SI

5 Minute Guide

MVP: LeBron James, F, CavaliersHe's without a doubt the front-runner after single-handedly leading an underwhelming Cleveland team to the Finals last season.
Ian Thomsen|
5 Minute Guide
5 Minute Guide

MVP: LeBron James, F, CavaliersHe's without a doubt the front-runner after single-handedly leading an underwhelming Cleveland team to the Finals last season. Runner-up: Paul Pierce, F, Celtics

Rookie of the Year: Luis Scola, F,RocketsThis versatile 27-year-old Argentine will beat out two more traditional newcomers, Kevin Durant and Al Thornton, to become the oldest winner ever. Runner-up: Kevin Durant, F, SuperSonics

Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers, CelticsHe will deserve credit for melding his three stars with young role players. Runner-up: Rick Adelman, Rockets

Defensive Player of the Year: Bruce Bowen, F, SpursSome may not like his physical style, but his blanket coverage merits recognition. Runner-up: Rasheed Wallace, F-C, Pistons

Most Improved Player: Andrea Bargnani, F, RaptorsComparisons with Dirk Nowitzki will abound in this 7-footer's second year. Runner-up: Darko Milicic, F-C, Grizzlies

Executive of the Year: Danny Ainge, CelticsA no-brainer once Ainge's trades take Boston from the bottom of the East to the top. Runner-up: Chris Wallace, Grizzlies

First TeamC Yao Ming, RocketsF Dirk Nowitzki, MavericksF LeBron James, CavaliersG Paul Pierce, CelticsG Steve Nash, Suns

Second TeamC Tim Duncan, SpursF Kevin Garnett, CelticsF Carmelo Anthony, NuggetsG Dwyane Wade,HeatG Tony Parker, Spurs

Rajon Rondo, G, CelticsCan he become Boston's version of Tony Parker?

Tyrus Thomas, F, BullsA breakout season as a post scorer would elevate Chicago to title contender.

Jason Maxiell, F, PistonsHis athleticism should help invigorate an aging front line.

Dorell Wright, G-F, HeatPat Riley desperately needs Wright's young legs.

Andray Blatche, F, Wizards This third-year preps-to-pros must fill in for the stricken Etan Thomas.

Nate Robinson, G, KnicksBelieve it or not, he can be the true point guard that New York needs.

Darko Milicic, F-C, GrizzliesAs a complement to Pau Gasol, he may finally fulfill his potential.

Al Jefferson, F, TimberwolvesHe faces enormous expectations as Kevin Garnett's replacement.

LaMarcus Aldridge, F, Trail BlazersA multiskilled forward, he has to carry Portland without Greg Oden.

Jermaine O'Neal, F,PacersTo unload his $64.1 million contract, rebuilding Indy will have to take less than equal value.

Jason Kidd, G, and Richard Jefferson, F, NetsNew Jersey considered trading both these stars last season.

Shawn Marion, F, SunsHe wants out of Phoenix, but the team has found no takers.

Mike Bibby, G, and Ron Artest, F, KingsSacramento will again try to deal the former and would consider moving the latter.

Andrei Kirilenko, G, JazzUnfortunately for him, Utah can't make a trade with a Russian team.

The Knicks' resurgence An us-versus-the-world attitude drives Isiah Thomas's crew into the playoffs.

Kobe Bryant's trade demands The Lakers will try to pacify him by dealing for a complementary star.

The Nuggets' soap opera The league's most contentious locker room is also among the most talented.

Yao Ming's blossoming In Rick Adelman's fluid offense, Yao will use his vision and creativity to become the giant playmaker everyone knew he could be.

The anticipated divorce of the Sonics and Seattle But don't rule out an 11th-hour deal preventing a move to Oklahoma City.

Antawn Jamison, F, WizardsThis active scorer and rebounder is also a good teammate.

Jason Williams, G, HeatTo raise his value, he will have to guide Miami on a long playoff run.

Ron Artest*, F, KingsHe must stay out of trouble while restoring his reputation for defense.

Corey Maggette*, F, ClippersCan he play unselfishly and demonstrate any leadership skills?

(*can opt out this summer)

Eddie Jordan, WizardsLast year's All-Star Game coach from the East must upgrade his team's D to contend.

Mike Brown, CavaliersHe's improved Cleveland's defense but will have a hard time matching last year's playoff run.

Mike Dunleavy, ClippersThe owner's increase in spending hasn't paid off, and Dunleavy will take the blame.

George Karl, NuggetsDespite a high payroll, Denver has won just two playoff games in Karl's two seasons.

Lawrence Frank, NetsEntering his fourth season, he might need a deep playoff run to save his job.

Published | Modified
Ian Thomsen
IAN THOMSEN

Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Ian Thomsen, who joined the magazine in 1998, is one of SI's top basketball scribes. Along with writing columns and features for SI, Thomsen is a frequent contributor to SI.com. Before joining SI, Thomsen spent six years in Europe as the sports columnist for the International Herald Tribune, the world's largest international English-language daily. While at the paper Thomsen wrote about an array of sports for a global audience, including the major world and European soccer tournaments, the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Olympic Games, Ryder Cups, Grand Slam tennis events, Grand Prix auto races and, very rarely, cricket. Thomsen, who graduated from Northwestern with a journalism degree in 1983, was a feature writer for The National Sports Daily during its short, expensive run of 1990-91. His first job was with The Boston Globe, where he covered Doug Flutie's Boston College Eagles and all three of the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals of the 1980s. Thomsen was a feature writer at SI before taking on the NBA beat fulltime in 2000. With Luis Fernando Llosa and Melissa Segura, Thomsen covered the 2001 scandal of overaged Little League pitcher Danny Almonte and wrote the first SI cover story on Kobe Bryant in 1998. Thomsen lives with his wife and two children near Boston.

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