MVP: Zach Randolph, F. This is an obvious choice. Randolph has paced the Grizzlies the entire season and has developed into one of the most feared weapons in the Western Conference. His 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game (4th in the NBA) make him one of only two NBA players (along with the Raptors' Chris Bosh) averaging a 20/10. He was named to the All Star team (only the second Grizzly to ever do so) and is garnering attention for the Most Improved Player Award. Over the past few years, Randolph was considered a liability by many NBA front offices due to on and off-court issues. However, the Memphis front office took a chance on him, a chance that has payed off handsomely. I'm glad I can say I witnessed the career revitalization of a truly fantastic player. Runners-up: Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol, and Allen Iverson (just kidding).
Rookie of the Year: Sam Young, F/G. This is also an easy choice. Young has been one of the Grizzlies' most consistent bench performers (they're haven't been many) and has found his niche on a young NBA team. He is the team leader in both bench minutes and bench points and his 47% FG is fourth on the team. If (or when) the Grizzlies trade for more depth, Young will likely see his role decrease slightly, but he should remain a valuable member of the team. Runner-up: Hasheem Thabeet, C.
Sixth Man Award: Young. See above. Runner-up: Jamaal Tinsley, PG.
Defensive Player of the Year: Marc Gasol, C. Gasol was one of three Grizzlies to make the All Star ballot (and I'm not counting Allen Iverson) and his performance this season has made Grizzlies fans forget all about his older brother Pau. Gasol's 6.6 defensive rebounds per game are second only to Randolph, but the Spaniard also averages 1.58 blocks (highest on team) and 1.1 steals (best among non-guards) per game. He has developed into a world-class defensive (and offensive) center and, although I originally hated the Pau trade that brought Marc to Memphis, I am a firm believer in it now.
Best Game: 95-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1. On a night that was supposed to be all about Kobe Bryant and his breaking Jerry West's Lakers points record, the Grizzlies spoiled the party and moved their overall record to a phenomenal 26-21. Z-Bo exploded for 22 points and 17 rebounds to counter Bryant's 44 point effort. The win marked the first time since March 28, 2008 since the Grizzlies had beaten the Lakers and proved that this year's Grizzlies are a force to be reckoned with. Runner-up: 111-109 OT win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 8.
Best Moment: Randolph's overtime-forcing free throws against the Wizards on December 28. With 0.3 seconds left on the clock and his team down 102-100, Randolph stepped to the line and nailed both shots. The Grizzlies would go on to win 116-111 in overtime, but Z-Bo's clutch performance would remain the defining image of the season. I was at this game and when Randolph hit those shots, it was one of those great sports fan moments when you high five other fans you don't even know and celebrate like it's Christmas morning. Even if the Grizzlies don't win another game, I will always remember those free throws. Runner-up: Randolph's three-quarter-court heave at the end of the first half against the Orlando Magic on January 25.
These awards are just one man's opinion, so feel free to comment with your own thoughts on the first half of the Grizzlies' season. I can't wait to see what the second half brings...
Owen
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