NBA Preseason Awards

2015-2016 Award Predictions

Rookie of the Year: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota could have back-to-back Rookie of the year winners after Andrew Wiggins took the award last season. The ROTY award could go to many different guys, Jahlil Okafor in Philadelphia, Stanley Johnson in Detroit, D’Angelo Russell out in L.A., or Emmanuel Mudiay in Denver. All of those players have the chance to do great things this year for their respective teams but the big man in Minnesota and the number one pick is going to run away with it down the road.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

This one is easy and could go to Dwight every year but much like the MVP, they’d get tired of giving it to him. I do think there are a couple other guys who might deserve it more but lets face it, Dwight holds down the middle better than anyone in the game. Not to mention he’s one of the best all around big men in the game. If the Rockets want to get to the next level and come out of the West, Howard will need to play like former Rockets great Hakeem Olajuwon.

Sixth Man of the Year: Paul Pierce, Los Angeles Clippers

I never thought it would be possible for the future Hall of Famer to be a sixth man but that’s what situation he’s going into. Lance Stephenson is going to get the nod at small forward over Pierce which means he’ll be next off the bench and seeing as how you never know what you’re going to with Stephenson, Pierce’s role could be that much bigger.

Coach of the Year: George Karl, Sacramento Kings

I won’t say that the Kings are back because they are still the Kings but if they are going to get back to being a contender then it’s going to start with Karl. He’s got some young pieces in place to start contending in a very difficult Western Conference and if he can get them to play together it’ll be one hell of an accomplishment for the one time Coach of the Year winner.

Most Improved Player: Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

The former preseason All American as a freshman at North Carolina, Barnes is finally coming into his own. Barnes got the start last season over Finals MVP Andre Iguodola and after a year under his belt in the starting role, the Tar Heel is ready for that next jump.

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

He didn’t win it last year so it’s only natural wins it this year. James carried the Cavs to the brink of an NBA title and very well could have won the award last season. He is still the best player on the planet and is determined to take his home state to the promise land. Along the way he’ll capture his fifth MVP award which having his best season in the NBA.

Dark Horse MVP Candidate: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Yes, Dwyane Wade and his 60-year old knees. The Heat have a strong enough roster to compete in the East for a top seed when the playoffs come around but D Wade will have to be the D Wade that carried the Heat to a title in 2006. Wade admitted that LeBron knows the Heat are coming for him and if he wants to follow through on that he’ll have to have nothing short of an MVP season.

Stephen Springer, Follow him on Twitter @stephen_springs