Rookie of the Year
1. Trey
Burke
UPDATE: Trey has an injury and is out indefinitely
UPDATE: Trey has an injury and is out indefinitely
Burke will be the starting Point Guard for
a rebuilding Jazz team. They really don’t have any other possible candidates
for this position which will mean Trey will have a lot of time to show how good
he is. At NCAA level he won 5 national player of the year awards, led the Big
10 in APG, minutes played and came second in PPG. Four out of the last 5 ROY
winners were in a similar situation: Point guard on a rebuilding team (Lillard,
Irving, Evans, Rose.)
2. Kelly
Olynyk/ Michael Carter Williams
Olynyk had the best summer league out of all the rookies. He averaged 18 PPG on 57.8% shooting 7.8 RPG and 2.4 APG. He is playing for Boston so he will get ample playing time, he has a great skill set including a large range for a big man. Could possibly be a poor man’s Dirk Nowitzki. Finished on top of the Rookie Ladder post Summer League.
Michael Carter Williams looks like a beast almost got a quadruple double in his first game!
Olynyk had the best summer league out of all the rookies. He averaged 18 PPG on 57.8% shooting 7.8 RPG and 2.4 APG. He is playing for Boston so he will get ample playing time, he has a great skill set including a large range for a big man. Could possibly be a poor man’s Dirk Nowitzki. Finished on top of the Rookie Ladder post Summer League.
Michael Carter Williams looks like a beast almost got a quadruple double in his first game!
3. Victor
Oladipo
Oladipo is an incredible athlete and
NBA-ready. He will see a lot of playing time in Orlando which will help. He is
a lock down defender and ranks second in steals per 40 minutes. Orlando will
love him because of his high intensity on defense and has been likened to Tony
Allen. However his offense needs work he shot only 24% from 3-point range in
his first two seasons for Indiana. He averaged 19 PPG 5.0 APG and 4.3 RPG for
Indiana and is the favorite to win the award by most analysts.
4. CJ
McCollum
Portland have drafted another gun in
McCollum. He has a lethal jump shot and can score from anywhere, hitting on 52%
from three last season. He is pretty good on the boards too and averaged 2.1
steals a game. May be affected by playing time if Portland decide to make him a
backup to Lillard. Averaged 21 PPG in summer league.
5. Cody
Zeller
He averaged 9.3 RPG and 16.3 PPG during summer league and sits second on the Rookie Ladder. He is NBA-ready and offensively versatile and has a habit of getting to the line. Will he play backup to Jefferson or start alongside him? This will determine whether he has a real chance at ROY.
He averaged 9.3 RPG and 16.3 PPG during summer league and sits second on the Rookie Ladder. He is NBA-ready and offensively versatile and has a habit of getting to the line. Will he play backup to Jefferson or start alongside him? This will determine whether he has a real chance at ROY.
Coach of the Year
1. Mike
Brown (Cleveland Cavaliers)
This may seem a surprising pick however the Cavaliers have a real chance to make 6th seed in the East. To do that they would need around 45-48 wins, which would be more than a 20 game, increase over last season. If this happens Mike Brown has a great chance at COY, especially if the Cavs can challenger the top tier teams.
This may seem a surprising pick however the Cavaliers have a real chance to make 6th seed in the East. To do that they would need around 45-48 wins, which would be more than a 20 game, increase over last season. If this happens Mike Brown has a great chance at COY, especially if the Cavs can challenger the top tier teams.
2. Frank Vogel (Indiana Pacers)
The Pacers only had 49 wins last season and
were the 23rd best offensive team. Now with Granger returning, Cj
Watson, Scola and Copeland being added the Pacers should aim to drastically
increase their offensive production while enhancing their defense as well (They
were 2nd last year in fewest points allowed per game). They have a
60+ win roster which would make Vogel a candidate for COY.
3. Rick
Adelman (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are primed to
make a run for the playoffs this season. They need their core of Love, Rubio
and Pekovic to stay healthy for once. Early last season it looked like they
could be a real hard team to beat until Love was injured and they fell apart.
The signing of Kevin Martin adds great scoring off the bench but the loss of
Kirilenko will affect them. Minnesota only ended up with 31 wins last season,
don’t be surprised if they achieve 50 this season. If they end up in the top 6
seeds Rick Adelman could be a lock for COY.
4. Doc Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers)
4. Doc Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers)
A lot of early love for Rivers to win the
Coach of the Year but I’m not sold. The Clippers would have to finish top 2 in
the West and have about 60 wins to be considered a dramatically changed team.
Yes Doc does add a championship caliber to a team that has struggled to pass
the first round of the playoffs but I still don’t know if he can produce the
results expected by everyone.
