5 Minute Guide

7 POSTSEASON HONORS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers The rivalry between Bryant and LeBron James for the title of world's best player gets even hotter, but thanks to his team's superior record, Bryant retains the crown.
Runner-up: James, F, Cavaliers

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Michael Beasley, F, Heat A matter of supply and demand: Beasley provides scoring to a team that desperately needs it.
Runner-up: Greg Oden, C, Trail Blazers

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Kevin Garnett, F, Celtics At 32, KG continues to set the standard for the league's top defensive team.
Runner-up: Ron Artest, F, Rockets

SIXTH MAN AWARD
Lamar Odom, F, Lakers Reluctant to accept this new role, the versatile Odom quickly finds that he thrives in it.
Runner-up: Ben Gordon, G, Bulls

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER:
Andrew Bynum, C, Lakers To restore its defensive backbone, Los Angeles turns to a 21-year-old 7-footer—and he delivers.
Runner-up: Rodney Stuckey, G, Pistons

COACH OF THE YEAR:
Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers Portland makes a big jump in the wins column, earns a playoff spot and develops a D that can key an eventual title run.
Runner-up: Rick Adelman, Rockets

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR:
Kevin Pritchard, Trail Blazers The 41-year-old G.M. has overhauled not only the roster but also the team's image—with cap space left to sign a major free agent next summer.
Runner-up: Daryl Morey, Rockets

6 MAJOR STORY LINES TO FOLLOW

THE ARTEST EXPERIMENT
The Rockets are asking Mr. Volatility, Ron Artest, to provide championship chemistry and be the reliable third star they need to match up with the Spurs' and the Celtics' Big Threes. But who on this roster will coax Artest back in line if he acts up?