With the Heat set to open regular-season play in New York on Wednesday against the Knicks, there's no better time than now to get those last-minute league predictions in for the season.
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James - It's his time. He's got a bit more help on the roster this season, which means his stats might dip just a bit. But that didn't seem to hurt Kobe last year. Plus, James is two years overdue. He should have earned MVP two years ago when he carried the Cavs to the Finals.
Rookie of the Year: Greg Oden - Michael Beasley and O.J. Mayo, provided everyone stays healthy, will put up far more impressive numbers. But Oden's team has more overall talent and almost made the playoffs last year without him. If they get into the postseason this time around, guess who will get most of the credit for making the difference?
Coach of the Year (East): Stan Van Gundy - His grinding style might wear on his players quickly, but that seems to be just what the Magic needs to get the most out of Dwight Howard and his supporting cast. The Magic is coming off its best season in a decade and a second-round playoff berth. Van Gundy was upstaged by Doc Rivers and Boston's more miraculous turnaround. The Magic still has the luxury of flying a bit under the radar.
Coach of the Year (West): Nate McMillan - It's the no-brainer choice here if he gets the Trail Blazers one step further than last season and into the playoffs. He did the best job out of any coach in the league last season not named Byron Scott.
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler - Shot-blocking, rebounding and athletic finishes at the rim have become his specialty. The Hornets beefed up their defensive rep already with the addition of perimeter specialist James Posey. Chandler could benefit from the Hornets' even stingier team numbers this season.
Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom - If Full-of-it-Sometimes Phil Jackson follows through on his bluff to bring Odom off the bench, it could be a move that pays off personally for Odom and overall for the team. Odom's versatility almost ensures he will produce the kind of all-around numbers that will keep him in the race. And the Lakers success as a team could put him over the top - if he buys in.
On to the Heat ...
Projected win total (range): 36-42
Division finish: 2nd
Conference finish (range): 7-10
Dwyane Wade: Second-team All-NBA, All-Star starter, 30.2 ppg., 6.4 apg., 4.8 rpg.
Michael Beasley: All-Rookie Team, Leads the Rookie team in scoring against the Sophomore squad at All-Star Weekend, 17.5 ppg., 7.3 rpg. (season)
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