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The season is almost halfway done, and here are my predictions for the NBA awards that will be handed at the end of the season?
Most Valuable Player
Who will win? Kevin Durant
Why? Kevin Durant has been sensational this year, and I believe he will win the first MVP of his career. He leads the league in points with 31.6 points a game. He is the reason for Oklahoma leading the Western Conference. He has definitely been the best player in the NBA so far.
Other players who could win:
This year it has been an MVP race between King James and Durant. Although in my opinion Durant has pulled ahead, LeBron James is having a great year as well.
Rookie of the Year
Who will win? Michael Carter Williams
Why? Michael Carter Williams is going to run away with this one; he has pulled ahead since scoring a triple double in his first NBA game. The kid has been amazing despite playing for the 76ers; he is a rare 6 foot 6 true point guard. This year he’s averaging 17 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds a game.
Other players who could win:
I can’t see anyone else winning the award this year.
Sixth Man of the Year
Who will win? Jamal Crawford
Why? Jamal Crawford has been great this year, providing good secondary scoring for the Clippers. This year he’s averaging 19 points a game, which is really good. Crawford is my pick to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Other players who could win:
Nick Young
This year Nick Young has been great; he really stepped up when Kobe got injured. He’s averaging 16 points a game, but sadly for him it’s unlikely he will win this award. Still, that doesn’t override the fact that he’s having a great year.
Most Improved Player
Who will win? Eric Bledsoe
Why? Eric Bledsoe has been spectacular for Phoenix; he’s definitely a key reason why the Suns are the Playoff hunt. He has undoubtedly improved his game exponentially – he was averaging 8 points a game last year, but this year that figure has jumped to 18 points a game. This is mostly because LA saw what he could do when he took the starting job when Chris Paul got injured, so they traded him so that he could be a starter for another team, and that has worked well for him and for Phoenix.
Other players who could win:
Kyle Lowry
He should have been an All Star this year; he’s averaging close to 17 points and 7 assists a game. He has definitely improved since last year, and he has a good player efficiency rating of 20.25.
Defensive Player of the Year
Who will win? Roy Hibbert
Why? Roy Hibbert plays excellent defence against anyone he’s matched up with. He has now proven he’s one of the best centres in the game, and Indiana really needs him to be at his best in order for them to do well in the Playoffs.
Other players who could win:
LeBron James
King James is the second favourite to win two awards. He has always been known for his amazing all-round game. He can score, shoot, pass and he also plays great defence. He has many highlights-reel blocks in almost every game, so it isn’t that surprising for him to be a nominee for this award. He could win it.
Coach of the Year
Who will win? Gregg Popovich
Why? Greg Popovich will go down as one of the greatest coaches of all time, perhaps even the greatest. Every year we see the Spurs near the top of the Western Conference, and that is not just because of their players but also because of their coach. Gregg has already won Coach of the Year twice, and has won the NBA championship four times.
Other players who could win:
Frank Vogel
Frank Vogel has been doing everything right for Indiana; they are number one in their conference, and everything is clicking for the them. Some people may argue that it’s not because of Frank that the Pacers are winning but because of their players. Yes that’s partly true, but Frank Vogel is still an excellent coach and he can really take Indiana far.
