Eastern Conference Regular Season
01.Cleveland Cavaliers
02. Boston Celtics
03. Washington Wizards
04. Toronto Raptors
05. Miami Heat
06. Milwaukee Bucks
07. Charlotte Hornets
08. Detroit Pistons
09. Philadelphia 76ers
10. Indiana Pacers
11. Orlando Magic
12. Atlanta Hawks
13. New York Knicks
14. Brooklyn Nets
15. Chicago Bulls
Eastern Conference Playoffs
#1 Cavs beat #8 Pistons
#2 Celtics beat #7 Hornets
#3 Wizards beat #6 Bucks
#5 Heat beat #4 Raptors
#3 Wizards beat #2 Celtics
#1 Cavs beat #5 Heat
#1 Cavs beat #3 Wizards
Western Conference Regular Season
01. Golden State Warriors
02. Houston Rockets
03. Oklahoma City Thunder
04. San Antonio Spurs
05. Minnesota Timberwolves
06. Los Angeles Clippers
07. Denver Nuggets
08. Utah Jazz
09. Portland Trail Blazers
10. New Orleans Pelicans
11. Memphis Grizzlies
12. Dallas Mavericks
13. Los Angeles Lakers
14. Sacramento Kings
15. Phoenix Suns
Western Conference Playoffs
#1 Warriors beat #8 Jazz
#2 Rockets beat #7 Nuggets
#3 Thunder beat #6 Clippers
#5 Timberwolves beat #4 Spurs
#1 Warriors beat #5 Timberwolves
#3 Thunder beat #2 Rockets
#1 Warriors beat #3 Thunder
NBA Finals
Warriors beat Cavaliers
NBA Awards
MVP: Steph Curry, Golden State
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, C Utah
Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, PF Philadelphia
Sixth Man of the Year: Andre Igoudala
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota
Most Improved Player: Rodney Hood, SG Utah
East All-Stars
G: John Wall, Washington
G: Kyrie Irving, Boston
F: LeBron James, Cleveland
F: Gordon Heyward, Boston
F: Giannis Antetekoumpo, Milwaukee
Bench 1: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia
Bench 2: Kyle Lowry, Toronto
Bench 3: DeMar DeRozan, Toronto
Bench 4: Kemba Walker, Charlotte
Bench 5: Kevin Love, Cleveland
Bench 6: Myles Turner, Indiana
Bench 7: Bradley Beal, Washington
West All-Stars
G: Steph Curry, Golden State
G: James Harden, Houston
F: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
F: Kawhi Leornard, San Antonio
F: Anthony Davis, New Orleans
Bench 1: Paul George, Oklahoma City
Bench 2: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Bench 3: Chris Paul, Houston
Bench 4: Jimmy Butler, Minnesota
Bench 5: Draymond Green, Golden State
Bench 6: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles
Bench 7: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota
All-NBA First Team
G: James Harden, Houston
G: Steph Curry, Golden State
F: LeBron James, Cleveland
F: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
C: Rudy Gobert, Utah
All-NBA Second Team
G: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
G: Chris Paul, Houston
F: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
F: Giannis Antetekoumpo, Milwaukee
C: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota
All-NBA Third Team
G: John Wall, Washington
G: Jimmy Butler, Minnesota
F: Anthony Davis, New Orleans
F: Draymond Green, Golden State
C: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia
All-Defensive First Team
G: Patrick Beverly, Los Angeles
G: Jimmy Butler, Minnesota
F: Draymond Green, Golden State
F: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
C: Rudy Gobert, Utah
All-Defensive Second Team
G: Danny Green, San Antonio
G: Chris Paul, Houston
F: Paul George, Oklahoma City
F: Derrick Favors, Utah
C: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia
All-Rookie First Team
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia
Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles
Dennis Smith Jr, Dallas
Josh Jackson, Phoenix
Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia
All-Rookie Second Team
Jonathan Isaac, Orlando
Lauri Markkanen, Chicago
Donovan Mitchell, Utah
De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento
Jayson Tatum, Boston
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Showing posts with label Kevin Durant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Durant. Show all posts
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
2015-16 NBA Season Preview: Individual Awards
Predicting awards is a futile effort at best, injuries and uncontrollable circumstances change too much in-season, but it is a fun exercise that can give a decent watchlist of individual players and coaches for the season to come.
