Air Alamo’s 2012-2013 NBA Awards

Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; A general view of the Larry O
With the regular season coming to an end, and the playoffs off to a great start, the Air Alamo staff came together to vote on the NBA end of season awards. Here are our consensus picks!
Defensive Player of the Year: Tim Duncan, Forward, San Antonio Spurs
Apr 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Spurs 91-86. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, we’re biased. The Spurs defense was third in efficiency this year and it was all in thanks to Timmy. The rejuvenated Duncan also averaged 2.7 blocks a game, something he hasn’t done since 2004, and also good enough for third in the NBA this season. Factor in that Tim is defending the paint with the likes of Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter…well, you get our point.
Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard, Guard, Portland Trail Blazers
Trillard has been masterful all season long. 19 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds a game, from the virtual unknown out of Weber State. If Anthony Davis was healthier this season, this may be more of a competition. But nothing can compare to how special Dame Lillard has been this season.
Coach of the Year: George Karl, Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are top-3 in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals per game. The Nuggets also set a franchise record in wins with 57, consecutive wins with 15, and had the best home record in the NBA this season at 38-3. All this without a true superstar on the roster. (No offense, Andre Iguodala.) Incredible.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Larry Sanders, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) smiles during the second half against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 109-101. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sixth Man of the Year: J.R. Smith, Guard, New York Knicks
This was Jamal Crawford’s award to lose, but J.R. Smith has been on a absolute tear since March – averaging 22 points and 6.3 rebounds a game – the last two months of the season. Smith is also a 43% shooter, which is pretty amazing when almost half his shots come from beyond the 3-point line, where he shoots 37%. Hey Eastern Conference playoff teams, “You trying to get the pipe?”
Most Valuable Player of the Year: LeBron James, Forward, Miami Heat
What is there to say? Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that LeBron James has just put up one of the greatest statistical seasons in NBA history. He averages 27 points, he pulls down 8 boards and hands out 7 assists a game. King James shoots 57% as a PERIMETER player and shoots 3-pointers at a 41% clip. Factor in a 27-game win streak and the best record in the NBA, and the choice is pretty obvious. 2013 is LBJ MVPx4.
So what do you guys think? We want to hear from you! Leave us some comments if you agree with our choices or let us know who you think should win the awards.