*FAN SUBMISSION by Ray in Baltimore.*
Basketball fans everywhere, rejoice. After three and a half months of long deprivation, live NBA basketball is here again. Who cares if it’s only the preseason? The past few months brought us a lot of headlines and player movement, and we can all be sure that the period between now and the middle of June will only bring more excitement. So without further ado, let’s delve into what the awards scene may look like at the end of this season.
NBA MVP: LeBron James, Plays Pretty Much Every Position, Miami Heat
This should come as a surprise to no one and definitely does not need much explanation. LeBron will win his third ring and fifth MVP award this upcoming season. The Miami Heat are on top of the basketball world right now, and King James is in his physical peak. On top of that, he recently stated that his goal is to become the greatest basketball player of all time. Come what may during free agency, just know that a galvanized LBJ will blow the minds of everyone in the league this year. Again.
Other Possibility: Kevin Durant. However, he will probably finish second in the voting once more, and unless he plays like a man possessed, there is no way this honor goes to anyone but James.
Courtesy: Fox Sports Florida
Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, G, Orlando Magic
The rook out of Indiana was by far my favorite player in this year’s draft, mainly because he reminds me so much of D-Wade. He possesses all of the athleticism needed to excel in the NBA immediately, which is good because the Magic will need him from day one. His strong finishes and above average defending will surely aid him throughout his first season.
Other Possibility: Expect Trey Burke of Utah and Ben McLemore of Sacramento to compete for the ROY award as well.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, C, Houston Rockets
Dwight Howard is finally in a town he is comfortable in and in a position where he can be the dominant center that he is. He has uncanny athleticism for a man of his size, and with his back hopefully feeling better, he can get back to being the rebounding and shot blocking beast that he is.
Other Possibility: LeBron. However, if Dwight regains the prowess that helped him win this award so many times in Orlando, consider this a lock.
Sixth Man of the Year: Harrison Barnes, F, Golden State Warriors
With Andre Iguodala coming to the Bay Area, expect Barnes to come off the bench. He won’t be any regular bench player though, and Mark Jackson will continue to give him enough minutes to be a significant contributor to the Warriors. Remember, players of Barnes’ caliber are always starting somewhere. If you have a guy like him on your bench, you must be one heck of a team.
Other Possibility: Jarrett Jack. He almost won the award while playing with Barnes last year, and he will have a similar opportunity in Cleveland.
Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers, LA Clippers
If you’ve got Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, a Hall of Fame coach, sweet outside shooters, and a killer bench, your team will be successful. Expect Rivers to guide the Clippers to even greater heights this year, as their only major competition in the division is Golden State.
Other Possibilities: Mark Jackson, Golden State. Gregg Poppovich, San Antonio.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Most Improved Player: Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors
This may seem like an unusual choice, but I strongly believe that if his ankles can stay healthy, Stephen Curry could contend for the MVP award. He’s that good. Already the best shooter in the NBA, Curry’s game will take even further strides this year. Look for an expanded offensive arsenal and more assists with Andre Iguodala coming in.
Other Possibilities: Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans.
