2015-2016 Award Predictions
Rookie of the Year: Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets
Mudiay is the most NBA ready rookie coming into the season. He is a freak athlete and will be thrown right into the starting point guard role for the Nuggets. He has a lot of room to grow, but his raw talent and instincts will be enough for him to survive in the West this year. This season could be very similar to Tyreke Evans’ ROTY campaign.
Coach of the Year: Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Brad Stevens is a guy that has always gotten the most out of his players. This season, Stevens’ will get the Celtics back in the playoffs, and will fight with the Raptors for the Atlantic division crown. I expect second year players Marcus Smart and James Young to really come into their own this year and the addition of David Lee will solidify their frontcourt. Don’t be surprised if the Celtics overachieve and Stevens leads them to a playoff series win.
Most Improved Player Award: Giannis Antetokounmpo
If it weren’t for Jimmy Butler’s ascent, the Greek Freak could have easily won this award last year. NBA scouts know that there is no ceiling for this kid and he will continue to get better as he polishes his game and improves his outside shot. Expect big things from Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Butler might be the best wing defender in the Eastern Conference. He has the ability to guard three positions and can play 48 minutes when needed. Butler is constantly matched-up against the best player on opposing teams and has the task of guarding LeBron James, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony. Butler is one of the best two-way players in the game today.
Sixth Man of the Year: Isiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
I’m not really going out on a limb with this pick. Thomas is clearly the most explosive bench player in the NBA and will probably end up leading the Celtics in scoring, while playing close to 30 mpg. Thomas is capable of starting, but he seems to provide a better spark off the bench and is too much for second string point guards to handle. Thomas finished second in 6th man voting last year.
Most Valuable Player: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
I’m pretty sure everybody picked Anthony Davis. This year just seems right for the All-NBA forward. Davis is a double-double machine and puts up 25 ppg with relative ease. Expect Davis to continue to progress with the help of new coach Alvin Gentry who will look to improve his outside shot. If Davis can hit 20 foot jumpers with regularity, then there is no defending him. It also helps that the voters seem to be tired of voting for LeBron James.
Dark Horse MVP Candidate: DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Cousins has already stated that the MVP is his to win, so why shouldn’t we believe him? He seems to be a pretty rational guy, right? Anyway, he really is a beast and can put up crazy numbers. The issue is that nobody is going to vote for him if the Kings only win 30 games. If Sacramento can somehow manage to float above water and contend for a playoff spot, it is going to be because of DeMarcus Cousins.
Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow him on Twitter @TheGraygo
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