It was a wide-open race only one month ago, but his play in the last few weeks of the season leading the Bulls to the best record in the Eastern Conference put him above the rest of the candidates. After a so-so showing at the World Championships and having never made an All-NBA team before, Rose is a surprising MVP. But very deservingly so.
A career assistant, Tom Thibodeau has made a seamless transition to the head coaching position. Thibs made an outstanding defensive team out of the Bulls and put Derrick Rose in a position to succeed.
May never get All-Star recognition, but Lamar Odom still has an impressive resume. He will add a Sixth Man of the Year award to the NBA rings and the World Championship title.
The big sensation of the year. Griffin is already one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA thanks to his dunking prowess. But there's much more to his game than what you see on the YouTube clips.
The Wolves sucked again this season, but at least they can boast of having one of the up-and-coming stars of the league. Kevin Love became a double-double machine nobody expected he would be.
Although he will not not lead the NBA in rebounds or blocked shots this year, Dwight Howard was the almost unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the Year. It's the third time for him.
Pulled one of the greatest coups in NBA history by landing the (probably) most coveted free agent ever and another All-Star and Olympic champion. Didn't panic when things looked bad for the Heat early in the season. The obvious choice.
