The first half of the season has brought many surprises and stories. The Lakers stand atop the NBA with a 37-12 record, and there’s a five-way race between Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade for the scoring title. With much of the second half of the season left to play, there’s still a lot of basketball to determine who’s most deserving of the NBA’s prestigious individual awards. However, if the season ended today, here’s how things might shape up.

Most Valuable Player Award
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers - While plenty of arguments can be made for Kobe Bryant, the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t worth much without King James. While his turnovers could be lower (3.6 per game), he’s averaging 29.5 ppg, 7.1 rbpg and 8.0 apg, while shooting over 50% from the field. He’s also improved his shooting from beyond the arc to a more than respectable 36%.
Honorable Mention:  Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers

Rookie of the Year Award
Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings - It’s too bad Blake Griffin didn’t have a chance to compete for this, but Evans is holding down the fort as the league’s top rookie. Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks had a strong start in November and December, but has fizzled since. His field goal percentage has seen a dramatic dip. 
Honorable Mention:  Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

Sixth Man Award
Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks have had pretty good depth over recent years, but they haven’t had the scoring punch that Crawford provides. He’s been fantastic, averaging 17.7 ppg, while shooting 46% from the field in 30 minutes a night.
Honorable Mention:  Carl Landry, Houston Rockets

Coach of the Year Award
Nate MacMillan, Portland Trail Blazers - So many are deserving of this award this season, and MacMillan may get overlooked. Yet, while under many critic’s radar, MacMillan may be one of the best coaches in the league. Despite significant injuries and missed games to Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, Joel Przybilla and Travis Outlaw, Coach MacMillan has that team in the playoffs right now, despite a very competitive Western Conference.
Honorable Mention:  Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets

Defensive Player of the Year Award
Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats - Orlando’s Dwight Howard may be the front runner for this award, but Wallace is certainly deserving. The Bobcats have vastly improved its team defense, and Wallace is the leader of that. Of course, helping to that was the acquisition of guard Stephen Jackson.
Honorable Mention:  Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Most Improved Player Award
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies - Marc Gasol is making the Pau Gasol trade a couple years ago not look so bad for Memphis. Stepping in for his older brother, Marc has increased his numbers from 11.9 ppg, 7.4 rbpg, while shooting 53% from the field to 15.1 ppg, 9.8 rbpg, while shooting just under 60% from the field. In addition, with the Grizzlies improved this season, more teams are gunning for Gasol in the paint, which makes his play even more impressive. Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant is also having a vastly improved season, but considering he’s playing an average of nine more minutes per game, it’s not as surprising that his numbers are improved.
Honorable Mention:  Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder