown deserves credit for getting the team to the best record in the NBA.

Honorable Mention: Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic