NBA: Too Early Award Predictions

Photo Credit: J Pat Carter - Associated Press

Photo Credit: J Pat Carter – Associated Press

Just a month in to the young, already exciting NBA season, there are already players setting themselves apart from their fellow competitors. At the end of the year four players, one coach, and one executive will be taking home a celebrated award. Here are my predictions of who those guys will be:
MVP Award – Anthony Davis – Power Forward – New Orleans Pelicans
The basketball that this kid has been playing has been simply astounding. Playing like this for the rest of the season would make him the unanimous Most Valuable Player. But, Davis has a history of getting little nagging injuries. So, if he can stay healthy and the Pelicans can step it up and make the playoffs this spring, then the MVP trophy will be sported by Davis.

Rookie of the Year – Jabari Parker – Small Forward – Milwaukee Bucks
The race for the top rookie is going to be a good one. Parker and Angrew Wiggins are both living up to expectations, which are sky high. But, I believe Jabari is the better of the two right now. He has started to hit his stride and is looking like a young Paul Pierce, which is a very good thing for the young Buck.

Sixth Man of the Year – Isaiah Thomas – Point Guard – Phoenix Suns
Even though I am not of fan of Thomas signing with the point guard-loaded Suns over the summer. I must admit that he looks comfortable in his role. He has played exceptionally well, which dosen’t really surprise me as I was a huge fan of his in Sacremento last year. Seeing how well he is playing, the Suns may just have to put the young guard into the starting lineup. But until then, he is undoubtedly the Sixth Man of the Year.

Most Improved Player – Jimmy Butler – Shooting Guard – Chicago Bulls
This one is hard to judge this early in the season, as a player can still breakout and surpass Butler for the award. But I doubt it. Butler has played at a level that has drawn comparison to the legendary Sidney Moncrief. Yeah, that good. He has been the best player on the highly talented Chicago Bulls team that has title potential. Butler is an elite defender with a growing offensive game. I could easily see him winning this award. In fact, I’m expecting him to win this award.

Coach of the Year- David Joerger, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been awesome so far and while Marc Gasol is getting a lot of well deserved credit, I feel like Joerger has done an incredible job since taking over in Memphis. Toronto’s Dwayne Casey, Houston’s Kevin McHale, and Washington’s Randy Wittman are all deserving coaches as well. But right now it’s David Joerger, subject to change.

Executive of the Year- Pat Riley, Miami Heat
For me this one is a no-brainer. Losing Lebron James is hard, but when your franchise player Dwyane Wade is still battling injuries, it’s even harder. Riley gave Bosh his money and brought in some talent to help out such as Luol Deng, who has been great down in South Beach. So Mr.Riley, I’ll tip my hat to you. You are truly a great basketball mind.