As we near the end of the regular season, many reams are battling for a chance to play in the postseason. But before we enter playoff discussions and predictions, now is the time to evaluate who looks set to win the prestigious individual awards. So here it is, my NBA End of Season Awards Predictions.
Rookie of the Year: Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Honourable Mention: Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
If asked this a few months ago, Michael Carter-Williams would have been the answer without a second of hesitation. Now, however, it is a difficult choice between the 22-year-old point guard and the Magic’s 21-year-old shooting guard Victor Oladipo. Since the All-Star break, the Orlando Magic guard has recorded two double-doubles and impressively lowered his turnovers, a stat which he was struggling to control in his early months as an NBA player. Overall, though, Michael Carter-Williams gets the nod. He leads all rookies in Points, Assists and Steals and incredibly Rebounds as well. From that angle, MCW undeniably deserves this award. If Carter-Williams maintains his impressive numbers until the end, I see no reason for Oladipo to create the surprise by winning this award.
Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Honourable mention: Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Ginobili is the obvious winner of this award. It is hugely thanks to him that the Spurs are currently holding the best record in the NBA (46-16). San Antonio have suffered long term injuries from key players like Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter, but thanks to the energy and spark that Manu has provided from the bench Poppovich’s side has managed to remain one the best teams in the League. With only 23 minutes a game, the Argentine averages a solid 12.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists. But a great sixth man isn’t all about how well you can fill the box score despite not starting; it is also about lifting your team up when you step on the court, and injecting liveliness and rhythm. That is exactly what Manu Ginobili has achieved this year. The Spurs’ offensive rating jumps from 106.9 to 117.5 with Ginobli in the lineup, showing just how valuable this player is to his side.
Markieff Morris has also done this very well, whilst putting up good numbers (13.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists), and Phoenix owe him a lot of credit in their surprisingly good season. On the other hand, Manu has simply had the edge over all his opponents in the race to this award.
Coach of the Year: Jeff Hornacek, Phoenix Suns
Honorable Mention: Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Most analysts and fans assumed that the Suns would never be a contender for a playoff spot. In fact, most never really had an opinion on this side, because they were just an after-thought, one of those teams who occupies the bottom positions of a conference. Despite this, and the fact that they are in a very competitive and unforgiving Western Conference, Phoenix are currently eighth in the West, and a great part of this success has to be accredited to Jeff Hornaeck, their coach. On paper, he leads a team with a average roster, yet in practice he is turning them into a great side.
As for Coach Pop, his mention is very self explanatory, but it is needless to say that his task is half as complicated as Hornaeck’s. On the other hand, it would be nice for him to win an award so that we can see him smile, for once.
Defensive Player of the Year: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
Honorable Mention: Roy Hibbert, Indidana Pacers
Noah deserves this award more than Hibbert. Don’t get me wrong, Hibbert is a great defender and has a played a big part in Indiana’s great season. However, the Frenchman has a slight edge. Defense is all about grit determination, discipline and passion for stopping the other team from scoring. And if I had to describe Joakim Noah, those three terms would no doubt be included. Numbers or stats aren’t necessary for this award. Noah has stepped up when it matters most for his side. By that, I mean right now. A prime example is his play in the win against Miami, where he came up with critical blocks, and his hustle managed to make his dad cry live on National TV. He deserves this award more than anyone.
Most Improved Player: Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
Honorable Mention: Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers
I’ve talked about Phoenix’s success story enough. All that is needed is to say that Dragic has led his side with brilliant passing and efficient scoring (20.5 points and 6.2 assists, whilst shooting over 50% FG). Last year, I’m willing to bet half of NBA followers had never heard of this Point Guard, and now most will agree that he deserved an All-Star selection.
The other Point Guard who deserved to feature in the All Star Game is Lance Stephenson, but although his progress has been great he hasn’t had the consistency and leadership of Dragic in order to beat him to this award.
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Honorable Mention: LeBron James, Heat
Kevin Durant has been exceptional this year. At the start of the season it was hard to imagine that Lebron would not win this award, but now its an obvious choice. Crazy Scoring (31.8 points, 51% FG%) and great rebounding and passing (7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists). KD has just outclassed Lebron, who has struggled to challenge his rival, and has struggled to be as consistent. (For example, 1/21 FG from outside the paint in his last 3 games). While Lebron has been great this year, Durant has simply been better.
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