Only a few NBA regular-season games remain, which means it is time to hand out awards. With so many on the shelf, let us get to it. Traditional (and less so) awards for the 2012/2013 NBA season:
Most Valuable Player A terrific season by the Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, which again makes him runner-up to the Miami Heat's LeBron James, undisputed best player in the game.
Best 1970s Hair Andrew Bynum's giant afro; the best bit of a lost season for the Philadelphia 76ers centre.
Coach of the Year George Karl, Denver Nuggets. No stars on his team, but nine guys who will average more than 9.0 points per game. Quite the ensemble performance.
Most Disappointing Finish Stephen Jackson, late of the San Antonio Spurs. "Jack" is a bit volatile, and the Spurs' reaction to his complaints about reduced minutes was to waive him.
Quickest Coaching Exit Mike Brown, Los Angeles Lakers. Team started 1-4 and he was gone. He missed a lot.
Worst NBA Ink As in tattoos, and talk about a close race. So many worthy candidates, but hard not to bestow it about the kaleidoscope that surrounds Miami's Chris Andersen's skin.
Defensive Player of the Year Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City. Led the league in blocks.
Most Lost NBA Team The Sacramento Kings. Next season they will play in Seattle. Check that, Sacramento. No, wait, really Seattle …
Toughest Break Kobe Bryant's Achilles tendon. Possibly the end of the line for the LA Lakers guard, one of game's greatest players.
Most Disappointing Player Brooklyn Nets forward Kris Humphries. Last year he averaged 13.8 points and 11.0 rebounds; this season 5.5 points and 5.6 rebounds. Maybe he misses his soon-to-be-ex-wife Kim Kardasian.
Sixth Man of the Year JR Smith of the New York Knicks edged Jamal Crawford of the LA Clippers for his scoring surge down the stretch.
Best Trash Talker Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics. Barely speaks about a whisper with media; saves the volume for opposing players.
Bigfoot Award Seeing the return of the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose.
Best Trade James Harden from the Thunder to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin. Both teams win, so far.
Rookie of the Year Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lilliard. Averaging more than 19 points and six assists.
Most Improved Player Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia. In his fourth season, after one year at UCLA, became team leader, averaging 18 points and 8.2 assists.
Most Out of Control Ego Monta Ellis. Said he was the equal of the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, then went out and shot a career-low 41.3 percent. And now he and Milwaukee Bucks get Wade and the Heat in first round.
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