NBA fans, especially for Rip City, are all getting excited for the debut of their respective teams in games that actually count for something. I have already previewed the Blazers, but what of the rest of the league? I will reveal my picks for awards and accolades for the entire league:
MVP: LeBron James- has to be. He is so effective in so many ways, Durant will have to put up numbers beyond 30ppg and rebound at a high rate to take this away.
Keep an eye on: Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard
Defensive POY: Dwight Howard- Still the best defender in the game. His rate of blocked shots and rebounds should remain constant, as Gasol is not the strongest defender himself. Posts for opposing teams will hate shots at the rim because of Howard. Lakers will be a scary defensive team inside.
Keep an eye on: Anthony Davis, Tyson Chandler
Rookie of the Year: Anthony Davis- I want to pick Lillard VERY BADLY, but Davis is a future superstar, and I expect him to average a double double out of the gates. His defense should translate as well. He is a post game away from being elite.
Keep and eye on: Damian Lillard, Jonas Valanciunas
Most Improved Player: Goran Dragic- Back in Phoenix, Dragic should put up large numbers as a starting PG in the league. Last season in Houston, he was great as a starter, and I expect no dropoff from him this year. If miscast players like Michael Beasley, Luis Scola and Wes Johnson can regain their game, Dragic could average 8+ assists a game.
Keep an eye on: Kosta Koufos, Brandon Jennings
Sixth Man: Lou Williams- Atlanta has traded Joe Johnson, and the need for backcourt scoring has never been higher. Josh Smith and Al Horford are good on the inside, but Williams might be the only guard on the roster who can create their own shot. He was very efficient in Philly, and should see no regression this season.
Keep an eye on: Manu Ginobili, Jason Terry
Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks- Many people will point to the loss of Harden as a reason OKC will regress offensively. I expect little loss offensively, as Martin is very capable. Despite LA having a phenomenal offseason, OKC will still win the west.
Keep an eye on: George Karl, Scott Skiles.
Executive of the year: Mitch Kupchak- The Lakers offseason was fantastic, and as long as the new acquisitions translate to wins, Kupchak should win the award.
Keep an eye on: Sam Presti
Playoffs:
East:
rd. 1- MIA over MIL, BOS over BRO, PHI over IND, NY over CHI
rd. 2- MIA over NY, PHI over BOS
rd. 3- MIA over PHI
West:
rd. 1- OKC over GS, LAL over MIN, LAC over MEM, DEN over SA
rd. 2- OKC over DEN, LAC over LAL
rd. 3- OKC over LAC
NBA finals: OKC over MIA, in 6 games
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