Eastern Conference Mid-Season Awards

Most Surprising Team: Boston (39-9, 1st in the East)
Everyone thought Boston would be good . . . but this good? Even without KG, the Celtics have been playing well. They play hard every night, and their role players (Powe, "Big Baby", Eddie House, etc . .) are improving every night. The three headed monster of KG, Allen, and Pierce has been dominant. It's rare that one of the three doesn't step up and have a big game, and that's exactly what makes this team so good. Opposing coaches can't game plan to stop one, or even two superstars, they have to deal with three.

Most Disappointing Team: Miami (9-40, Last Place in East)
There is no explanation necessary. The only thing that could make this season worse for the Heat is if Shawn Marion somehow sparks some wins and knocks Miami out of the top draft spot.

Best Defensive Player: Josh Smith (1.98 Steals, 3.28 Blocks, 6.0 Def Reb)
Josh Smith is forced to guard the opposing team's best perimeter player night in and night out. The 3.28 blocks per game is extremely impressive, and Smith rebounds well for a perimeter player. His athleticism and length (combined with youthful energy) makes Josh Smith the most formidable defender in the East this season.

Best Coach: Eddie Jordan
The Wizards have managed to stay afloat without "Agent Zero". I give Eddie Jordan a lot of credit for keeping Washington in the playoff hunt (currently in the 6th spot). The Wiz have slumped, losing their last 8 games. Can Jordan keep his team together, following the All Star break?

MVP: LeBron James
He's the leagues leading scorer (averaging 30.1 ppg), and no other player is more important to their team. The "King" is the complete package, adding 7.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game. KG was also considered strongly for this honor, but the Celtics success in his absence solidified James as truly the Most Valuable Player.

Most Likely to Win the East: Boston Celtics
The Celtics have talent, motivation, and team chemistry. The only team that can challenge them is the Detroit Pistons. If they happen to matchup in the playoffs, I expect the Celtics to out hustle Detroit, and get huge production from their bench.