Sekou

[HMFFL]

MVP

LeBron James, Cleveland

James was a frontrunner this time last year but didn’t close the deal. But no one is playing better basketball.

Dwight Howard, Orlando

Howard’s dominance on both ends has allowed him to snatch the mantle as the league’s, sorry Shaq, most dominant player.

Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers

He’s still the champ until someone else takes the crown. The way Bryant and his Lakers are playing, that might not happen anytime soon.

Chris Paul, New Orleans

His team has been up and down this season, but Paul remains the best point guard in the game and a serious threat for the big title.

Paul Pierce, Boston

The most valuable player on the best team in the league, Pierce hasn’t missed a beat since his takeover during the playoffs.

Defensive Player of the Year

Dwight Howard, Orlando

The league’s top rebounder and shot blocker, Howard owns the paint every night no matter the arena.

Kevin Garnett, Boston

The defending champ, Garnett’s unyielding fire and work ethic continue to keep him head and shoulders above the crowd.

Ron Artest, Houston

His offensive abilities have improved and people forget that he remains the league’s most feared one-on-one defender.

Chris Paul, New Orleans

A steal in a record 108 games (a streak that ended on Christmas) illustrates just how unreal Paul can be on the defensive end.

Dwyane Wade, Miami

If Wade had the help, he’d challenge for MVP, because only a handful of players are operating at his level on both ends of the floor.

Most Improved Player

Devin Harris, New Jersey

Dallas blew it trading Harris for Jason Kidd, who wishes he could still play at the elite level that Harris, a lock for the All-Star game, is these days.

Rajon Rondo, Boston

Another challenger for an Eastern Conference All-Star spot, Rondo has been fantastic this season and gives the Celtics a Big Four.

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland

Brandon Roy is the headliner and Greg Oden is the future, but the versatile Aldridge is the linchpin for the Trail Blazers and their playoff fortunes.

Paul Millsap, Utah

Go ahead and opt out of your contract this summer, Carlos Boozer. Your replacement is ready to take over the starting power forward spot now.

John Salmons, Sacramento

A role player a year ago, Salmons has settled into a starring role for the Kings, averaging 20 points and taking on the role of clutch player.

Sixth Man of the Year

Jason Terry, Dallas

Terry is the most dynamic bench scorer (21.1 game) in the league right now and the best security blanket for Rick Carlisle.

J.R. Smith, Denver

The Nuggets’ modest investment in the enigmatic Smith has produced huge results in the way of scoring (13.2) off the bench.

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio

Whatever Spurs coach Gregg Popovich asks, Ginobili delivers. And since his return from injury, the Spurs are 13-4.

Andres Nocioni, Chicago

Like countryman Ginobili, Nocioni is a starter dressed in a reserve’s clothing. He’s a wicked defender and the league’s best agitator.

Louis Williams, Philadelphia

Don’t blame the former South Gwinnett star for the 76ers’ struggles. Williams has been everything the folks in Philly have asked.

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