Here are my predictions for the following awards: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, 6th Man of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year:
Top 5 MVP Candidates
1. LeBron James
Simply said LeBron James has been the best statistical player this year and is having the best statistical season in NBA history. I may be hard on him and not like him but i can’t deny the season he’s having is amazing. I do not agree with him being the most “valuable” player and they need to change the name of the award to best statistical player or best player. However, LeBron’s regular season has been tremendous and he needs to carry that into the playoffs with him and his MVP Award. Final stat line 27.1ppg 7.9rpg 6.2apg
2. Kevin Durant
Durant has officially emerged as a bonafide superstar in the NBA. He is the best scorer and offensive player in the NBA now and can shoot the lights out of the ball. In the month of March, He was my MVP and best player in the NBA however as of April he has fallen off a tiny bit. He still has hit 4 game winners this year and has the clutch ability and will win the scoring title for the 3rd year in a row. He has also emerged this year as a defensive threat with career highs in steals in blocks. Durant is gonna be a top MVP Candidate for the next decade. Final stat line 28.0ppg 8.0rpg 3.5apg
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is the most “valuable” player in the NBA. The Lakers would be lost without him and wouldn’t be a championship contender without the Black Mamba. Kobe has been rejuvenated after his knee therapy in germany and has led the league in scoring for the better part of the season. Considering his knee problems, torn ligaments in his wrist, broken nose and back problems he’s still managed to be a top player in the NBA at the tender age of 34. Final stat line 27.9ppg 5.4rpg 4.6apg
4. Chris Paul
Chris Paul was my number two pick for MVP earlier this season and even though he’s dropped off a little bit he has still managed to revitalize the Clippers organization. Paul is the best PG in the NBA and can do everything. He scores, passes, defends and rebounds with terrific consistency. CP3 has brought a winning culture to the Clips and as a result are a playoff contender in the West. Simply said CP3 has changed the Clippers. Final stat line 19.8ppg 3.6rpg 9.1apg
5. Rajon Rondo
Rondo has jumped into the MVP Race with absolute tenacity. He suffered some injury problems earlier in the year but really came into his own midseason. He’s emerged as the 2nd best PG in the NBA and leads the NBA in triple doubles this season. He is easily the best Passer in the NBA leading the league in assists and is the best Defensive PG in the league as well. Simply put Rondo is the engine that keeps the Celtics well oiled machine running. Final stat line 12.1ppg 4.9rpg 11.6apg
Top 3 Defensive Player of the Year Candidates
1. Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler was a huge part of the Mavericks championship run and win last year in Dallas and has once again revitalized another team’s culture. He’s come into New York this year and made them a formidable defensive team. Chandler has also been a surprise offensively leading the NBA in FG%. Chandler didn’t get too much respect last year but this year he can’t be denied, he’s the most impactful player on the defensive side of the ball. Final stat line 11.3ppg 10.0rpg 1.4blkpg 68.0FG%
2. Kevin Garnett
Before the season began, I myself made a prediction that Kevin Garnett would be on the All NBA 1st Defensive Team and a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate and I was laughed at constantly. Garnett has proved me right and has found the fountain of youth this year. Ever Since moving to the Center position after the All Star Break, he’s been the best Defensive Player in Basketball and offensively there’s no stopping his midrange game. Garnett is the anchor of the celtics D and best defensive PF of all time. Final stat line 16.0ppg 8.3rpg 3.0apg 1.1blkpg
3. Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka is the best Shot blocker in the NBA. He’s proved to be a monster in the post blocking shots left and right. His offensive game has improved and he’s becoming a big factor in the low post defensively against the big guys. Ibaka’s low post defense has kept many of the elite PF’s in the NBA at bay and his shot blocking is unrivaled. Final stat line 9.0ppg 7.6rpg 3.5blkpg
Honorable Mention: Shawn Marion, LeBron James, Luol Deng, Dwight Howard
Top 3 Rookie of the Year Candidates:
1. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving has really turned into quite the player. Many questioned the number one overall selections potential but he has done nothing but prove them wrong. His rookie season has been better than superstars Chris Paul and Derrick Rose and Irving will continue to grow into a superstar player and top PG in the NBA for a long time. Final stat line 18.8ppg 3.8rpg 5.5apg
2. Ricky Rubio
Even as a rookie, Rubio has already made a name for himself as one of the best passers in the league. Many doubters, including myself, didn’t think he’d be able to play at the NBA level but boy did he prove people wrong. Unfortunately Rubio did get injured halfway through the year and it caused the T’Wolves to drop out of playoff contention. Along with Kevin Love, Rubio has made the T’Wolves relevant again and don’t be surprised if they make a playoff run in the coming years. Final stat line 10.6ppg 4.2rpg 8.2apg