Basically, this award could go to a coach that wins a lot of games (Steve Kerr, Billy Donovan, David Blatt, Gregg Popovich) or one that makes a big leap in wins from last year, like Stan Van Gundy might in Detroit. Stan Van is a really good coach and appears to have the type of team he wants this season. The Pistons are a hard team to peg, they could be a playoff team or bottom out, a bet on Stan Van for coach of the year is a bet for the former.
This is a pretty easy, logical choice. Okafor is going to be the centerpiece of Philadelphia's offense and play all the minutes he can handle. This will mean lots of points and rebounds, which means rookie of the year votes. Emmanuel Mudiay, Karl-Anthony Towns, or Stanley Johnson might have better overall seasons, factoring both role and defense, but Okafor should be a low-post force on an East coast team that many voters will see, and sadly that matters. One possible sleeper: if injuries ravage Chicago's frontcourt, or they decide to trade one of their bigs, Bobby Portis could put up big numbers, given the minutes
Most Improved Player: Brad Beal, SG Wizards
While this award generally goes to a player coming into a larger role, Beal is now going to be playing in a more wide-open system with more 3-point shooting and space for driving, which happens to suit Beal's game perfectly. Beal could average 18-20 points a game making 2.5+ threes a game. Reggie Jackson is another strong choice after he put up big numbers once traded he was traded to the Pistons last season. A full season running the show in Phoenix could lead to a breakout performance for Eric Bledsoe. Damien Lillard could see his shots go way up an average 27-30 points a game as the only returning starter in Portland.
Sixth Man of the Year: Isaiah Thomas, PG Celtics
This season marks a little bit of a passing of the torch for sixth men in the NBA, with Jamal Crawford aging and losing his role, while incumbent Lou Williams is now on a team that looks to be pretty bad. That leaves Isaiah Thomas as the clear front-runner for an award that usually goes to the shot-happy, defense-averse combo guard that averages the most points per game. A couple of big men could also be contenders for the award: Enes Kanter could put up big points and redound totals for Oklahoma City if he comes off the bench, while Houston's Donates Motiejunas will bring a different package of skills than presumed starters Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones.
Rookie of the Year: Jahlil Okafor, C Sixers
This is a pretty easy, logical choice. Okafor is going to be the centerpiece of Philadelphia's offense and play all the minutes he can handle. This will mean lots of points and rebounds, which means rookie of the year votes. Emmanuel Mudiay, Karl-Anthony Towns, or Stanley Johnson might have better overall seasons, factoring both role and defense, but Okafor should be a low-post force on an East coast team that many voters will see, and sadly that matters. One possible sleeper: if injuries ravage Chicago's frontcourt, or they decide to trade one of their bigs, Bobby Portis could put up big numbers, given the minutes
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, C, Jazz
As good as Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Tim Duncan, DeAndre Jordanand others were last year, a full season of Rudy Gobert would easily have been the defensive player of the year. Provided Gobert provides a repeat performance, the award is his to lose. The usual suspects will still be in the mix, but Gobert is the favorite by quite a margin.
Most Valuable Player: James Harden, SG, Rockets
Harden was close to winning MVP last year and should be even better, more efficient this season with Ty Lawson on board and a healthier season from the rest of the Rockets supporting cast. Steph Curry should be amazing once again, but voter fatigue is a really thing and some of the novelty of Curry's style of play may have worn of for some. Anthony Davis will probably still be the best player in the NBA (at least statistically if not otherwise) but the Pelicana will probably push for the seventh seed in the west at best. Both Kevin Durant and LeBron James obviously have the ability to win the award, but they are likely to be rested enough games to take them out of the running for serious consideration.
All-NBA First Team
G: Steph Curry, Warriors
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: Lebron James, Cavaliers
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
C: Anthony Davis, Pelicans
Cheating a bit putting Davis at center, but can anyone deny these are the 5 best players in the NBA?
All-NBA Second Team
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: Russell Westbrook
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Blake Griffin, Clippers
C: Mark Gasol, Grizzlies
Wall is the only newish name here, but he was all-NBA caliber last season and should be only better this year, possibly MVP-quality in the Wizards new-look offense. Gasol/Cousins and Paul/Westbrook are a bit of a toss-up.
