NFL
Our Team of NBA writers share their picks for all the major awards and who is making it to the playoffs. The NBA 2017-2018 season is on deck! Keep it locked all season as these guys will have the league covered from all angles. They believe BALL IS LIFE.
Jeffrey Newholm
MVP: James Harden
ROY: Lonzo Ball
DPOY: Kahwi Leonard
Coach of year: Tom Thibadeau
East:
1. Celtics
2. Cavilers
3. Raptors
4. Wizards
5. Heat
6.Bucks (P.S. looks like Bucks season will start a lot earlier around here…)
7. Hornets
8. 76ers
West
1. Warriors
2.Spurs
3, Thunder
4. Rockets
5. Clippers
6. Trailblazers
7. Timberwolves
8. Jazz
Julio Olmo
Coach The Year > Tom Thibodeau
If there’s any kind justice left in this world, Tom Thibodeau is going win NBA Coach Year.
Thibs got a raw deal out in Chicago but managed to land on his feet after the Bulls fired him.
Timberwolves are quietly assembling a solid team and the acquisition of Jimmy Butler is going to make a bigger impact that folks expect around NBA.
Truth be told, Butler was really bummed out at the treatment that he received in Chicago, but when got off the plane in Minnesota…Coach Thibs was waiting for him at the airport with a giant smile and gave him a Big Old Bear Hug.
The two of them got great history together. Thibodeau made Butler the player that he is today and Jimmy’s star is going to shine brighter than ever under Coach Thibodeau.
MVP > Paul George
The NBA’s MVP is LeBron James, so this yearly trophy is not for him.
It’s impossible to imagine James Harden or Russell Westbrook playing any better than last year, so that leaves a handful players left and…I like Paul George chances to win it, but!
That being said…sharing is caring!
This is wishful thinking. I can’t see Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook putting their egos aside and letting Paul George have this moment.
Rookie Year > Lonzo Ball
Like it or not, this award is Lonzo Ball’s to lose. Winning it is basically a certainty and I’m sure the built-in excuses for not winning it are ready and in place, in the event, they need it!
Defensive Player > Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard originally made his bones as a defensive stopper. He gave LeBron James fits and deservedly won an NBA Finals MVP because of it. Injuries as of late are a problem.
Gregg Popovich is trying to talk some sense into LaMarcus Aldridge, so he can stop being a distraction and help Kawhi Leonard.
*Comeback Player Year Derrick Rose*
NBA veterans do not sign up for the league’s minimum, unless!
a) they’re ring chasing or b) they’ve something to prove.
You can definitely throw Derrick Rose’s name in Category B.
Robert Botts
MVP: Kevin Durant
Rookie Of The Year: Jason Tatum
Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard
Top 8 from both conferences:
Western Conference: 1.Warriors 2.Spurs 3.OKC 4.Houston 5.Blazers 6.Grizzlies 7.Clippers 8.Sun
Eastern Conference: 1.Cavs 2.Celtics 3.Wizards 4.Raptors 5.Heat 6.Bucks 7.Bulls 8.Hornets
Eastern Conference: 1.Cavs 2.Celtics 3.Wizards 4.Raptors 5.Heat 6.Bucks 7.Bulls 8.Hornets
Taylor Summers
MVP: LeBron James
Rookie Of The Year: Lonzo Ball
Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard
Sixth Man of the Year: Andre Iguodala
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau
Executive of the Year: Sam Presti
Most Improved Player of the Year: Kristaps Porzingis
Western Conference Playoff Teams:
1. Golden State Warriors
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Houston Rockets
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. Portland Trailblazers
7. Memphis Grizzlies
8. New Orleans Pelicans
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Boston Celtics
3. Washington Wizards
4. Toronto Raptors
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Miami Heat
7. Charlotte Hornets
8. Philadelphia 76ers
Lucas Johnson
MVP: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi leads the less the talented Spurs to the 3rd seed in the Western Conference thru unbelievable defense and top-notch offense. Other favorites like Harden, Russ, and Steph lose voted due to the talent around them.
DPOY: Draymond Green
Draymond wins his second dpoy in a row after finishing 2nd twice in a row. His interior defense is just too much to deny.
6MOY: Andre Iguodala
In his 4th year in a row coming off the bench, Iguodala finally wins the 6th man award. His leadership, defense, and smart decisions on offense finally earn him the honor.
COY: Brad Stevens
After having been a top 3 coach in the league for several years Brad finally gets the nod thanks to a talent boost on his team.
MIP: Jaylen Brown
This is a year that Jaylen will erupt in. By moving him into a more important role this year Jaylen will show much more to the world after his strong playoff run as a rookie.
ROY: Ben Simmons
The long point forward will show everyone that the wait was worth it. His athleticism and size are incredible, but what sets him apart is his court vision. A lot has been said about the way Lonzo sees the court, but his vision pales in comparison to Ben’s.
East:
1. Celtics
2. Cavs
3. Raptor
4. Wizards
5. Heat
6. Bucks
7. 76ers
8. Hornets
West:
1. Warriors
2. Rockets
3. Spurs
4. Thunder
5. Clippers
6. Timberwolves
7. Jazz
8. Trail Blazers
Warriors over Cavs in finals
These are the fine writers to keep an eye on for all things NBA basketball
