2013-14 NBA Awards Predictions

Here's a quick look at my predictions for the 2013-14 NBA Awards

Rookie Of The Year - Victor Oladipo

Oladipo was the second overall pick in this years draft and has the one trait that translates the easiest from college to pro ball...defense.  Unless you were a prolific scorer in college it usually takes a year or two to be able to put up numbers in the NBA, but defense is all about effort.  And every coach will always leave a guy on the court if he plays good D.  Also, remember this is a guy that shot 60% from the field and 44% from three-point range his last year at Indiana so he has the ability to score.  With him being on a bad Orlando Magic team he will find a spot in the starting lineup early and continue to produce throughout the season.

Second Place: Michael Carter-Williams
 

Most Improved - Kawhi Leonard

We knew Leonard was a key part of the San Antonio Spurs but it wasn't until the playoffs, particularly the NBA Finals, when we saw how important he actually is to this team.  In the Finals, he put up 14 points and 11 boards all while trying to contain LeBron James.  With the Spurs "Big Three" getting older, especially Manu Ginobili, Leonard will be asked to continue to produce more often.  He is the obvious predecessor to take over the reins of a well-rounded Spurs team.  Just like Paul George transformed into a superstar a year ago for the Pacers, we will see the same from Kawhi this year.

Second Place: Andre Drummond


Sixth Man - Jamal Crawford

Is there a better pure scorer that comes off the bench than Jamal Crawford?  No.  It's amazing to watch this guy handle the ball and tear apart second units.  He's 33 years old and in his 14th season but can still put up points with the best of them.  He doesn't give you much on the defensive end and that has probably kept him from winning more sixth man awards, but this year he will add to his 2010 honors. 

Second Place: J.R. Smith


Coach Of The Year - Kevin McHale

If Kevin McHale is able to control the emotions of Dwight Howard this team has the ability to challenge for the Western Conference title.  Houston has all the tools in their starting lineup to produce and it's all up to the coach to harness those efforts.  McHale had the Rockets scoring 106 points per game a season ago, good for second in the NBA.  With the presence of Howard they have the potential to be a good defensive team as well.

Second Place: Mark Jackson


Defensive Player Of The Year - Roy Hibbert

One of the few true center's in the NBA showed his growth in the 2012-13 playoffs and will turn into a dominant force for the 2013-14 campaign.  His blocks have gone up every year as pro and he finished with 2.6 last season.  I expect his numbers to rise in all aspects of his game and if he gets to 12 boards and three blocks per game he'll be a lock for this award.

Second Place: Dwight Howard


Most Valuable Player - LeBron James

It's hard to pick anybody else.  LeBron James has won the last two MVP awards because his game is still improving.  In three years with the Heat his shooting percentages, rebounds and assists have increased while his turnovers have decreased.  Kevin Durant is right on his heels after posting the elusive 50-40-90 (FG%, 3P%, FT%) season but still has a little work to do to surpass James.  LBJ tries to improve a different aspect of his game each offseason and it will be interesting to see what he has in store for us in the 2013-14 season.

Second Place: Kevin Durant