NBA Awards Watch Update

With the NBA season now at the 2/3 mark, it's time for an updated look at the SB Nation NBA Awards watch.

MVP:

Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City Thunder

27.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 50% FG

I take the meaning of MVP very literally, and that interpretation leads me to pick Durant. If LeBron James misses a game, the Heat still have Wade and Bosh to rely on. Without Derrick Rose last night, the Bulls beat the Magic 85-59. I believe Durant is not only the best scorer in the league, but the most important to his team.

Runners Up: LeBron James, Tony Parker, Dwight Howard

Rookie Of The Year:

Kyrie Irving - Cleveland Cavaliers

18.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.5 assists, 1 steal, 47% FG, 87% FT, 40% 3pt

With Ricky Rubio out for the season, this award is wrapped up. Not only are Irving's individual numbers great, but he has the Cavaliers within 3 games of the playoffs. Cleveland won just 19 games in an 82 game season last year; they have 17 wins thru 43 games this year.

Runners Up:Ricky Rubio, MarShon Brooks

Sixth Man Of The Year:

James Harden - Oklahoma City Thunder

17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 assists, 48% FG, 84% FT

Like the Rookie Of The Year, this award race is over. Harden is the 3rd best player on the Thunder and puts up great numbers, but just happens to come off the bench. Remember, it's not who starts, but who finishes; Harden ranks 3rd on the Thunder in minutes played per game.

Runners Up: Thaddeus Young, Taj Gibson

Coach Of The Year:

Greg Popovich - San Antonio Spurs

Manu Ginobili has missed 28 games, Tim Duncan's numbers are down, and yet they sit in 2nd place in the Western Conference. On top of that, Gary Neal, Kawhi Leonard, and Danny Green are key role players, not exactly household names; Popovich is a great coach.

Runners Up:Doug Collins, Lionel Hollins, Rick Adelman