Now that the NBA season is in its final stretch and the regular season is coming to an end, it’s time to look at the potential winners for the NBA awards. Some races are already locked up and certain, while others still are in fierce competition. We’re going to look at the player most likely to win and their closest competition for each of the major awards.
MVP: Steph Curry
Most preseason polls counted Curry out as a potential repeat MVP, but after another historically good season he’s a mortal lock to win this award. With his Warriors chasing down Michael Jordan’s Bulls win record, Curry has outperformed any expectations. He has also outperformed his 2015 MVP run as he’s averaging more points while shooting at a higher percentage.
Runner Up: Russell Westbrook
Rookie of the Year: Karl-Anthony Towns
The young Timberwolf Karl-Anthony Towns skillset is reminiscent of 80’s basketball when the game revolved around the big man. Although there were other rookies who have put up great numbers and had solid seasons, Towns was the best player this year, and will undoubtedly be one of the top big men for the next decade.
Runner Up: Kristaps Porzingis
Draymond Green is a versatile player who can do just about anything that is asked of him on both sides of the ball. He can play multiple positions and guard just about anybody that is put in front of him. The reason Draymond Green deserves the award is because he is the defensive anchor of the Golden State Warriors who are widely considered the best team of all time.
Runner Up: Deandre Jordan
Sixth Man of the Year: Will Barton
For most of his career, Barton was a bottom of the bench roster filler. But during the 2015-16 season something seems to have clicked. Barton is averaging career highs in every category, which includes 15.3 points and 6.1 assists per game. The one aspect that could hurt Barton is his team’s record, which will keep them out of the playoffs.
Runner Up: Andre Iguodala
Coach of the Year: Steve Kerr
Not much that needs to be said about Steve Kerr in regards to the Coach of the Year argument. When your team is being compared to the 1995-96 Bulls, you’re going to win coach of the year. The only negative thing that could be said is that he missed the first few weeks of the season after surgery, but that won’t hold him back from winning this award.
Runner Up: Brad Stevens
To see the rest of the awards head over to the next page.
