With the NBA season officially tipping off on Tuesday, and after a busy off-season that saw the landscape of the league potentially shift, here’s a look at awards predictions for the 2016-17 season. Agree? Disagree? Have your say in the comments below.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
The favourite: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder. 28.1 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game. Those were Westbrook’s LeBron-like numbers in the 27 games he played while Durant was out of the Thunder lineup two years ago, and it’s about what you can expect from a motivated Westbrook this time around. If he can carry OKC back to the playoffs, he’ll be a near-lock.
My pick: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs. Can a player be considered top-5 in the league yet criminally underrated all at once? Leonard will establish himself as the NBA’s best two-way player this season and an all-encompassing leader for a Spurs team that will have no problem matching (…or at least nearing) their stunning 67-win season a year ago.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The favourite: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs. For all the talk about the Cavs and new-look Warriors heading into the season, the undeniable fact that we are entering the Year of Kawhi is being lost in the shuffle. His ability to guard literally all five spots on the floor and anchor one of the NBA’s elite defensive teams is what makes him a favourite.
My pick: Leonard. Duh.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The favourite: Kris Dunn, Minnesota Timberwolves. The only thing in Dunn’s way is Ricky Rubio, but the steal of the draft (even if he was selected 4th overall) projects to be everything you’d want from a lead guard in the NBA. Expect the starting gig to be Dunn’s by Christmas.
My pick: Joel “The Process” Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers. It’s been a long time coming, but he’s finally here. After missing two seasons to injury, his first action on an NBA court put any concerns to rest this pre-season. Embiid is a massive physical presence with great body control, raw strength, a soft touch around the rim and nice shooting stroke, and possess the unidentifiable “it” factor. Embiid is the real deal, a total game-changer at centre. If he stays healthy, he’ll be one of the league’s most valuable building blocks.
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
The favourite: Enes Kanter, Oklahoma City Thunder. The offensive focal point of the Thunder’s second unit, Kanter will be asked to fill a massive role getting buckets for OKC, and, historically, the highest-scorer off the bench has the best odds to take this award home.
My pick: Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies. In an attempt to create depth, the Grizzlies announced Randolph will likely come off the bench this season, which should stand to benefit both the team and player. He’ll get to rest a bit more, but will be able to have the same impact he did as a starter. Given his game has aged extremely well, Randolph will be as effective as always, the only difference is now he’ll stand out amid his new status as a reserve.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
The favourite: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers. The narrative is simple: Shackled by ex-coach Byron Scott, Russell will have a chance to flourish under new coach Luke Walton while running the point in Lakerland.
My pick: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns. A tough choice between him and Rockets centre Clint Capela (who’ll shine now that Dwight Howard is out of town), Booker is a future star in the making, if he doesn’t become one this year. He doesn’t turn 20 until next week, but the sophomore shooting guard with the killer shooting stroke and smooth handles has already been anointed the future in Phoenix and will be given every opportunity to prove why this season.
COACH OF THE YEAR
The favourite: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors. For an award often handed out to the coach of the best team in the league, Kerr would certainly be a safe pick to repeat. Golden State should have a legitimate shot at chasing their 73-win record established last season, and if the team can successfully work Kevin Durant into the fold— and quickly— Kerr will deserve all the accolades he receives.
My pick: Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves. Warning: I do not think the Timberwolves will make the playoffs this season. Many certainly do, but this is still a very young team with more or less the same roster that failed to win 30 games last season. That said, I believe they will make a substantial leap forward in 2016-17, in part as a result of the natural progression of players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine, and Andrew Wiggins, but also because of the presence of Thibodeau, who stands to help this ultra-talented core develop their identity.