MVP: Dwayne Wade, Heat — As age begins to slow him down, Shaq is no longer the unstoppable force he once was. Wade will be the team’s featured player once again, and now, armed with a jump shot, he is virtually impossible to guard.

Rookie: Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers — Roy might have been the best pure player in the draft, and as Portland’s only shooter he’ll get plenty of chances. I just hope picking him over Adam Morrison doesn’t make Morrison cry.

Coach: Isiah Thomas, Knicks — I’m serious here. No coach has more riding on this season than Zeke. He’s a former star and if anyone can get this team to play, he can. Look for the Knicks to make the playoffs and Isiah to be regarded as a genius.

Most Improved: Luol Deng, Bulls — With the addition of Ben Wallace up front, Deng can focus on his scoring more and should finally make the leap into the ranks of the elite.

Surprise Team: (Tie) Knicks and Raptors — Both teams can take advantage of the fact that the bottom of the East is really weak. T.J. Ford and Chris Bosh could be Canada’s versions of Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire for the Raptors.