It is prediction time ladies and gents. I'll look deep within my Magic Eightball and see what lies ahead this season in the NBA. I'll run down the awards and all the teams that I feel are going to be big winners this year. Feel free to agree or disagree, but chances are we will all mostly be wrong.

Rookie Of The Year: Adam Morrison

He will get an opportunity right away to put up points for those tangerine orange Bobcats. While most rookies will struggle to find time, Ammo should be a focal point of an offense in desperate need of a pure scorer. I wouldn't be shocked to see him put up seventeen to eighteen points per game. Foye and Roy should both have good years as well but once again, they will not be a focal point of an offense. You can't stop the stache...

Most Improved Player: Josh Smith

I agree with John Hollinger in regard to this award. The player that wins it is usually just a young bench player or recently traded player that is finally getting some burn. It is great to recognize improvement but the All-Star game and the various other awards around the league should be enough. Being that the award is around though still, I have to pick someone. Josh Smith has a game very similar to players like Shawn Marion or AK47. He's versatile and is a terror on defense. His jump shot is improving and combined with his flash, should create a perfect ingredient for MIP.

MVP:King James

While nothing would make me happier than seeing Steve win another MVP, this will most likely be Lebron's year. His insane numbers will just continue to rise and the Cavs look set to win 55+ games. The first time I saw him play, I told my father that I thought he would average a triple double at some point in his career. It's only a matter of time before he does it, maybe even this year. The crazy thing about all this, is that he's only 21 and all this seems like a possibility.


Coach Of The Year: Brian Hill

All the ingredients are in place for the Magic to have a great year. Dwight Howard, Darko and Jameer should all only be better. The rest of the team is a nice blend of vets like Grant Hill and Pat Garrity to go along with other whippersnappers like Ariza and J.J. They won't win the East by any means but they will make the playoffs and improve enough that Brian Hill should be considered a real option for coach of the year.

Finals: Suns vs. Heat

Deep down inside, I wanted to pick the Cavs or Bulls to be in the finals. I don't feel like the Bulls have enough inside scoring or experience and the Cavs don't really have much outside shooting. Shaq doesn't have much left in the tank and this will most likely be his last hurrah.

Anyone who reads here knows my Suns bias but all the ingredients are there for them to make it all the way. Even without Amare, I would be tempted to put them in the finals now that Kurt Thomas is healthy and Nash has a true backup. With Amare improving day by day and the rest of the youth like Diaw, Barbosa and Banks doing the same, there is no reason this team shouldn't win the whole thing. Besides, we're due after waiting since the late 60's for a title. Give us one!!