Predicting the NBA awards during the offseason is always tough to get right, but everyone loves whacking together a few bold predictions to see how wrong they are this time next year.
Having said that, let’s get stuck in and have a crack at these predictions.
MVP – Stephen Curry
I’m of the opinion that the Warriors will end up a top-four seed in the Western Conference, despite the losses they have endured. Kevin Durant is obviously the big loss, along with a few other significant role players plus Klay Thompson, but Steph Curry is Steph Curry.
The Warriors have acquired some good pieces, including All-Star D’Angelo Russell, Willie Caulie-Stein and Omari Spellman. Curry with the ball in his hands for most of the regular season is something everyone wants to see, and with low expectations for the first time since his first MVP I reckon he can bag his third next season.
Rookie of the Year – Zion Williamson
Not much of a brave pick here but it looks a safe one. He looked untouchable during the only nine minutes of Summer League he competed in and we all know how much of a dominating force he was throughout his season at Duke.
Zion and the Pelicans have a sneaky chance of sneaking into the playoffs despite playing in the west and I reckon that would just be another tick to hand him the award.
Defensive Player of the Year – Draymond Green
Rudy Gobert could very well claim his third straight DPOY award but that would be no fun. If my prediction is to hold and the Warriors are a top-four seed, Draymond’s defence will be at an all-time high.
Stephen Curry (AP Photo/Scott Threlkeld)
The former Michigan State Spartan was in white-hot form during the playoffs and was arguably the best performing player on Golden State. If he can maintain his conditioning he struck into after the All-Star break, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Draymond earn his second DPOY award.
Sixth Man of the Year – Spencer Dinwiddie
With Paul George and Kawhi Leonard headed to the Clippers, Lou Williams is bound to get the rock a lot less.
Dinwiddie is arguably the second-best player on the Nets (not including Kevin Durant) and should improve off another summer under his belt. With a likely Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert backcourt, you would expect for Kenny Atkinson to again bring Dinwiddie off the bench, and I expect him to torch opposing teams second unit.
Coach of the Year – Steve Kerr
Not surprising that I am continuing with my Warriors theme. Kerr is one of the most underrated coaches in the league – and his greatness was truly shown after all the setbacks during last seasons playoffs.
If the Warriors crack 50 wins and land a top-four seed, Kerr gets the nod.
AussieBokkie
Roar Rookie
I hope you’re right Jett. I personally like that KD walked and that the Dubs have to revert to their OG core. We’ll be tested but the pressure will be off, creating a great opportunity for the Dubs to surprise everyone. A top 4 finish is a very real prospect
Josh Deane
Guest
MVP - Harden. With Westbrook alongside him their backcourt will be unstoppable. Similar to how Russ elevated PG13 to candidacy, so will he elevate Harden to the next level ROTY - Ja Morant. Zion is carrying way too much weight and doubt his body will stand up to 82 games. Ja will have the ball alot and will have some great young talent to feed it to.. As well the ability to get his own DPOY - Anthony Davis. If the Lakers are gonna be successful this guy needs to carry their D. He's got the tools to make it happen. 6MAN - Dimwiddie. I agree that Sweet Lou won't get the reps to put up his usual numbers so I'm following the crowd with this choice. Mostly because there's been so much turnover this off-season and I really can't think of another standout bench guy that should be starting but isn't!
Davico
Roar Pro
There is no way that the Warriors will be a top 4 seed in the West. They just don't have the depth they had pre KD, and I can't see Steph being able to score 50 a night. Where is the other scoring going to come from? Also, Klay, KD and Iggy are all high level defenders and all will be missing this year. Klay will come back at some stage, but they are in the toughest division in the NBA and I just don't see it. MVP : Giannis Antetokounmpo - He will only improve this year and will stand out in the weaker East ROTY : RJ Barrett - I have real concerns about how Zion's body will hold up and RJ will be the focus of the Knicks team. If he can play to his potential I can see him causing the upset DPOY : Giannis Antetokounmpo - Arguably should have got the award this year 6 man : Lou Williams - With the load management that will go on at the Clippers to ensure that their superstars are ready to fire in the playoffs, I can see Lou going off playing in improved unselfish lineups. COTY : Doc Rivers - This is a tough one with all the stars that have moved around and joined up but I think Doc will be the one who get's his combo to gel with their new teammates the best.
ikhwan
Roar Rookie
My Prediction MVP : Giannis Antetokounmpo ROTY : Zion Williamson DPOY : Rudy Gobert 6 man : Spencer Dinwiddie COTY : Doc Rivers
Jerry
Guest
Draymond is primarily a good team defender rather than a good one on one defender, and he'll have much more work to do with KD & Iggy gone and Klay out for most of the season, Russell is an ok defender, Cauley Stein isn't. I suspect the team's defence will be a fair bit worse due to that and generally DPOY goes to a player on a good defensive team.