All-NBA Third Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Goran Dragic, Heat
F: Chris Bosh, Heat
F: Paul George, Pacers
C: DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
Damian Lillard might lead the NBA in scoring, but Portland could be pretty bad. Dragic was All-NBA two years ago when he was allowed to run the show, but he needs to be stay mostly healthy. Sleeper: Gordon Heyward.
First Team All-Defense
G: Mike Conley, Grizzlies
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Draymond Green, Warriors
C: Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Second Team All-Defense
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: Jimmy Butler, Bulls
F: DeMarre Carroll, Raptors
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-Rookie First Team
G: Emmanuel Mudiay, Nuggets
G: Mario Hezonja, Magic
F: Stanley Johnson, Detroit
F: Karl-Anthony Towns
C: Jahlil Okafor, Sixers
All-Rookie Second Team
G: Raul Neto, Jazz
G: D'Angelo Russell, Lakers
F: Bobby Portis, Bulls
F: Nemanja Bjelica, Timberwolves
C: Myles Turner, Pacers
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Preseason Award Predictions
It is a common opinion that Erik Spoelstra is an average (or worse) coach that the Big 3 made look good. However, in some ways it was the opposite, Spoelstra built an offense around their unique skills: a big who shoots, a guard who doesn't, and the worlds biggest point guard. He also organized a tremendous, swarming defense that was the backbone of 4 straight Finals teams. With LeBron gone and Wade hobbled, this will be the year that both Spoelstra and Chris Bosh get the credit they are due, possibly leading the Heat to 50 wins and a 3-seed. Obviously Gregg Popovich could easily win it again, as could newcomer David Blatt, or any number of coaches that exceed expectations. For example, if Frank Vogel gets the disasterous Pacers back the playoffs, he would have to get a lot of considerations.
Executive of the Year: LeBron James David Griffin, Cleveland Cavaliers
Most Improved Player: Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
Sixth Man of the Year: Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
Rookie of the Year: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
Most Valueable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
They can't give him the award, can they?
This award usually goes to players in their third or fourth season who have a big jump in minutes, however their aren't a ton of candidates that meet that criteria, so instead the favorites may be players fully integrating into a system or that add something to their game that takes it to the next level. Jeff Teague was great last year in Mike Budenholzer's offense, and should only improve with experience. Also, the return of Al Horford and the arrival of rookie Adeian Payne is sure to raise his assist totals and take the focal point of defenses off of him. Speaking of assists, another possibility to win the award is Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, who actually improved as a shooter last year, and surely can't be a dreadful of a finisher as he has in the past. (right?) The super-athletes he will play with this year (Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Thad Young) will lend to an uptempo style and a ton of assists (he should lead the league in this category, or be close) and even if he just shoots 40-42% and finishes better, it will be a huge improvement. Some advanced stats love Rubio (10.76 RPM) while others aren't as high (+2.6 Simple rating, 15.35 PER). Rubio is hurt by the fact that Minnesota likely isn't going to win a ton of games this year and won't get a ton of national attention as a result. While I hate to be a sucker for pre-season storylines, if Michael Kidd-Gilchirst really has developed a decent jumpshot, it could be the piece that brings all the other great things he does together into a premier package.
The usual suspects like Jamal Crawford and Manu Ginobili will be in the running, but this may finally be the year that Taj Gibson, who unlike most Sixth Man winners also adds tremendous value defensively, will finally get some recognition. Pau Gasol may have replaced Carlos Boozer, but I would be surprised if Gibson wasn't still finishing games at power forward like he was last year. A sleeper would be Dion Waiters, if he is used off the bench, because he has talent because LeBron (and winning) tends to bring the most out of players, despite their flaws. If he is fully healthy Ryan Anderson is another under-the-radar option because he is so efficient and should get plenty of playing time. If Utah wasn't going to be terrible, Alec Burks would be another strong candidate.
Rookie of the Year doesn't usually go to the best rookie, it goes to the one given the best oppurtunity to put up stats. Role is most important in this race. Jabari Parker will be the focal point of Milwaukee's offense right away and has the talent to excell in that position, scoring a lot of points with good percentages and grabbing a lot of rebounds. Nerlens Noel, Andrew Wiggins, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart will all get plenty of playing time, and could win the award if they adjust quickly to the NBA game. Dante Exum has a bright future but probably isn't ready to be a star right away while Julius Randle, Nikola Mirotic, and Doug McDermott have the ability to put up big numbers, but likely won't get the playing time. This is a tremendous crop of rookies and all will be worth watching closely this season, even though who just have limited roles right now.
