5 Minute Guide

AWARD WINNERS

MVP LEBRON JAMES, Cavaliers For him to become youngest MVP in history (at 22), Cleveland must improve on its 50 wins of last season. It will.

ROOKIE ADAM MORRISON (left), Bobcats Sweet-shooting Gonzaga alum will lead class in scoring--and survive a challenge from Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas.

COACH JERRY SLOAN, Jazz When Utah surges, finest coach in pro sports gets honor he should have won long ago (and more than once).

DEFENSIVE PLAYER BEN WALLACE, Bulls He's hungry to prove Detroit's defensive collapse last year wasn't his fault.

SIXTH MAN BONZI WELLS, Rockets Last-minute free- agent signee will provide instant offense at shooting guard or small forward while helping turn Houston into a contender.

MOST IMPROVED SHAUN LIVINGSTON (right), Clippers Expect a breakout year from this 6'7" playmaker, Chris Paul's rival to become league's premier young point guard.

EXECUTIVE CARROLL DAWSON, Rockets Despite having no cap space and few tradable assets, retirement-bound G.M. has turned Houston around by dealing for Shane Battier and signing Wells.

ALL-NBA TEAM

C YAO MING, Rockets Shaquille O'Neal is no longer the game's top pivot.