MVP - LeBron James, Cleveland CavaliersWatch out for: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant
Last year, Kobe won it as the game's unofficial "best player to never win an MVP." If that form holds true this year, LeBron is the man. Team success will be necessary for whomever wins MVP.
Rookie of the Year - Michael Beasley, Miami Heat
Watch out for: O.J. Mayo, Greg Oden, Kevin Love, Rudy Fernandez, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose.
The award will probably go to whoever puts up the nicest stats, although they may be on a bad-to-mediocre team.
Defensive Player of the Year - Ron Artest, Houston Rockets
Watch out for: Kevin Garnett
One of the best defensive players in the league, Artest is now on one of the best defensive teams. Will he avoid suspension and help Houston finish near the top of the league?
Sixth Man of the Year - Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
Watch out for: Leandro Barbosa, Andrei Kirilenko
Manu's injury helps open this race up, as we'll see if new 6th men Odom and AK-47 stay in their positions for the entire season. Barbosa has a shot at his second win in three seasons.
Most Improved Player - Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
Watch out for: Thaddeus Young, J.R. Smith, Ronnie Brewer
A product of Eastern Washington University, Stuckey broke out in the playoffs last season, showing poise under pressure as a rookie. Brewer was my pick last year, and I might as well put him on the list again, right?
Coach of the Year - Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets
Watch out for: Nate McMillan, Byron Scott, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Mike Brown, Erik Spoelstra, Maurice Cheeks
If Yao, McGrady and crew stay healthy - a big "if" - the Rockets should win a lot of games. Team improvement and total wins are the big factors. Jerry Sloan, consistently one of the best coaches in the NBA, could become a sentimental favorite.
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