NBA Predictions Part VIII

This years MVP is Stephen Curry. James Harden, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, even Marc Gasol all have had great years, but Curry is the one. He plays on the best team in the league and means so much to what they do on offense. His energy is infectious, and its big momentum changing plays from Curry that give the team an extra boost every night. He has also picked up his play on defense as players are shooting around 40% when being defended by him. Curry is what the traditional MVP is: he is the best player on the best team, he has great statistics, and that "it" factor. The plays he makes are unlike anyone in the league.

NBA Predictions Part VII

This years defensive player of the year is Draymond Green. The man has meant so much to Golden State and teams success, especially on the defensive end. Green starts at the power forward position for the Warriors and is able to guard almost anyone on the court. He is averaging eight rebounds and a little more than a block and a steal per game. His defensive rating is near 100, and doing all this for the best team in the league makes him a clear candidate. Players like Anthony Davis, Tim Duncan and Tony Allen should get consideration, but none play for the best team in the league, and none guard as many different positions as Green.

NBA Predictions Part VI

My sixth man of the year goes to Louis Williams out of Toronto. The Raptors are having a great season, and it would be a shame for the team to not get any recognition, not that its a requirement for good teams. I'm giving it to Williams over Jamal Crawford, simply because his team has been better. Toronto need some bench scoring this year and they got it with Williams. He's averaging 15 ppg off the bench, and gives them a big time clutch performer down the stretch of tight games. Of course, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are go to guys, but Louis Williams has always been clutch wherever he plays. Don't be surprised if he hits a big shot or two come playoff time.

NBA Predictions Part V

The NBA's coach of the year is Steve Kerr. In just his first season as an NBA head coach, Kerr has led his team to the best record in the league at 45-11. He has taken a team that already had the talent, and turned them into one of the best offenses and defenses in the league. The team is more exciting to watch than it had been in recent years, and much of that is due to Kerr's coaching style. He wants his team to push the pace and move the ball in order to get great shots, and so far this season that has worked out. He also took players who were already great, like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, and made them even better. Thompson is averaging career highs across the board, and Curry has gone from an exciting young player to an MVP candidate.

NBA Predictions Part IV

This years most improved player should be Jimmy Butler. It sure is tough this year with so many great players making such great strides in their respective games. Players like John Wall and Klay Thompson who were already established players have stepped up their games so much that they should too receive consideration. Butler's improvement has been so great, that he gets the nod for me. He went from a 13ppg 5rpg and 2apg guy, to a 20ppg 6rpg and 3apg guy in just one year. Not only are those numbers up but his shooting percentage has improved as well. Butler went from 40% from the field to 46%, and from 28% from three to now 35%. Butler also plays some of the most minutes in the league, and plays tenacious defense every night. His responsibility on offense is another reason he should get the award. Even before Derrick Rose went down with another knee injury, Butler had become a go to guy for Chicago. A player that they can rely on for big time plays in big time moments.

NBA Predictions Part III

I believe the rookie of the year will be Andrew Wiggins, and I do not think I am alone on this one. Wiggins was the number one overall pick of course, and was a part of the trade that brought Kevin Love to Cleveland shortly after. After getting off to a relatively pedestrian start, the young man has stepped up his game going for over 20 points on multiple occasions. Wiggins is averaging just under 16 points per game this season, shooting around 44% from the field and 35% from three.  For a rookie who was not thought to be a great shooter, 35% from three is pretty impressive. Just recently he went for a career high 30 points in a loss to Houston. The now Minnesota Timberwolves rising star is well on his way to becoming an all-star type player and maybe a future face of the league. His only real competition was Jabari Parker at the beginning of the season, but Parker's injury ruined any chance he had.

NBA Predictions Part II

Executive of the year I believe should be awarded to the Atlanta Hawks front office. I do not believe Danny Ferry should directly receive credit after the infamous email that leaked this past summer. However, the Atlanta Hawks have done an exceptional job putting together a team that holds the best record in the Eastern conference. Much of the team is the same as last year, but there were key acquisitions made to help boost the supporting cast. Players like Kent Bazemore, and the injured Thabo Sefolosha have been instrumental in creating the team atmosphere and chemistry. Credit is due for a team that was just an eight seed last year and considerably below .500.