5. Mike
D’antoni (Los Angeles Lakers)
I haven’t seen any Lakers personnel in any
predictions whatsoever. Which is strange because when the expectations are low
the upside is high. Mike D’antoni can coach yet because of last season’s
failure with the Lakers he has been made out to seem like some sort of fool. He
has not had a preseason with the Lakers yet, he arrived mid-season and was
taking the place of what was believed to be Phil Jackson’s job. This season the
Lakers have been doomed to fail dramatically according to ESPN and finish as
low as 12th with less than 40 wins. The Lakers chemistry will
increase and so will their offense. Mike D’antoni is about to prove once again
that is a coaching genius. Don’t be surprised if he wins Coach Of the Year
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| Brian Shaw coached under PJ while at the Lakers |
Special Mentions: Brian Shaw (Denver Nuggets)/Mark Jackson (Golden State Warriors)
Brian Shaw is a great coach and will do wonders for the Nuggets however I don’t think he can win this award because the Nuggets improved dramatically last season and will probably struggle without Igoudala and Gallinari for half a season.
Mark Jackson could justifiably win it. But to do so would require a top 2 finish in the West and a real possibility of winning the championship. It is definitely possible but the expectations are high.
Most Improved Player
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| Jeff Green had a breakout season last year... Could he win MIP this season? |
1. Eric
Bledsoe
Is moving from being a backup at the
Clippers to being the star at Phoenix. Averaged 8.5 PPG and 3.1 APG in 20
minutes per game last season. We are about to see a new star emerge.
1.5: Greg Monroe
He is killing it in preseason and like his teammate Monroe is set for a breakout year after averaging 7.9 PPG and 7.6 RPG last season as a rookie.
Anthony Davis
Not entirely sure if he is in real contention but he is killing it in the preseason with 21, 26 and 29 points in 3 of his games. Is the in form player of the preseason.
2. Enes Kanter
Utah offloaded Millsap and Jefferson, which will allow Kanter and Favors to be the starters and have drastically more playing time. Kanter averaged 7.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG in only 15 minutes per game. He will have a much more important role next season.
1.5: Greg Monroe
Greg Monroe is on the verge of a breakout year. He averaged 16 PPG and 9.6 RPG last season and now with Detroit’s growing expectations he will need to continue at this production and maybe increase it.
Andre DrummondHe is killing it in preseason and like his teammate Monroe is set for a breakout year after averaging 7.9 PPG and 7.6 RPG last season as a rookie.
Anthony Davis
Not entirely sure if he is in real contention but he is killing it in the preseason with 21, 26 and 29 points in 3 of his games. Is the in form player of the preseason.
2. Enes Kanter
Utah offloaded Millsap and Jefferson, which will allow Kanter and Favors to be the starters and have drastically more playing time. Kanter averaged 7.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG in only 15 minutes per game. He will have a much more important role next season.
3. Tobias
Harris
An extremely promising athletic SF for the
Orlando Magic, Harris averaged 4.9 PPG and 2.0 RPG in Milwaukee before the
trade to Orlando where he averaged 17.3 PPG and 8.5 RPG. Expect more of the
same this season as he will be a big part of Orlando’s growth.
4. Jonas
Valanciunas
Averaged 8.9 PPG and 6.0 APG in 23 minutes
per game last season, his first in the NBA. He was named summer league MVP
averaging 18.8 and 10. Now with the departure of Bargnani he will see more
playing time and a larger role.
5. Jimmy
Butler/Kahwi Leonard
Both had stellar post seasons mostly on the
defensive side. Butler played the whole season and averaged 8.6 PPG (13 PPG in
the postseason) and 4 RPG he will be the starting SG for the Bulls again this
season. Kahwi is the future of the Spurs and showed it against Miami.
6. Jeff
Green
Last year he averaged 12.8 PPG 3.9 RPG in only 27.8 Minutes per game. He was Pierce’s backup for most of the season and now with him gone, Green will be a starter. His best performances last year came with Avery Bradley playing the Point, so his looks and production should increase even more with Rajon Rondo returning.
Last year he averaged 12.8 PPG 3.9 RPG in only 27.8 Minutes per game. He was Pierce’s backup for most of the season and now with him gone, Green will be a starter. His best performances last year came with Avery Bradley playing the Point, so his looks and production should increase even more with Rajon Rondo returning.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Roy
Hibbert
Hibbert was incredible against the Heat in the ECF and throughout the whole playoffs. Defensively he altered so many shots around the basket and was a big reason why the Pacers had a chance to take the series. If he plays like this in the regular season instead of waiting for the postseason to make his mark he will have a good chance at winning the award. When asked why he wasn’t near the top of voting last year he said: “You know what, because y’all m----f---‘s don’t watch us play throughout the year to tell you the truth”
Hibbert was incredible against the Heat in the ECF and throughout the whole playoffs. Defensively he altered so many shots around the basket and was a big reason why the Pacers had a chance to take the series. If he plays like this in the regular season instead of waiting for the postseason to make his mark he will have a good chance at winning the award. When asked why he wasn’t near the top of voting last year he said: “You know what, because y’all m----f---‘s don’t watch us play throughout the year to tell you the truth”
2. Dwight
Howard
Already a three time defensive winner and
could make it four now he is with Houston. Was overlooked last season because
of the Lakers overall poor defense however individually he did pretty well
averaging 2.4 BPG and 12.4 RPG (and altering many more shots).
