With the NBA season being suspended indefinitely and with no sign of it returning anytime soon, it is very possible that we have seen the last of the NBA for the 2019-20 season. If that is the case, all of the award winners are pretty much set.
Here are my predictions for the winners of each of the regular season awards:
Coach of the Year
Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors
After the departure of Kawhi Leonard this offseason, no one expected the Raptors to do as well as they did. With a record of 46-18, the Raptors had the third-best record in the NBA and were the second seed in the Eastern Conference. It is safe to say that Nick Nurse’s Raptors exceeded many people’s expectations this year.
Most Improved Player
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
In his third NBA season, Jayson Tatum finally took that leap to becoming the player we all thought he could be when he was drafted with the third overall pick in 2017. Tatum increased his scoring average by eight points, averaging 23.6 points per game this year. During his last two months of play, Tatum looked like a superstar, putting his extreme offensive talents on display and seeming to be one of the most unstoppable players in the league.
Sixth Man of the Year
Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have the most talented second unit tandem in the NBA with Lou Williams and Harrell. With Williams winning back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards and three in the last five seasons, it is only right that Harrell takes home the trophy this year. Harrell was averaging an impressive 19 points and seven boards per game off the bench for the Clippers.
Rookie of the Year
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant had an exceptional rookie season. Averaging just under 18 points and seven assists per game, the former Murray State standout was on pace to lead the Grizzlies to a playoff berth in his first season. The Grizzlies seem to have a bright future with their talented young core that also includes Jaren Jackson Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Statistically, the Bucks have been the best defensive team since the 2007-08 Boston Celtics. That makes Giannis Antetokounmpo the best defensive player on one of the most dominant defensive teams of all-time. With his unique combination of size, length, athleticism, and speed, Giannis is able to guard almost every position on the floor. This makes him such a scary weapon on the defensive end.
Most Valuable Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
After winning the MVP last season, Giannis Antetokounmpo somehow managed to take his game up another notch this year. Antetokounmpo averaged nearly 30 points, 14 rebounds and six assists per game, all while leading the Bucks to the best record in the league. If Giannis were to win both the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP, he would become the third player in NBA history to win both awards in the same season. The other two to do it were Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
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