If you've fallen victim to the lethargy that is the NBA season, perhaps you need a little pick-me-up. To help you coast into the second half of the season with some pep in your step, enter The Halfees, where I dole out some meaningless awards and talk about whatever else enters my mind.
Best Team: San Antonio Spurs
No team has really touched the Spurs in terms of consistency this season. The Spurs are ready to play each and every night. A big part of their success is that none of their big three–Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobli–is playing more than 33 minutes per game. In fact, Duncan is playing a career low 29 minutes, keeping him fresh for the grindingly long season. Five guys average in double figures, and nine guys score at least 7 points per game. If they can keep up this same level of play in the second half of the year, they could have a shot at 70 wins.
Worst Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Think they're chanting "first to worst" at Cavalier games? They don't have much else to shout about with the King holding court in Miami. This team has pretty much nothing left on its roster. But you know what? They may get the first pick in next year's draft. Then they can draft him, almost win a title, and watch him walk to a bigger market in seven years time. And also, don't think I forgot about you, Washington Wizards. The runner-up for this category goes 0-19 on the road: great toughness fellas, really terrific effort.
Best Player: LeBron James
I hate it, but I think my credibility would be shot if I argued this point. James has a very talented team rolling, and there’s no question that his skill set has broader horizons than any other player in the game. He’s a wonderful passer, a prolific driver, a decent shooter, and the best athlete in the world. Surrounded by Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James has the tools to be transcendent, but it won’t matter until he wins in the playoffs.
Most Important Players: Chris Paul and Dwight Howard
Neither of these players' respective teams is anywhere but the lottery without the services of its superstar.
Most Improved Player: Raymond Felton
There are plenty of other ways I could go here: Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, and so on. Felton's progress though has surprised me the most, and he's been the most impactful. He’s become the second best player on a good Knicks team that is jockeying for 4-6 seeds out East. Felton has always had talent, and now in an offense-friendly system, he’s averaging 19 points per game, up from 14 on his career. His assists are up from his career average of 7 per game to personal best 9.
Best Rookie: Blake Griffin
It’s not only his averages of 22 points and 13 rebounds that make him the best rookie and one of the best players in the League. It’s his astounding, "My God, did you see that!?" athleticism and surprisingly developed offensive game. He blocks shots, handles the ball, is an excellent passer, and has a deft touch around the rim. He’s not your typical raw second-year player. He has the full toolbox right now, and he’s going to dominate for a long time.
Best Player on a Bad Team: Kevin Love
Griffin would win this award, but since I gave him the Best Rookie title, I'm feeling the love here. Bad pun. Love is averaging 21 points and 16 rebounds for a woeful scrappy T'Wolves squad. They're somewhere near 20 games under .500, but nobody's really counting anymore. You certainly can't blame Love for his team's lack of success.
Best Analyst: Charles Barkley
How a man who was caught soliciting a prostitute no less than a year ago is comfortable indiscriminately spewing criticism at refs, players, and any and everybody else is a true mystery. It also makes Barkley the funniest and most entertaining talking head in the sports universe.
Most Repulsive Miami Heat Moment: LeBron's "What Should I Do?" Nike ad
What should you do, LeBron? You should shut up and let us forget what an ass you are.
Best Zen Master Moments: Phil Jackson says Kobe Bryant is screwing up the Lakers, Phil Jackson says Erik Spoelstra may get fired
Jackson accusses Bryant of breaking up the Lakers' rhythm by shooting too much, then denies it the next day. Jackson also hints that Pat Riley may have to take over the Heat, then glosses over that in a later interview and praises Spoelstra as a great young coach. I don't know what he's trying to do, but I gotta trust the Master.
--from Adam
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