This award almost always goes to a big man, though wing defenders like Andre Igoudala and Tony Allen are deserving of recognition, a rim protecting center is usually the favorite. Serge Ibaka transformed himself an average or worse defensive player who blocked a lot of shots to an elite defensive player who still blocks a lot of shots. Joakim Noah, Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert, and Dwight Howard also have a chance, as do young players like Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond. Of course, if LeBron James is able to focus more on the defensive end this season, he certainly has the chaps to win the award, but I doubt it ever happens.
Kevin Durant deservedly won the award last season, but I am not sure he'll be able to top that performance, which may be what it takes to beat out LeBron for the award, who will still score 25-30 points a game with awesome percentages as well having his rebounds and assists up playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and in the Eastern Conference. It will also be interesting to see if he takes on a bigger role defensively now that some of the offensive pressure if off his back. LeBron is far from a lock and I could see Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh, Steph Curry, Derrick Rose, or even an epic season from Dirk Nowizki winning the award. Chris Paul will get a lot of love, but he has been the same (albeit awesome) guy the last couple of years and not come close to winning the award.
All-NBA First Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Steph Curry, Warriors
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
F: LeBron James, Cavaliers
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-NBA Second Team
G: Tony Parker, Spurs
G: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
F: Blake Griffin, Clippers
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Chris Bosh, Heat
All-NBA Third Team
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
F: Kevin Love, Cavaliers
C: Joakim Noah, Chicago
All-Defensive First Team
G: Mike Conley Jr, Grizzlies
G: Andre Igoudala, Warriors
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-Defensive Second Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F; LeBron James, Cavaliers
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
All-Rookie First Team
G: Elfrid Payton, Magic
G: Marcus Smart, Celtics
F: Andrew Wiggins, Timberwolves
F: Jabari Parker, Bucks
C: Nerlens Noel, Sixers
All-Rookie Second Team
G: Dante Exum, Jazz
G: Nik Stauskas, Kings,
F: Doug McDermott, Bulls
F: Julius Randle, Lakers
C: Noah Vonleh, Hornets
What do you think? Who will take away the big awards this season?
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
All-NBA First Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Steph Curry, Warriors
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
F: LeBron James, Cavaliers
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-NBA Second Team
G: Tony Parker, Spurs
G: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
F: Blake Griffin, Clippers
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Chris Bosh, Heat
All-NBA Third Team
G: John Wall, Wizards
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
F: Kevin Love, Cavaliers
C: Joakim Noah, Chicago
All-Defensive First Team
G: Mike Conley Jr, Grizzlies
G: Andre Igoudala, Warriors
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
F: Serge Ibaka, Thunder
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
All-Defensive Second Team
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F; LeBron James, Cavaliers
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
All-Rookie First Team
G: Elfrid Payton, Magic
G: Marcus Smart, Celtics
F: Andrew Wiggins, Timberwolves
F: Jabari Parker, Bucks
C: Nerlens Noel, Sixers
All-Rookie Second Team
G: Dante Exum, Jazz
G: Nik Stauskas, Kings,
F: Doug McDermott, Bulls
F: Julius Randle, Lakers
C: Noah Vonleh, Hornets
What do you think? Who will take away the big awards this season?
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Hot and Slow Starts
Three teams that are expected to compete for a title got off to slow starts in their first game, with the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers all lost their opening games. However, there isn't any reason for these teams to panic, as each one is incorporating new elements into their rotations. The Nets have five new rotation players while the Bulls and Clippers have three a piece, plus Brooklyn and L.A. have new coaches. Chicago struggled during the second quarter in which they were out scored by the Heat by 19, in large part because Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng got in foul trouble and new Bulls Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell weren't quite on point with their rotations, particularly to the corners. Also Derrick Rose was clearly a little rusty, neither of these issues should last. The Nets on the other hand were tentative offensively, still figuring out how to play together together on that end. The absence of key reserve Andrei Kirilenko didn't help either. For the Clippers, there are signs that are a little more concerning but not dire, they were killed on the boards, including 18 offensive rebounds, and looked lackadaisical at times on both ends. Also, they were beaten by a Lakers team that was lost to Golden State by 31 the next night. However, I would be very surprised if they don't make a move for a big before the playoffs (Emeka Okafor when healthy?) and Doc Rivers should be able to instill some discipline in his young team. Bottom line is these are all very good teams and I see no reason why they shouldn't end up in the top 4 seeds in their respective conferences.