3. Klay Thompson
Many people still might not know who Klay Thompson is right now but the kid is legit. The 1st half of the season he was buried in the Warriors backcourt behind Ellis, Curry, Robinson and Brandon Rush. However, following the Monta Ellis trade, Thompson was thrust into the starting lineup and has done nothing but play exceptionally. Ever since moving to the starting lineup he’s averaged 17ppg and has shot over 40% from beyond the arc. Make no doubt, Thompson is the best shooter in this years rookie class and can turn into a dangerous scorer. Final stat line 12.4ppg 42% Three point percentage
Honorable Mention: Kenneth Faried, Brandon Knight, Kawhi Leonard
Coach of the Year Candidates:
1. Tom Thibodeau
Thibodeau has been the best defensive strategist in the NBA for some time now. He led the charge for the Celtics Defense for several years and for the 2nd consecutive year has led the Bulls to the best record in the Eastern Conference along with being the best defensive and rebounding team in the NBA. Given the prolonged injuries to Rip Hamilton and Derrick Rose, Thibodeau managed to win games without his MVP PG and that’s impressive
2. Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers has once again led the “old” Celtics squad to another Atlantic Division Title under much adversity. Through the better part of the 1st half of the season, The celtics squad struggled with age and injuries that had them playing below .500. However, after the All Star Break, the Celtics somewhat rejuvenated tore through teams in the 2nd half and finished with the best record in the NBA in the 2nd half of the year at 24-9. Doc has once again helped the celtics be a top 5 defense in all categories and is the best coach in the NBA right now.
3. Greg Popovich
Popovich is one of the best coaches of all time and has sure proved why again this year. He’s led the San Antonio Spurs to the best record in the Western Conference and is well known for his use of bench players. He keeps his starters to short minutes and has coached the bench and role players to play like his starting lineup and needs to be given credit for that. Popovich has been arguably the best coach in the NBA for the past decade with 4 rings going for number 5.
Honorable Mention: Lionel Hollins, Erik Spoelstra, Scott Brooks, Doug Collins
Top 3 Sixth Man of the Year Candidates:
1. James Harden
James Harden has really proven himself to be one of the best players of the pine. He should be starting but he gives the 2nd unit a huge boost for OKC. He is arguably the Thunder’s best playmaker and has now formed Durant, Westbrook and Harden himself into a “Big Three” and a championship contender. Final stat line 16.8ppg 4.1rpg 3.8apg
2. Jason Terry
The Jet was one of the most important players for the reigning champions last postseason and has continued to be the 1st scoring option after Dirk Nowitzki. Even at the age of 34, Terry has managed to shoot the ball at a high percentage and be one of the best 3pt shooters in the NBA. Jason Terry sure backed up his NBA Finals tattoo and championship with another great season off the pine. Final stat line 15.1ppg 3.6apg 38.1% three point percentage
3. Louis Williams
Louis Williams has really emerged as one of the best scorers off the bench the past couple years and is really coming into his own. Last year he proved his clutch ability hitting the game winning shot vs Miami in the playoffs and has been a key factor for 76ers playoff contention this year as well. Although the 2nd half of the season for his 76ers has been down, he hasn’t, his shooting has kept them and carried them into the playoffs for good. Final stat line 15.0ppg 3.5apg 37% three point percentage
Honorable Mention: Al Harrington, Thaddeus Young, Taj Gibson
Top 3 Most Improved Player of the Year Candidates:
1. Greg Monroe
Shocked that Jeremy Lin isn’t number one? You shouldn’t be. Greg Monroe has really emerged as a top 10 Center in the NBA and was in consideration for an All Star in only his sophomore year in the league. He upped every statistical category tremendously this year and has truly become the Pistons franchise player. Along with Brandon Knight, the Pistons can become relevant again sooner rather than later. Final stat line 15.5ppg 9.7rpg 2.3apg
2. Avery Bradley
You might laugh at this selection but I assure you this is no joke. Avery Bradley got lost in Doc River’s rotation last year and wasn’t given much time due to his poor offensive game. However, this year when given his opportunity, Bradley ceased it and has started for the 2nd half of the season for the Celtics. He is arguably the best on-ball defender in the NBA and can lock down anyone in the NBA. Add to the fact that his offensive game has improved leaps and bounds and you have a top candidate for this award for his contributions on both sides of the ball. Final stat line 7.5ppg (17ppg since starting) FG%50 3pt%48
3. Jeremy Lin
The reason why I don’t have Lin at 1 is because of not enough games played. Lin played only half the season and had a tremendous breakout week. However his performance has only been elite against bad teams and hasn’t proved to be nearly as formidable against tougher opponents. He has come out of nowhere and that’s something to be given credit for. I’m sure he will get even better in the offseason and be back better than ever. Final stat line 14.6ppg 3.1rpg 6.2apg
Honorable Mention: Paul George, Ersan Ilyasova, Nikola Pekovic, Ryan Anderson
