Here are my award predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season.
MVP: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: New team, no problem. Last time I checked LeBron is still the best player in the world and he will be a huge part of the development of the young core of the Lakers as well. Don't be surprised if this is his one of his best statistical seasons of his Hall of Fame career.
Runner up: Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz: Gobert is someone that's been injury prone throughout his career, but when he's healthy he's a beast on the defensive side of the ball. He is the leader of the best defensive team in the NBA and will get the credit for it.
Runner up: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers: Williams absolutely thrived on the Clippers and had a case to be made to be an All-Star last season. He'll thrive again and help the Clippers make the playoffs after missing out last season.
Runner up: Terry Rozier, Boston Celtics
Most Improved Player: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: Tatum is poised to make a monstrous leap after having a solid rookie season and was great in the playoffs. Emerging as one the best players on one of the best teams in the NBA certainly helps his cause.
Runner up: Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
Rookie of the Year: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: Doncic had so much success overseas and he should be able to translate it to the NBA. It also will help him that he's on a team with some veterans and a great head coach in Rick Carlisle.
Runner up: DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers: Rivers is a coach that flat out doesn't want to lose and I believe he'll be a big part of why the Clippers steal the West's 8-seed. Some folks thought he'd lose his job last season, but nope he's back and poised to coach his gritty team to the playoffs.
Runner up: Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors
Executive of the Year: Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers: If you land the best player in the NBA, you automatically win this award. He and general manager Rob Pelinka deserve a lot of credit for getting LeBron as well as veterans that will help such as Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson.
Runner up: Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors
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