The NBA season is underway and this has the makings of being one of the most exciting and competitive seasons in a long time.  There are a handful of teams who can expect to hoist the championship trophy.   Here is my thoughts on the upcoming season.

MVP - Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) - I think Durant comes back this eason hungrier than ever.  I expect another scoring title from him this year to go along with an improved outside game and he is always an underrated defender. Durant has his team as a favorite to win it all and his play will be the reason.  

Rookie of the Year - Anthony Davis (New Orleans Hornets) - Davis the #1 overall pick comes into the NBA after a magical one and only season at Kentucky.  He was the national player, freshman and defensive player of the year. He was a first team all american and won a national championship while being most outstanding player of the final four.  He comes into the league as an elite shot blocker and should contribute in the rebounds and scoring category. He still has a lot to learn as on offensive player but has the makings of being a great player in this league.

Defensive Player of the Year -  Dwight Howard (Los Angeles Lakers) - Howard has always been an elite defender and now he will be playing with Kobe Bryant on the wing and Pau Gasol down low.  Howard is a great rebounder and an elite shot blocker.  His presence in the middle alters shots and his rebounding is huge.  He is a shoe in to average 2-3 blocks a night and around 13-14 rebounds.  I think him being on LA now just increaes his defense ability.

6th Man of the Year - Jason Terry (Boston Celtics) - Jason Terry has been a great bench player for so long and he comes over to Boston where bench scoring is much needed.  He has the ability to play on and off the ball and can create his own shots better than anyone Boston has had in the past few seasons. He is instant offense and a great long distance threat.  I think he will average anywhere from 13-16 points a game and will be among the top 3 scorers on the Celtics this season.

Most Improved Player - Gorin Dragic (Phoenix Suns) - Dragic now takes over for Steve Nash in Phoenix and comes into this season with high expectations.  He showed signs of improvement last year in Houston where he was able to get solid minutes and proved that he could play in the league.  The Suns are giving him the keys to the car and I expect big things out of him.  He can score, hit the three ball and create easy scoring opportunities for others.  I think he takes a big step forward now that he will get over 30 minutes a game.

Coach of the Year - George Karl (Denver Nuggets) - I like this Nuggets team to make some noise in the Western Conference this year and because of George Karl I think they are a much better team.  Karl has a rising star at point guard in Tywon Lawson and he has a very atheltic and skilled big man in JaValle McGee who I think he will get the best out of this year. I think he gets the Nuggets to be a top 4 team in the West this year.

Alll NBA First Team:

G Rajon Rondo

G Kobe Bryant

F Kevin Durant

F LeBron James

F Kevin Love

Eastern Conf Finals - Boston over Miami

Western Con Finals - Thunder over Lakers

Finals - Celtics over Thunder