The NBA season is almost upon us! That means it’s time for exciting moments and possibly records to be broken throughout the year. With the season starting so soon, it’s time for predictions. Everyone loves predictions because it allows for narratives and hope to be created that add to the fun of the season. So, without further ado, here are my predictions for the NBA awards and All-NBA teams.
NBA MVP: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Via ESPN.com
Honorable Mention: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
-The Grizzlies shocked everyone last season and ended up as the number two seed in the Western Conference. This year, they will be the hunted but seem ready for the challenge. I see Ja Morant taking on extra burdens and it lands him as the league MVP. Morant is a special player that is just scratching the surface of what he can be in this league. If he can stay healthy, he seems ready to tear up the league this year. Give me Morant to take this coveted award home this season.
Coach of the Year: Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets
Via hoopsrumors.com
Honorary Mention: Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers
Tyronn Lue and the Clippers will be a force, but I have Michael Malone edging out this award. I’m very high on this Nuggets team and that comes from the leadership of Malone. He is a no-nonsense type of coach and players respect that. Malone and the Nuggets are getting their main players back from injury and will take the league by storm. Give me Malone to win this award.
Defensive Player of the Year: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Honorary Mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Let’s be honest, Adebayo should have probably won this award last season. This isn’t discrediting anything that Marcus Smart accomplished, but injuries took Adebayo out of the running. This time around, he comes back with a vengeance and wins the award that he has wanted for a long time. He anchors a very good defense down in Miami and will finally be recognized for his talents this season.
Sixth Man of the Year: Malcom Brogdon, Boston Celtics
AP Photo/Steven Senne
Honorary Mention: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors
Giving this award to Jordan Poole is too easy which is exactly why I’m not. I love the addition of Malcolm Brogdon for this Boston squad. He provides extra shooting and guard depth and will likely thrive in this system. IF he can stay healthy, something that has plagued him the last few seasons, Brogdon can easily win this award. He should fit in seamlessly with the Celtics and it will make for an award year for him.
Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Honorary Mention: Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Orlando Magic fans won’t be watching too many wins this season but what they can watch is the emergence of Paolo Banchero. Taken first overall in the past draft, he is ready to lead this franchise. He is the best player from this draft class and will show the league this season. It’s all too easy and this time, I’m going with the consensus. Let’s not make this more difficult than it needs to be. Banchero will win this award if he’s healthy.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Honorary Mention: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
I’m all in on Tyrese Maxey this season. He showed a lot during the playoffs last season and is a nice compliment to James Harden and Joel Embiid. I think he is ready to take that next step and it will help lead to major success for the 76ers. He takes home this award and for good reason.