It was great to see the Kings still in Sacramento, with rowdy fans showing up en-masse to support their team on their way to an opening night win, thanks in large part to DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins registered 30 points (13-26 from the field, 4-7 from the line) 14 rebounds, a pair of steals and blocks, and an assist. Cousins has put up big numbers before, but he has rarely looked this good, showing off the whole repertoire on the block with hooks, drives, turnaround bank-shots, and one thunderous throwdown off his own miss. More importantly, he cut out bad jump shots, only shooting when he was wide open, and going 2-of-4 in that case. Perhaps most impressively, he played 39 minutes and still (mostly) brought effort on both ends. Cousins is supremely talented and if he can continue to play this way, Sacramento will be going in the right direction. I think it really helps having Greivis Vasquez playing alongside him. Vasquez played great and fit really well on the team, especially playing alongside Isaiah Thomas, the two combined for 33 points (on 11-18 from the field, 7-9 from the line, 4-6 from deep), and 9 assists to 4 turnovers, but most importantly they played good team basketball. Unfortunately, Marcus Thornton still had the blinders on and jacked up terrible shots, which was the norm in Sacramento in previous seasons, but really stood out against when, at least for one night, the Kings looked like a different team. Also, while he struggled offensively, I liked the way the Ben McLemore competed on the defensive end, which was an issue for him at Kansas. Once he is able to get going on offense, I would expect McLemore to move into the starting lineup with Thornton in a more logical bench role.
Michael Carter-Williams had a tremendous debut in the 76ers victory over the Heat, scoring 22 points (6-10 FG, 4-6 three point, 6-8 FT) with 7 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 turnover, and 9 steals. The boards, assists, and steals shouldn't be too big of a surprise (though nine is a lot, obviously), at 6-6 he can really see the floor and make things happen on defense. However, the offense and lack of turnovers are huge, if he can keep protecting the ball and continue to score somewhat efficiently, the future is very bright, because the rest of his game is there.
The Detroit Pistons are going to make things very difficult for teams in the paint when they play Andre Drummond, Josh Smith, and Greg Monroe together. If they can keep a consistent offense and not foul too much, their defense could be really disruptive.
Like the Bulls, Nets, and Clippers, the Pelicans are incorporating a lot of new pieces and while the talent and potential is evident, they need to work on their consistency and figure out how the 3 guard lineups are going to be working together.
The Pacers, who beat New Orleans, who got big bench contributions in their first game, only mustered 10 points of the pine in this game, which will be something to monitor throughout the season, because the bench will be crucial for them in the playoffs after killing them last year. If Danny Granger returns to form, moving Lance Stephenson to the bench should help a lot.
The Thunder scored 101 points, but they only had 9 assists, including only one by Kevin Durant, who was really passing well in the pre-season. This offense is really going to struggle if they don't move the ball more. Russell Westbrook's return will help this immensely, but he is still out for a couple weeks. I would like to see Durant create a little more for his teammates, because without Westbrook they are really lacking ball movers. Note: shooting 33 free throws doesn't help assist totals, but the point still remains.
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Follow me on Twitter @double_tech
Sunday, October 27, 2013
NBA Award Predictions + All-NBA, Defense, Rookie Team
Coach of the Year: Mark Jackson, Golden State Warriors
This award generally goes to the coach of a team that has a big jump in wins, or battles injuries, both of which are a possibility for the Warriors this season. Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry could miss games, yet the addition of Andre Igoudala and some steps forward by Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes could lead to 50-plus wins (they won 47 last season). Mark Jackson did what seemed impossible a couple of years ago and turned Golden State into an above average defensive and rebounding team, and they could be even better this year. Kevin McHale, Rick Carlisle, and Frank Vogel are other possibilities, though this award is hard to predict.
