Last Updated 10/28/14 5:14 AM EST.
Score Alert: Victor Oladipo scores 37 in 128-102 blowout to lead Raptors over Rockets.
LeBron not only got his hometown back, we predict he will get his MVP Trophy back as well. With Durant sidelined for 6-8 weeks no one really poses a threat to 'The King', look for LeBron to bring home his 5th MVP.
The reigning MVP would've probably been our pick had it not been for his injury, but with that injury we had to knock him off the top spot. Look for KD to average over 30 once again this season.
Casual fans who don't watch the Pelicans saw just how good Davis was when he was by far Team USA's best player after Durant left. It was a travesty he didn't win MVP there, but he did earn himself a top 3 spot in our rankings. Davis will probably be around 25 PPG and 12 RPG, while blocking 2 plus shots per game. And he's only 21, LOOK OUT!
MVP Candidates
No one in the NBA does a better job of scaring teams from driving to the paint then Serge Ibaka. He should average north of 3 BPG this season. Ibaka is the runaway pick here.
Davis will get a lot of attention this year for his offense, but even going back to his Kentucky days Davis' best side has and always will be defense and thats very scary to say about a 21 year old who already averages 20 PPG.
The Bulls finally get Rose back, and added a lot of offensive firepower this offseason, but this is still a Tom Thibodeau team and they win by playing championship defense. The Bulls will probably allow the fewest PPG this season, and that all has to do with their defensive anchor, Joakim Noah.
D.P.O.Y Candidates
You don't even have to play the season, just give Lawson the award. If the Warriors bring Ty Lawson off the bench this year he will be by far the best sixth man in the game. Lawson is arguably a top 10-12 point guard in the league, and now he's coming off the bench? Look for Lawson to win this award in the first month.
While Manu does have the talent level to keep up with Lawson in this race, he doesn't get enough minutes until the playoffs. That may be the main thing keeping him behind Lawson.
You know the league has a lot of good players when Crawford is third in sixth man of the year. Crawford will average about 17 PPG and have a great year, but will it be enough to beat out Lawson and Manu? I doubt it.
Stephenson could've on this award a year ago so its strange to see him as our prediction, but heres why he is. Lance could boost his PPG from 13 to 19 this year while averaging his usual 7 rebounds and 5 assists. That is a STAR in this league. Look for a HUGE year out of Lance.
Sullinger would be my runaway pick had it not been for some conditioning concerns. Sullinger posted solid 13 and 7 numbers last year. Look for him to be closer to 18 and 10 this season, with a shot at being the Most Improved Player in the NBA.
Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery, and thats what we believe Barnes needed. Barnes is a natural scorer but is also a bit passive. And with the talent GSW had it made it easy for Barnes to fall back into a bad habit of drifting through games. Now in Denver were he will be asked to produce nightly Barnes' numbers will make a significant leap. Denver will ask a lot of Harrison Barnes this year, lucky for them we think he answers, and even exceed their teams expectations.
Most Improved Player of the Year Candidates
The First overall pick is not the favorite to win this award, but he's our pick. With Love and Pekovic out of Minnesota look for Wiggins to be around 18-20 ppt, that along with his defense is scary. We predict its close until All-Star break then Wiggins runs away with it.
Jabari Parker is use to taking awards away from Andrew Wiggins. And with very little talent on the Bucks, Parker could put up some impressive numbers and potentially take another award away from Wiggins.
Nerlens Noel is by far the best defensive rookie big man. And even though he is limited on offense, his lack of good teammates will force him to score double figures. Noel may average a double-double, while blocking 2+ shots per game. Watch out Wiggins and Parker!
Rookie of the Year Candidates
6th Man Candidates
