By Terrence Hinds, Sports Editor

Published in print Feb. 11, 2015

The 2014-2015 NBA season has been as wild as everyone expected it to be.

It has given us everything we could want and more in the form of so many interesting and sometimes, disturbing storylines regarding our favorite players, coaches, and franchises. There have been surprises (Atlanta Hawks), disappointments, and simply flat out chaos (Here’s looking at you New York).

With the All Star break right upon us, it is time that we do some mid season awards.

Most Valuable Player

James Harden is having a spectacular season.

Through 50 games the Houston Rockets are 35-15, and I would say that Harden is single handily responsible for at least 30 of those wins.

Harden’s numbers are just insane right now.

The three time All Star guard is leading the NBA in points per game at a strong 27.1 and has also has been throwing in seven assists and five rebounds on average .

His teammate and supposed co-star Dwight Howard has been in and out of the starting lineup due to various injuries and when he has been in there, the center has simply underachieved. Every night Harden is responsible for creating the offense and he has done just that night in and night out. He’s even defending at a decent level, once a weakness for the bearded shooter. Harden has really upped his game.

Look for him to finish well and make some noise in this year’s playoffs.

Most Improved Player

This is a no brainer to me. 

Jimmy Butler has seemingly come out of nowhere to become one of the best two-way shooting guards in the league. Last year he averaged a very normal 13 points per game on 39 percent shooting.

This year his numbers have  outstandingly increased. Butler is putting up close to 21 points per game on 46 percent shooting. The biggest difference in his game has been his ability to get to the foul line.

Butler has been getting to the charity strip seven times per game on average and he is converting 83 percent of his foul shots.

He’s been the jolt in the arm on offense that the Chicago Bulls have desperately needed as Derrick Rose continues to find his sea legs after missing nearly two season.

The Chicago Bulls should be the best team in the Eastern conference come playoff time, largely due to Butler’s improved play.

Defensive Player of the Year

The Warriors are 40-9 and have the best record in the rugged Western Conference.

But, do not let the incredible three point shooting of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson fool you though in regards to their defense. This team is also possesses the number one defense in the league. Draymond Green is a huge part of that success.

He is the heart and soul of the Warriors. Green allows them to be so versatile on defense with his ability to guard every position on the basketball court. He can bang down low with the bigs among the trees, and he is a great pick and roll defender. He is as valuable to the Warriors on defense as Curry and Thompson are on offense and, if the season was to end today, Green would get my vote for defensive player of the year.

Coach of the Year

Another no brainer, Mike Budenholzer is the clear cut coach of the year.

The Atlanta Hawks were the eighth seed in the East Conference last year and were projected to finish the year hovering around the same level.

Yet, at the moment, they currently possess the best record in basketball. This team has no typical superstar. They are just getting it done with great team ball, and that is a direct reflection upon their head coach. Budenholzer, a branch off of the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, has the team playing a similar brand of basketball to the defending champions.

The Hawks are a legitimate title contender.

Take them as a joke at your own peril.