With the majority of the NBA at the mathematical half-way point of there season, I thought I would hand out mid-season awards and look at how my pre-season picks are looking.

Most Improved Player:  In the pre-season I picked J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets.  I believed he would take his strong playoff performance into this new year and really play well.  I didn't factor in the 10-game suspension at the start of the season (that was stupid) or the fact that he is a cronic underachiever that seems to only care about his own stats.  On the other hand, Houston Rockets sparkplug Aaron Brooks has spearheaded the Rockets scappy approach and is the catalyst for all they do.  His shooting, penetration and improved defense has the Rockets in the playoff hunt.  I'm glad I got this one wrong. 

Defensive Player of the Year: In the pre-season I picked Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics.  I would justify that pick to the death if it wasn't for all his injuries and games missed.  Plus, Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace has been sick this year on defense.  His video game hops, ultra-quick reactions, and uncanny anticipation has made him a defensive whiz.  This guy makes defense fun to watch, and a highlight film experience.  He is an amazing talent.

6th Man of the Year: In the pre-season I picked Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks.  He is still having a great year but has been inconsistent.  I'd still keep him in the conversation but he has been clearly overshadowed.  The Atlanta Hawks new guard Jamal Crawford has stole the show.  He hasn't started a game all year but is always in the crunch time line-up.  He is the perfect example of the saying: It's not who starts but who finishes.  He is a clutch performer and enters the game with great swagger.  He is true difference maker. 

Rookie of the Year:  In the pre-season I picked Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings.  Before Blake Griffin was hurt I made the call on Evans.  He has an NBA body and an NBA game.  He is impossible to keep from the basket and despite his rookie status he lives on the free-throw line.  Even with the early injury to Kevin Martin he was able to keep the Kings in contention.  He is becoming a true star in this League and will be a superstar soon.  He is LeBron-lite.

Coach of the Year:  In the pre-seaon I picked Flip Saunders of the Washington Wizards.  My thinking was the Wizards would improve so much from last year.  Agent Zero would be back and the addition of Randy Foye and Mike Miller would make them so much more dangerous.  That was very stupid of me.  The team has imploded.  Even before the Arenas gun situation they were playing horrible basketball.  I can't defend that pick at all.  The mid-seaon winner is Scott Brooks of the Oklahoma City Thunder.  First, they have already reached their win total from last year with 23 wins.  Second, he has a young team thriving on the defensive end.  He has a once in a generation force in Kevin Durant buying into his philosophy. His team makes youthful mistakes but they are so much better because of him.  I'm so happy for him.

Most Valuable Player: In the pre-seaon I picked LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavs.  I could easily justify this pick and keep it the same.  I could go on and on about his numbers.  I could talk about the Cavs record.  But in good conscience I don't believe he is mid-season MVP.  I think he and Kobe Bryant are still in the conversation, but neither deserve the "award".  The mid-season MVP is Carmelo Anthony.  He entered the season in the best shape of his life.  He is scoring at will and never seems to get tired.  He is passing better and, is actually focused and determined at the defensive end.  His rebounding is much better too.  He is the Nuggets go to guy when they need a bucket.