Predicting the End of the Year NBA Awards
With All-Star Weekend in the books, the next big thing is the NBA Awards. Everyone is dying to know who will get the MVP, MIP, and all the others. This article will have my predictions for the NBA Season’s awards.
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James
LeBron is the best candidate for this. Giannis is a close second, but the difference is that LeBron makes the entire team better with his incredible passing vision.
LeBron has been averaging 25.0 points on 48.9% shooting and 34.5% from deep. His offense has been down a bit because he has to share the ball with fellow All-Star, Anthony Davis. To make up for his minor dip in scoring, his playmaking is the best it has ever been. He is averaging 10.8 assists per game with only 4.0 turnovers. He has truly embraced the Magic Johnson style of play. His defense has also gotten better as he is finally putting in the effort on that side of the ball.
Most Improved Player: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram is now the second player to be drafted second overall by the Lakers and become an All-Star after leaving. D’Angelo Russell became an All-Star last year and now it’s Ingram’s turn to be that player. Players like Devonte Graham and Pascal Siakam also are in the conversation, but Ingram is the most deserving.
Ingram’s stats improved almost all across the board. His point increased by 6.6 points. His rebounds increased by 1.3 rebounds, and his assists improved by 1.2. He also showed everyone that he can hit the deep ball, shooting 40% on 6.3 attempts. Ingram is going to be a great superstar next to Zion and the two of them are going to wreak havoc on the league in a few years.
Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant
This was an easy choice. The only other player anyone could think of is Zion, but he missed too much of the season to earn the award.
Morant came into the NBA with very high expectations, and he surpassed all of them. He looks like a young Derrick Rose with his athleticism and drives to the basket. Morant is averaging 17.6 points on 49.3% shooting and 35.8% from deep. He has been incredible for Memphis and gives Memphis fans real hope for a legit future. He also averages 7.1 assists, showing his incredible ability as both a scorer and a playmaker.
Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis
Davis is an incredible defender. Other players such as Giannis or Andre Roberson also make cases for the award, but Anthony Davis triumphs.
Davis is a nightmare for opposing Power Forwards and his stats show it. He averages 2.4 blocks and 1.6 assists. Davis is arguably the best paint defender in the league and his perimeter defense isn’t half bad either. Combining him with Dwight Howard/Javale Mcgee makes it damn near impossible to score in the paint.
Sixth Man of the Year: Montrezl Harrell
Harrell has been essential for the Clippers this season. Many may argue that it should be Lou Williams, but Harrell has been more consistent this season.
Harrell, in just 28.4 minutes, has been averaging 18.8 points on 57.6% shooting. He is, without a doubt, the best bench player in the league. He has also been averaging 7.1 rebounds per game. He is also a defensive beast, the 6’7 Center dominated opposing Centers and averages 1.1 blocks per game. His stats don’t show his incredible defense as he holds down the fort against both starting, and backup big men.
What do you think the awards will be? These are the best players for each of the awards. Many of the awards are neck-and-neck with many players being able to earn each of these awards. We’ll have to wait a long time to find out.
