It's been a long wait but the 2016 NBA season is here. Preseason play is underway and in two weeks the regular season will begin. I went through all the individual awards and predicted the winner,
Most Improved Player: D'Angelo Russell
Last season Russell didn't get enough consistent playing time thanks to former coach Bryon Scott but this year will be nothing like last. New head coach Luke Walton is giving Russell the keys to the offense. In limited playing time as a rookie, he still averaged 13 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game. This season expect him to be at about 20 points per game and around 8 assists.
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Sixth Man of the Year: Evan Turner
Turner was the Portland Trail Blazers biggest acquisition this offseason signing a 4-year 70 million dollar contract. As the team's new sixth man, he'll fit in perfectly with Damian Lilliard and Cj McCollum. Turner's all-around game and playmaking abilities will allow their star backcourt to play off the ball.
Coach of the Year: Brad Stevens
Going into his fourth year as the head coach in Boston Stevens has his best squad. He's led them to the playoffs the last two season and improved their win totals in every season. In his first season they won only 25 games but last year they won 48 finishing as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Al Horford and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are expecting to compete with the Cavs for the top seed giving Stevens a chance to win his first Coach of the Year Award.
Defensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Jordan
DeAndre has been one of the best defenders in the league for past three seasons but has been able to get the award. Coming of First Team All-NBA finish and starting on the Olympic team this summer Jordan is ready to have his best season ever.
Rookie of the Year: Buddy Hield
With Rookie of the Year favorite Ben Simmons out for at least three months, Buddy Hield is in line to make a run for the award. The Pelicans are expecting Buddy Buckets to come right in and provide instant offense just like he did in Norman. He'll be the starting shooting guard on opening night and with Anthony Davis demanding so much attention Hield shouldn't have trouble getting open shots.
Most Valuable Player: Russel Westbrook
There is no question anymore about who's team the Thunder is. Westbrook has shown before what he could do without Durant and now his solo act has become a reality. He'll put up MVP numbers but will he be able to get the Thunder enough wins for him to win the award. The last 28 MVP winners teams have finished at least as the nu,ber two seed.
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