Without much ado or an awkward introductory paragraph let’s get to the meat of this blog entry: the first-quarter awards of the 2009-10 NBA season.
First-Quarter MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Points: 28.7 Rebounds: 6.8 Assists: 7.8
LeBron is approaching Jordan status where it is actually a challenge to think of a reason not to give him the MVP. His numbers are stark raving mad and his team is one of the best in the league. He is the unquestioned leader on a team still in search of its Scottie Pippen and it is difficult to think of a reason he should not be given this award at the end of the season if his play continues this way.
Rookie of the Quarter: Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
Points: 20.1 Assists: 5.0 Rebounds: 5.4 Steals: 2.00
This award came down to Evans and Brandon Jennings. Both players took over the role of team leader after their team’s star shooter was injured and both players are playing beyond their years. The final deciding factor had to be the NBA standings and the Kings team record just edged out the Milwaukee Bucks at this point in the early season.
Defensive Player of the Quarter: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
Rebounds: 8.2 Blocks: 2.42 Steals: 1.65
Smith edges out Dwight Howard because of his steals numbers (1.65 to 1.00) and his number of personal fouls. Both players play over 30 minutes a game, but Smith is only averaging 2.73 fouls a game to Howard’s 3.64. Howard has a huge lead in rebounds, but he also remains the only starter on the Orlando Magic that can rebound. Smith has the defensive versatility to guard players from the point to most centers at any place on the floor. His defensive play is a major factor in the Hawks sudden jump into the NBA elite.
First Quarter First Team All-NBA
Center: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Power Forward: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Small Forward: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Point Guard: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
While assembling this list it occurred to me that this appeared to be a little to close to what the results would be if this was a popularity contest, but I have to stand by these names.
Nobody can question Howard’s or LeBron’s validity. Bryant just edged out Wade because there is simply no denying Kobe’s court presence. No matter what kind of numbers Wade puts up there is just not the same feeling anymore when he is playing. Nash may not have the defensive numbers of a Deron Williams or Rajon Rondo, but he makes his team so much better than they should be. As a point guard that is his job. Dirk has been playing his best basketball since his MVP season and his ability to play like a seven-foot guard is what gives him the edge over Chris Bosh.