First Team All-Rookie
G: Victor Oladipo, Magic
G: Ben McLemore, Kings
G: Michael Carter-Williams, Sixers
F: Anthony Bennett, Cleveland
C: Cody Zeller, Bobcats
Second Team All-Rookie
G: Dennis Schroder, Atlanta
G: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Pistons
F: Otto Porter, Wizards
F: Kelly Olynyk, Celtics
C: Steven Adams, Thunder
First Team All-Defense
G: Mike Conely Jr, Grizzlies
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F: LeBron James, Heat
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Dwight Howard, Rockets
Second Team All-Defense
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Eric Bledsoe, Suns
F: Paul George, Pacers
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
This award generally goes to the coach of a team that has a big jump in wins, or battles injuries, both of which are a possibility for the Warriors this season. Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry could miss games, yet the addition of Andre Igoudala and some steps forward by Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes could lead to 50-plus wins (they won 47 last season). Mark Jackson did what seemed impossible a couple of years ago and turned Golden State into an above average defensive and rebounding team, and they could be even better this year. Kevin McHale, Rick Carlisle, and Frank Vogel are other possibilities, though this award is hard to predict.
Most Improved Player: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
The last five players to win this award all won it in their third or fourth season, and all but Danny Granger had a big jump in minutes as well. Using that criteria, there are several candidates such as a pair of Jazz players in Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors, as well as Suns guard Eric Bledsoe. Kanter has a chance to step into Al Jefferson's role and put up big numbers, while Favors could lead the league in rebounding, and Bledsoe is a stat-sheet stuffer and highlight factory. Still, I think Butler is the choice. Not only will he get a boast in minutes, up from 26 into the 30s, but he should provide an overall game of offense and defense. Perhaps most importantly he will be a key player on a very good team with national exposure.
Sixth Man of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko, Brooklyn Nets
This award frequently goes to high scoring guards, but I think Andrei Kirilenko will break that trend this season because of just how crucial he will be to Brooklyn during the regular season. As the Nets try to spare Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for the playoffs, Kirilenko will play a ton of minutes at both spots and fill up the box score while also being the teams wing stopper. Reggie Jackson, Jamal Crawford, Lance Stephenson, Harrison Barnes, and Manu Ginobili will be the primary scorers off the bench for good teams and in the running for this award.
Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
This is a wide open race for Rookie of the Year as there are no sure-fire performers in big roles this season. Victor Oladipo is the favorite because of his ability to make so many impact plays and put up points, rebounds, assists, steals, and even blocks. He is far from a lock though because he isn't a starter and any number of other rookies could be in the running for this award, it is just a matter of who is able to take ahold of a role and run with it.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
The winner of this award is almost always a big man and a key part of a top defense, which is why despite his potential merit I am not sure Dwight Howard will win this award, the Rockets defense just won't be good enough for voters to consider him. That said, when healthy he is the best defensive player in the league and should win this award every year. The usual suspects of Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, Tony Allen, LeBron James, Joakim Noah, and Roy Hibbert are also potential condidares for the award.
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
LeBron will likely be most deserving of this, but voter fatigue is a real thing and Durant is getting better every season. He has become a much improved playmaker, and should have a boost in scoring average as well with Russell Westbrook out to start the season. Derrick Rose is another possibility, as is James Harden and Chris Paul, but most likely this will come down to Durant vs. LeBron.
First Team All-NBA
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: James Harden, Rockets
F: LeBron James, Heat
F: Kevin Durant, Thunder
C: Dwight Howard, Rockets
Second Team All-NBA
G: Derrick Rose, Bulls
G: Tony Parker, Spurs
F: Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
F: Kevin Love, Timberwolves
C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
Third Team All-NBA
G: Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
G: Dwyane Wade, Heat
F: Paul George, Pacers
F: Anthony Davis, Pelicans
C: Al Horford, Hawks
First Team All-Rookie
G: Victor Oladipo, Magic
G: Ben McLemore, Kings
G: Michael Carter-Williams, Sixers
F: Anthony Bennett, Cleveland
C: Cody Zeller, Bobcats
Second Team All-Rookie
G: Dennis Schroder, Atlanta
G: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Pistons
F: Otto Porter, Wizards
F: Kelly Olynyk, Celtics
C: Steven Adams, Thunder
First Team All-Defense
G: Mike Conely Jr, Grizzlies
G: Tony Allen, Grizzlies
F: LeBron James, Heat
F: Tim Duncan, Spurs
C: Dwight Howard, Rockets
Second Team All-Defense
G: Chris Paul, Clippers
G: Eric Bledsoe, Suns
F: Paul George, Pacers
F: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
C: Joakim Noah, Bulls
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)