Tonight marks the culmination of yet another riveting, albeit condensed, NBA season. From Linsanity to the Dwight Howard drama, this basketball season produced some storylines that we may be talking about for years to come. So without further ado, here are some of the best (and worst) from the NBA season.
Best Team
Although they may not win a championship this year, I am going to give this one to the San Antonio Spurs. They may not be the most talented squad, but they play as a cohesive unit, which is enough for them to win this award (for what it’s worth).
Their core of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker is aging, but they have proved to their doubters that they can still be a force. They once again managed to win the West and will have momentum going into the playoffs.
Worst Team
Charlotte Bobcats. 7-58 speaks for itself, and tonight they have a chance to move to 7-59 and break the NBA record for lowest winning percentage in a season.
Breakout Player
Who else but Jeremy Lin? His status for the remainder of the season is still in jeopardy, but Linsanity is undoubtedly this year’s breakout star. He reenergized a struggling Knicks team and brought life to the Garden once again. Say what you will about his limitations as an NBA point guard – that won’t take away his breakout star status.
Coach of the Year
Frank Vogel, Indiana Pacers. Who, you might ask? Well, Vogel has taken a team without a superstar to an impressive 42-24 record and the No. 3 spot in the East, just behind the Heat and Bulls. Indiana has a better record than the Lakers, Mavs, Clippers and Celtics – all teams with plenty of firepower. I’m not sure how many votes Vogel is going to get for his efforts, but he’s got my vote.
The #SMH player of the Year
It has to be JaVale McGee. Countless times this season, I’ve found myself just shaking my head at some of the things JaVale does. Whether it’s running back on defense when his team still has the ball or trying a self alley-oop when the game is still in the balance, something is loose up in his brain. Regardless, I am certainly glad that he is out of D.C.
*Runner up – Nick Young, former Wizards running mate/bonehead
MVP
LeBron. Read my article from March 15 and you will know why.
NBA Champion
I am going to stick with my guns and pick the Heat. The Big Three have one more year under their belt, and I think this is the year they get it done. When those three put their minds to it, they are the most dominant all-around team in the league. This will be the year that LeBron quiets his critics. He WILL hit a game-winner at some point in these playoffs, proving once and for all that he is one of the all-time greats.
