Early Predictions for Award Winners of the 2007-2008 NBA Season

This article provides a quick look at the front-runners and predicted winners for the 2007-2008 NBA Season Awards.

Most Valuable Player
LeBron James will be the 2007-2008 MVP. The Cleveland Cavaliers are destined to make the playoffs again in a soft Eastern Conference, and James will put up big numbers in flashy style, which makes it his turn to win the MVP. If the Los Angeles Lakers make some noise in the Western Conference race, Kobe Bryant could steal the award. However, if the Lakers and Cavs falter in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, Steve Nash could easily take home another MVP.

Rookie of the Year

Kevin Durant will earn the Rookie for Year for the 2007-2008 NBA season. He has the game to score at will in the NBA and will be an exciting player to watch this year. Because Greg Oden will miss the season due to injury, Durant has little competition for this award. However, should Durant have a tougher time than expected adapting to the NBA game, a less heralded player such as Acie Law IV of the Chicago Bulls may enter the picture. Further, Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks has a chance if he sees meaningful minutes this season.

Defensive Player of the Year

Marcus Camby will repeat as NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Camby is a true shot-blocking artist who may have replaced Ben Wallace as the premier defensive player in the game. The only thing blocking Camby's win is injuries or health problems. If Camby cannot stay healthy this year, Wallace could easily reclaim the award that was once his. Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings will always be in the running for this award if he plays a full season and does not allow off the court problems to resurface.

Most Improved Player

Look for the Cleveland Cavaliers' Daniel Gibson to win this award after showing the world what he could do in the playoffs last season. Gibson should develop more consistency this year and gel with superstar LeBron James, who will attract the attention of the opposing defense. Accordingly, Gibson is set up to improve upon last year's stats in grand fashion. If Gibson does not arrive as expected, the Timberwolves' Randy Foye or Rashad McCants may take this award. With Garnett out of Minnesota, someone has to pick up the slack in points, and both of these players are likely to benefit.

Coach of the Year

This award usually is reserved for the coach of an NBA team that overachieves, rather than the coach of the best NBA team. Therefore, look for Doc Rivers - coach of the Boston Celtics - to win this award after the Celtics unveil Kevin Garnett in the Eastern Conference. Another contender for this award is Rick Adelman if the Rockets finally stay healthy and contend in the West. Further, if the Dallas Mavericks reach their potential and win the Western Conference, Avery Johnson may be the Coach of the Year.

Best Sixth Man

Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks - a starter last year - will now be coming off the bench this season. As a sixth man with lots of minutes and a large role in the Mavericks' offense, Terry wins this award hands down. If Terry eventually becomes a starter, or does not perform as expected, other contenders include the San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobli or last year's winner Leandro Barbosa of the Phoenix Suns.