NBA Awards – Preseason Picks

Most Valuable Player

Our staff was split between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis winning this year’s MVP award. Antetokounmpo looks to have a great season under a new coach while Davis will have to have a monster season to get his team into the playoffs. Both will likely finish top-three in MVP voting this season.

Defensive Player of the Year

Our staff was split between Rudy Gobert and Anthony Davis winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. Both have been leading candidates for several years, with Gobert slightly edging out Davis this past season. Davis and Gobert anchor their team’s defenses very well. They both are likely to finish as top candidates again this season.

Rookie of the Year

Our staff picked Luka Doncic to win the Rookie of the Year award. Doncic has looked great in preseason, and has been touted by league owners as one of the best passers in the NBA already. Doncic will be able to run the show in Dallas, which is usually what you need to win this award.

Coach of the Year

Our staff picked Brad Stevens to win the Coach of the Year award this season. Stevens has been amazing for the Celtics in his time there, and likely would have won the award last season if Toronto didn’t surprise everyone and win 59 games. Stevens has a tough task in managing so many good players this year but he’s shown in the past what he can do so nobody should doubt him.

Most Improved Player

Our Staff picked Brandon Ingram to win the Most Improved Player award this year. Ingram has already looked much better throughout the preseason, including his jumper. Ingram’s shot struggled in past years but he looks ready to take a leap this season, especially with some of the offensive pressure coming off him with the addition of LeBron James to the Lakers’ lineup.