Courtesy – NBA.com
We are about half way through the 2014-15 regular season and so far, the NBA has been having an exciting and competitive season. This is exactly what makes it a good time to predict some of the major award winners for this season. There have been some bright standouts and there are some clear front-runners but a lot of these awards are still up for grabs. Though basketball is a team sport, these individual awards mean a lot because they recognize the players who play an immense role in their respectable franchise. For this one, I’m going into my closet and bringing out the crystal ball to provide you guys with predictions for the major awards for the 2014-15 NBA season.
Rookie Of The Year
Andrew Wiggins – Minnesota Timberwolves
The hype has been surrounding Andrew Wiggins for some time now and so far, he has been living up to that hype in Minnesota, even though they are currently in last place in the Western Conference. Wiggins has proven he is capable of playing perimeter defense but he really impacts games by the way he scores. He is currently averaging 14.7 PTs, 4.2REBs, 1.7ASTs and 1.1STLs per game while shooting 42 percent from field goal range. Wiggins has great size and athleticism, playing with a style of grace and versatility. What is even more impressive is the fact that he gets better with each game. For the last four games, he averaged 20.7PTs, 4.5REBs and 3.3ASTs. Wiggins has had a good season and has shown all of the signs of a true developing player, which is a great sign for the rebuilding Timberwolves.
Coach Of The Year
Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have started the season with a bang, are now a force to be reckoned with and it is all thanks to Steve Kerr. Golden State is currently in first place in the completive Western Conference with a record of 30-5. He now has the Warriors playing more aggressive defensively and created functional rotations that produce results nightly. Kerr’s coaching style is unique. He has taken superstar players and created an unselfish team, which is now, without a doubt, the best offense in the NBA. To go along with that, Kerr has also created one of the top three defenses in the league. This is Kerr’s first year with the Golden State Warriors and even though we knew they were a good team under former coach, Mark Jackson, Kerr has changed the identity of this team and developed them even further, making Golden State a strong case to win the West, and possibly to win it all.
Most Improved Player
Jimmy Butler – Chicago Bulls
Even though Derrick Rose is back to playing with Chicago, Jimmy Butler has been an instrumental piece in the team’s success this season. He has been a dynamic and dependable player for Chicago, helping establish one of the best backcourts in the Eastern Conference. Butler is currently averaging 18.9PTs, 5.6REBs, 3.1ASTs and 1.5 STLs per game. These numbers show a ton of improvement from last year but the scary part, he keeps improving. He has improved his shot and gotten rid of an awful kick, now forcing defenders to guard him on the perimeter. Butler is also a strong and physical defender and I would not be surprised to hear his name in MVP contention later on in his career. This July, Butler is expected to become a free agent and he will most likely attract a lot of attention from suitors willing to pay high dollar.
Defensive Player Of The Year
Anthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans
Since entering the NBA, Anthony ‘The Brow’ Davis has been a complete monster, especially on the defensive end of the basketball. His game is completely unique but is built on a solid foundation of fundamentals. He has spent only a short time in the league and he is already beyond comparison, being the most progressive ‘big man’ that NBA has seen. He has a great stat line too, grabbing more than 10 rebounds per game. He also averages 1.6STLs and 2.9BLKs per game. To me, he plays defense just like the all-time great, Tim Duncan. Except, a quicker and longer Tim Duncan. Recently, he has taken some blame and heat for the team’s struggling defense but I can promise you, that has nothing to do with Davis. He is a young star who will continue to grow and before his career is over, I bet he has at least two of these awards.
Sixth Man Of The Year
Isaiah Thomas – Phoenix Suns
Across the league, Isaiah Thomas of the Phoenix Suns is already an early favorite to win the sixth man award, so this should come as no surprise. He backs up Goran Dragic and provides much needed support off the bench. In just 25 minutes per game, he averages 14.5PTs, 3.7ASTs, 2.3REBs and 1.2STLs. The Suns are currently 23-18. Though they are in 8th place, Phoenix looks to have a strong chance on sneaking into the playoffs if they continue to play the way they have been because much of their success comes from the team’s depth on their bench. Phoenix’s overall bench success can be contributed to Isaiah’s energy and leadership. Thomas was picked last during the 2011 NBA Draft and since then has come along way. He should be on everyone’s radar now because this young man has a bright career ahead of him.
Most Valuable Player
Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry is hands down the best point guard in the NBA right now. He has developed all aspects of his game and is arguably the best shooter that the league has seen, ever. His stat line continues to improve. This season, he is averaging 24.9PTs, 8.8ASTs, 5.3REBs and 2.3 STLs per game. Among active players, he also holds the highest three-point average at 43.4 percent. Golden State’s head coach, Steve Kerr, is due some credit because I believe he was able to push Curry to a higher level of performance than Mark Jackson was able to. Curry is proving nightly he deserves the MVP award. Not only can Curry can score from anywhere, he has also developed into a true leader for the Warriors. Theres no doubt in my mind Curry is having a season worth this award. He has grown so much and produces much more than points for this franchise. Without Curry, the Warriors are a playoff team and with Curry, the Warriors are championship favorites. What more can I say?
