These are not just mere prediction but whom I believe should win the said awards. Slected by Frank Fleming on April 18, 2003 at 1:10 am EST

2002/03 NBA AWARDS

COACH OF THE YEAR

Eric Musselman Golden State Warriors After a 21-61 season last year not much was expected of the Warriors. However, under first year Coach Eric Musselman the Warriors were in the race for the final playoff spot in the West until March.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

Gilbert Arenas Golden State Warriors The key to the Warriors turnaround on the court was the play of Gilbert Arena who in his 2nd season averaged 7.2 more points per game while playing in 34 more games then he did last year.

6th MAN AWARD

Corliss Williamson Detroit Pistons Corliss Williamson the 2002 6th Man should repeat as he averaged 12.0 ppg while playing 25 minutes a game for the Pistons where he didn't make 1 start in 81 games this season.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons The key to the Pistons success, leading the NBA in rebounds while finishing 2nd in blocked shots Wallace is a no-brainer choice to capture the NBA's top defensive award for the 2nd straight season.

NBA MVP

Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs Another repeat winner Tim Duncan, who actually deserves it this year was near the top of the NBA in rebounding and points scored as he led the Spurs to the best record in the NBA.

Amare Stoudemire Phoenix Suns Statistically he is very close to the much more hyped Yao Ming. However, hype alone should not win this award. Stoudemire got the Suns into the playoffs with 0.7 more rebounds pre game then Ming.