NBA Tickets - Awards Watch

Let's take a look at which players are leading in the races for the NBA's awards as of February 25th. (Note: All statistics are as of February 25th.)

Most Valuable Player - LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: Kobe Bryant is definitely in the mix here, but this is LeBron's award to lose. The King is averaging 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game for a 44-11 team. Yes, the addition of Mo Williams has been huge for the Cavaliers, but put anyone else in LeBron's shoes and there's no way that this team is sniffing the best record in the Eastern Conference. James, in my opinion, has leapfrogged Bryant as the best player in the game today. If the Cavs falter, Bryant could claim his second consecutive MVP, but it's unlikely at this point. Dwyane Wade is putting up an MVP-like performance this season, but his team just isn't good enough to put him in the same realm as LeBron and Kobe.

Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: 14 rebounds and three blocks per game pretty much says it all here. Howard is a beast on the boards and protects the rim like few other centers in the league. It's almost impossible to get a shot over him if he's in position due to his size and athleticism.

Sixth Man of the Year - Nate Robinson, New York Knicks: Robinson is having his best season as a pro, averaging 17 points, four assists and four rebounds. The little man epitomizes what a sixth man should be; he provides energy off the bench and can give the team a real offensive boost upon entering the game. At just 5-9, Robinson is a fan favorite and has the personality to sell a lot of NBA tickets. He's had some big nights this season, including 41-point outburst against the Pacers on February 23rd. Jason Terry was running away with this award before he got injured, but it now seems unlikely that he'll win it. Last year's winner, Manu Ginobili, has also missed a lot of games due to injury, thus taking him out of the running as well.

Rookie of the Year - Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls: O.J. Mayo and Brook Lopez have been really good, but nobody has impressed me like Rose has. Rose has been saddled with more responsibility than any other rookie and he's handled is fantastically. He's showing his potential as a world-class point guard and has helped his team win games. If the Bulls make the playoffs, Rose is a lock for this award.

Most Improved Player - Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Granger has certainly taken his game to the next level, but his recent injury will hurt his chances of winning this award. Devin Harris has taken a major leap as well, but it's somewhat of a product him being traded to the Nets. Durant, on the other hand, has taken the leap that most players can't manage to make; he's gone from good player to superstar.

Durant is averaging 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists on the season, while shooting 49 percent from the field, 44 percent from three and 86 percent from the line. He's scored more than 30 points in nine of his last 10 games. It's a crime that he didn't make the All-Star team.

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