Western Conference Mid-Season Awards

Most Surprising Team: Portland (26-18, 7th in West)
While I certainly didn't expect Charlotte to have the best record in the West at the midway point, I have to give the nod to the Blazers. Portland is currently sitting in the 7th playoff spot, thanks in part to a 13 game winning streak. I expect Denver and Houston to move ahead of them in the second half of the season, which would put the Portland out of the playoffs. But at the halfway mark, no team has overachieved in the Western Conference quite like the Trailblazers.

Most Disappointing Team: Houston (25-20, 10th in West)
The Rockets have a superstar guard in T. Mac, and a legit center, with Yao. A team with those two key elements, as well as potential role players (Battier, Scola, Wells, and Hayes) should not miss the playoffs. The Rockets were my pre-season pick to win the West, but McGrady's injury trouble and overall poor play are making that prediction look horrendous.

Best Defensive Player: Marcus Camby (14.2 Reb, 11 Def, 3.8 Blocks)
3.8 Blocks is impressive, but when you add 11 defensive rebounds per game, I can't deny giving MC his props. Camby also manages to stay out of foul trouble, which is a huge asset for a shot blocker.

Best Coach: Byron Scott
Charlotte is the hottest team in the league, plain and simple. Charlotte does not have a roster loaded with elite talent, they get the most out of what they have. The players have bought into what Byron Scott is selling, and he deserves a ton of credit for the work he's done in the first half of the year.

MVP: Chris Paul (20.6 pts, 10.7 Ast, 2.6 stl, 4.0 reb)
Chris Paul is the next generation Steve Nash, except with more offensive skills, and more athleticism. Paul makes the Hornets what they are, which incidentally is one of the top teams in the league. Chris Paul is exciting, efficient, and he plays hard. There is no other player in the West that means as much to their team as CP3.

Most Likely to win the West: San Antonio Spurs
When it comes playoff time, I can't bet against San Antonio. The Spurs have struggled in recent weeks (5-5 in their last 10 games), and now have Tony Parker's injury to contend with. If the Spurs can put it together and peak near playoff time, I expect them to be back in the Finals.