NBA Awards Predictions 2015
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA season is almost over and the ballots are due in the next few days, and while I obviously don't have a vote, I still like to post my awards predictions. So read on, agree or disagree, and feel free to let me know if there's anything I missed or you think I got wrong!
MVP: James Harden - Houston Rockets
The debate has been going on for months whether the MVP would be either Harden or Steph Curry. I would be fine with either one winning, but if I could vote for this award I'd give it to Harden. Harden has played most of this season without their 2nd best player in Dwight Howard, the last month of the season without Patrick Beverley, he's going to win the scoring title, and could be the 2nd seed in the playoffs. You could make the argument that even without Steph Curry on the roster, the Warriors could still be a 50 win playoff team. I'll say right now that without James Harden, the Rockets would probably be a lottery team. Runner Up: Steph Curry - Golden State Warriors.
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Wiggins - Minnesota Timberwolves
This one is probably a no-brainer for me. Nikola Mirotic of the Bulls made a late push, but Wiggins has been consistent and has improved all year. I was on the record after the draft that Wiggins was going to be a star, and he'd be a better fit next to LeBron James than Kevin Love would. I thought his game was a better fit for the NBA than it was at Kansas. As good a coach as Bill Self is I thought his offense held Wiggins back, but that's a story for another day. You could also make somewhat of a case for Nerlens Noel, who has surprised me so far, but Wiggins has been the most consistent with his play all year. Runner Ups: Nikola Mirotic - Chicago Bulls, Nerlens Noel - Philadelphia 76ers.
Coach of the Year: Mike Budenholzer - Atlanta Hawks
Hawks I think have been without a doubt the biggest surprise this year. Before the season started I expected them to be a playoff team, but somewhere in the 6-8 range. Not once did I think that this Hawks team had the potential to get to 60 wins and have one of the best records in the league. All that is because of the coaching of Mike Budenholzer. The longtime lead assistant to Gregg Popovich, he's gotten this team to play together, always keep the ball moving, and playing great defense. The Hawks have slowly become the Spurs of the East and now they can contend for a title. Something the Hawks haven't been able to do so far in their Atlanta history. Runner Ups: Steve Kerr - Golden State Warriors, Jason Kidd - Milwaukee Bucks, Brad Stevens - Boston Celtics.
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams - Toronto Raptors
You can call me biased if you want to, I am a Raptors fan, but Lou should definitely win this award. I mean which other candidate has a rap song about them? All kidding aside, Lou has come off the bench averaging 15 points per game, has 11 games scoring 25+ points, and is one of the catalysts for one of the best offenses in the league. Runner Up: Isaiah Thomas - Boston Celtics
Most Improved: Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks
I could give this award to either Jimmy Butler, or a guy like Klay Thompson as well, but I think they've shown the flashes in years past that they were going to get to this level eventually, whereas Middleton just came out of nowhere this year. His improvement has been one of the main reasons the Bucks are a playoff team this year. He's top 10 in the league in real +/- and defensive rating, as well as improving his ppg, rpg, and apg, while playing nearly identical minutes compared to last year. Others I wouldn't mind seeing win this award are Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert. Runner Ups: Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls, Draymond Green - Golden State Warriors, Rudy Gobert - Utah Jazz, Hassan Whiteside - Miami Heat.
Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green - Golden State Warriors
You can't say enough good things about Green's play this year. Back at Michigan State you always knew he was solid, he was the heart and soul of the team, and could help will your teams to victory. Not only has that translated to the NBA, he's flourished in Kerr's system. He can guard 4 different positions, and can help start fast breaks with the best of them. Without his play on the defensive end, the Warriors are a different team. Will be nice to see this award go to a wing player this year. Runner Ups: DeAndre Jordan - Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs.
Executive of the Year: David Griffin - Cleveland Cavaliers
Probably the award with the least amount of debate. Cavs obviously won the off-season with the signing of LeBron James, but then during the year to trade for the wing defender they needed, Iman Shumpert, a scorer off the bench, JR Smith, and a rim protector, Timofey Mozgov. Brought them from being a talented team but a team with holes, to one of the more complete teams in the league and they now have the firepower to be a surefire title contender. Runner Up: Bob Myers - Golden State Warriors
All NBA First Team
G: Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
G: James Harden - Houston Rockets
F: LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
F: Anthony Davis - New Orleans Pelicans
C: Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs
All NBA Second Team
G: Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder
G: Chris Paul - Los Angeles Clippers
F: Paul Millsap - Atlanta Hawks
F: LaMarcus Aldridge - Portland Trailblazers
C: DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento Kings
All NBA Third Team
G: Kyrie Irving - Cleveland Cavaliers
G: Klay Thompson - Golden State Warriors
F: Blake Griffin - Los Angeles Clippers
F: Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs
C: Marc Gasol - Memphis Grizzlies
All Rookie First Team
Andrew Wiggins - Minnesota Timberwolves
Nikola Mirotic - Chicago Bulls
Nerlens Noel - Philadelphia 76ers
Elfrid Payton - Orlando Magic
Marcus Smart - Boston Celtics
All Rookie Second Team
KJ McDaniels - Houston Rockets
Zach Lavine - Minnesota Timberwolves
Nik Stauskas - Sacramento Kings
Aaron Gordon - Orlando Magic
Spencer Dinwiddie - Detroit Pistons
Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow me on twitter @thomas_mooney1, and also feel free to comment if there's anything you agree or disagree with!
