MVP: Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is expected to make another leap in production this season after averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game in his sophomore season. Luka Doncic may very well end up averaging a 30 point triple double, and if he can lead the Mavericks into a top 4 seed in the West it will be hard to vote against him for MVP
DPOY: Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is a force on the defensive end. Davis was second in voting for last years award, and he has finished in the top 3 in voting for 2 of the last 3 seasons. AD is an elite rim protector and has great footwork for his size, giving the ability to switch out onto wings and some guards. AD finished last season ranked third in blocks (143), second in defensive rating (101.8), second in defensive win shares (4.4) and third in defensive box plus-minus. If AD continues to play at this level defensively on one of the most impressive defensive teams in the NBA, he will have a good shot at winning his first Defensive Player of the Year.
Most Improved: Deandre Ayton
Ayton averaged 18.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last year, and really started to show what he is capable of doing in the bubble. The addition of Chris Paul will be instrumental in the success of Ayton, as he always seems to get the best out of his big men. I expect Ayton to average over 20 points per game this year while also improving his shot blocking to over 2 per game. Ayton has the potential to make his first ever all star and All NBA teams, and could play a major role on the Suns making the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. If these feats are accomplished Deandre Ayton should win the 2021 Most Improved award.
6th Man of the Year: Lou Williams
I expect the 6th Man of the Year award race to be a tight one this season. Jordan Clarkson and reigning 6th man Montrez Harrell will make it tough for Lou to win. Lou Williams is debatably the best off the bench scorer in the history of the league and is going to play a major role for the Clippers again this season. With Kawhi Leonards load management schedule and Paul Georges recent injury history the Clippers will need Lou Williams to score in bunches. Lou should be a lock to average around 20 points per game off the bench for one of the NBA’s best teams.
Rookie of the Year: Issac Okoro
Okoro has elite level defensive potential already and will be the best perimeter defensive player on the Cavs roster. His biggest question mark coming into the draft was his poor perimeter shooting. I know its a very small sample size, but so far through his first 3 games he has gone 5-8 from behind the arc. He has a solid handle, can finish through contact, and plays elite defense. A 3 point shot will make him the most complete player from the 2020 draft. Okoro should earn the starting small forward spot right away. Okoro will likely be among the top rookies in minutes and usage rating giving him a good shot at winning Rookie of the Year.
Coach of the Year: Monty Williams
Monty Williams had the young Phoenix Suns playing incredible basketball in the bubble. They went 8-0 and showed great chemistry among the young core. With the addition of Chris Paul the Suns have a good shot of making their first playoff appearance in over a decade. If the suns are a top 6 team in the West by the end of the season, Monty Williams will be a front runner in the coach of the year conversation.