The end of the NBA season is approaching quickly, and NBA junkies like myself would be kidding themselves if they didn’t try to look into a crystal ball to predict the end of the season awards. Here’s my best guess at who will claim the individual awards come season’s end.
Rookie of the Year- This year’s draft class has been far from stellar, though many solid pros did come out. It’s difficult to find a lock for rookie of the year this year as the bulk of the most statistically productive rookies are playing for teams that aren’t anywhere near playoff contention. That being said,long and lanky point guard Michael Carter-Williams has been a guy that quieted scouts and analysts that said he lacked the strength and shooting touch to be an impact player at the next level. Instead, MCW led all rookies in points, rebounds and assists– a feat shared only with Alvan Adams and the legendary Oscar Robertson. Though the Sixers had a woeful regular season, behind the leadership of Carter-Williams their rebuilding process figures to be less shaky.
6th Man of the Year- Many playoff-bound teams wouldn’t be in contention without bench production, perhaps none more so than the Chicago Bulls. Without Derrick Rose yet again for the bulk of this season, forward Taj Gibson has stepped up to fill the giant void Rose’s absence leaves, increasing his scoring average by nearly three points after Rose went down for the season. Gibson has vastly expanded his offensive arsenal in the post while maintaining his high energy on the glass and shot blocking presence that has become a staple of Chicago Bulls basketball. If Gibson doesn’t win the award, it will likely go to Thunder guard Reggie Jackson, who did a more-than-formidable job filling in for Russell Westbrook and has maintained his production as a bench spark plug.
Defensive Player of the Year- Deandre Jordan has been the defensive anchor for a Clippers team that is heavily populated with explosive offensive threats that don’t quite have the same skills on defense. And, his shot blocking and surprising amount of steals have propelled the Clips to the upper half of a very competitive Western Conference. The DPOY award is always tough to predict, especially this year, when Anthony Davis, Roy Hibbert and Joakim Noah are all worthy of the honor.
Most Improved- The Raptors have risen to relevance again, and it’s largely due to the stellar play of Kyle Lowry. Don’t get me wrong– he’s been a talented player in years past– but his biggest issue has been staying healthy. However, Lowry’s maintained his health for the bulk of this season shows an improvement in discipline and dedication to the court. He’s led a young and inexperienced Raptors squad to the top half of the East, and it’s hard to argue against him for this award. Equally as hard to argue against, however, is Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson, who has been a vital scorer and energetic defender for the second-seeded Pacers.
MVP- Kevin Durant’s famous for “coming in second” frequently, but this year I don’t think KD has to worry about coming in second for the MVP award. He’s carried the Thunder regardless of Russell Westbrook’s presence, and his ongoing streak of consecutive 25 point games and the Thunder’s second seed placing in the West make his value resplendent. If Durant is somehow snubbed for the award, it will likely go to either Chris Paul, who has had a phenomenal season for the Clippers, or king LeBron James– who’s unmatched physicality and skill set make it hard to ever argue against his unmatched value.