3. Joakim Noah
Noah is one of the most intense big men and throws his body at loose balls on either end. He averaged 2.1 BPG and 11.1 RPG last season and is an outside chance to win the award.
4. Serge Ibaka
Serge is one of the most athletic big men and probably the best shot blocker in the league. He averaged 3.0 BPG this season and 3.7 BPG the year before leading the league both times. However he only averaged 7.7 RPG which he will want to increase this season.
3. Joakim Noah
Noah is one of the most intense big men and throws his body at loose balls on either end. He averaged 2.1 BPG and 11.1 RPG last season and is an outside chance to win the award.
4. Serge Ibaka
Serge is one of the most athletic big men and probably the best shot blocker in the league. He averaged 3.0 BPG this season and 3.7 BPG the year before leading the league both times. However he only averaged 7.7 RPG which he will want to increase this season.
Sixth Man of the Year
1. Jarrett JackHe finished 3rd last year in this award when playing for Golden State. Now he is at Cleveland backing up Kyrie and Dion. He is the veteran out of these three and will be expected to bring some experience and influence over the young core of the Cavaliers. He averaged 12.9 PPG 3.1 RPG and 5.6 APG on 45% shooting last season and should small improvements as he may get a little extra time on court.
2. Harrison
Barnes
With Iguodala coming to the Warriors,
Barnes likely will move to the bench. While he showed a really good performance
in the playoffs (16.1 PPG and 6.4 RPG) he was below average in the regular
season only averaging 9.2 PPG and 4.1 RPG. What helps his case though is that
he is a good lockdown defender as well, which could give him an advantage over
the other candidates.
3. Tyreke
Evans
He averaged 15.2 PPG 4.4 RPG and 3.5 APG
last season as a starter for the Kings. He has come out and said he would be
happy to come off the bench for the Pelicans and if that is true he could
easily win the award. He is extremely athletic and used to carrying a team’s
offense. He will have a very important role for the Pelicans and is essential
to their success.
4. JR
Smith
The reigning sixth man of the year has to
get some mention. He had a great regular season averaging 18.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG
however he was terrible in the playoffs. Furthermore he is out for four months
with a lateral meniscus tear, he should be back for the start of the season but
he may have restricted minutes early and struggle to find his rhythm.
5. Jamal
Crawford
Averaged 16.5 PPG last season but doesn’t
do much else apart from play offense. Now with the additions of Reddick and
Dudley his minutes will probably be reduced and so will his role. He came
second last year but I don’t think he has a great chance at it this season.
Most Valuable Player
1. Kevin Durant
The Thunder have no bench anymore so it’s
starters will have to take on a lot more responsibility. Namely Kevin Durant,
it is time to step up. He turns 25 this season still only entering his prime,
which is scary. He averaged 28.1 PPG 7.6 RPG and 4.1 APG last season; this will
increase with the loss of Kevin Martin. If OKC have any chance of competing
Durant and Westbrook will have to have big years. A prime chance for MVP
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe isn’t even in ESPN’s top 10 for MVP.
Incredible. In fact Kobe isn’t on anyone’s MVP list. However the Lakers will
surprise this year, most people have written them off for dead. For them to
surprise Kobe needs to have an MVP like year. This is largely dependent on
whether the Lakers are going to compete this year or tank for a good draft pick
so Kobe could get his 6th next year. Assuming that they try to win
this year Kobe will need to do a lot of the work. If he weren’t coming off an
injury I’d have him in number one spot to win the MVP and like Chris Palmer
number 1 to lead the league in scoring.
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| Credit: Source24Designs |
3. Lebron James
Lebron may be the best player in the world but not necessarily the most important for his team. You take him off the Heat they still make playoffs, you take Kobe off the Lakers they will be lucky to surpass 20 wins, take Durant off OKC they miss playoffs. That is what the most valuable player means, which is why some people are confused to as why he won it last year. He has already won 4 MVPs and he will most likely win another one. Remember the media are the ones who decide the MVP.
4. Chris
Paul
Chris Paul was incredible last year for the
Clippers, probably deserving of the MVP award if we go by the strict
interpretation. When he was out injured the Clippers backtracked immensely and
fell into a slump losing a lot of games during this period. He is the focal
point of their offense and without him they are lost. However with a coaching
change, Doc Rivers may not rely on him as heavily as Vinny Del Negro did. He
will have to make them less dependent on Paul for the Clippers to be
championship material.
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| Lebron with his 4 MVP Awards |
Rounding out the Top 10
5. Carmelo Anthony
6. Derrick Rose
7. Paul George
8. Stephen Curry
9. Russell Westbrook
10. Kevin Love/ James Harden/ Kyrie Irving
Take note this is ESPN's MVP prediction:
1.
LeBron James
2. Kevin Durant
3. Chris Paul
4. Derrick Rose
5. James Harden
6. Dwight Howard
7. Carmelo Anthony
8. Stephen Curry
9. Paul George
10. Tony Parker
Comment your predictions!
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