HOT SHOTS: Newsday's 2009-10 NBA Awards

NEWSDAY'S 2009-10 NBA AWARDS

Newsday's Alan Hahn was selected to vote on three of the NBA's six major awards. Alan believes in full disclosure, so here's how his ballot looks:

Most Valuable Player

CHOICE: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers.

REASON: Unquestionably the best player in the game on the team with the best record in the league (though not necessarily the best team in the league, if you ask us).

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Kevin Durant (Thunder), 3. Kobe Bryant (Lakers), 4. Dwight Howard (Magic), 5. Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets).

Most Improved Player

CHOICE: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder.

REASON: Made quantum leap into bona fide superstar and this award doesn't only go to marginal types who suddenly become good.

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Aaron Brooks (Rockets), 3. David Lee (Knicks).

Defensive Player of the Year

CHOICE: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

REASON: Because he spikes layups like Karch Kiraly when anyone takes it to the rack against Orlando.

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Ron Artest (Lakers), Josh Smith (Hawks).

Our choices on the other postseason awards (that we aren't officially voting on):

Rookie of the Year

CHOICE: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors.

REASON: Tremendous second half and ridiculous statlines are just enough, though it's hard not to consider playoff-bound Brandon Jennings.

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Brandon Jennings (Bucks). 3. Tyreke Evans (Kings).

Coach of the Year

CHOICE: Scott Skiles, Milwaukee Bucks.

REASON: Once again has a team overachieving and playing hard night-in and night-out. Question is will he burn out quickly like he did in Chicago?

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Scott Brooks (Thunder), 3. Nate McMillan (Trail Blazers).

Sixth Man Award

CHOICE: Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks

REASON: His arrival gave the Hawks a much-needed and valuable added dimension with explosive scoring off the bench.

RUNNERS-UP: 2. Manu Ginobili (Spurs). 3. Jason Terry (Mavericks).

LeBRON COUNTDOWN

81 days until July 1, when LeBron James can become a free agent.