NBA Awards Predictions 2022-23 Season

MVP:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF - Bucks)

• 2021-22 Stats - 29.9 Pts, 5.8 Ast, 11.6 Reb, 1.1 Stl, 1.4 Blk

• Runner Ups - Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum

A big year once again should put Giannis right at the top as he normally is. Coming off a career high in points, the dominate power forward might put up over 30. His dominance on both sides of the ball make him the best player in the league, and it will show this season while he leads the Bucks to the number one seed. Coming in third last year in a competitive league, he should be able to solidify himself as the best on the season.

MIP:

Tyrese Haliburton (PG - Pacers)

• 2021-22 Stats - 15.3 Pts, 8.2 Ast, 4.0 Reb, 1.7 Stl, 0.6 Blk

• Runner Ups - RJ Barrett, Tyrese Maxey

With Haliburton already being one of the more impressive young players, he is bound to take a bigger leap this season. Now being on the Pacers, and the team looking to rebuild, Haliburton is now the star for the team. He should be able to take over for the team and increase his points significantly. This season will solidify him as one of the better players at his age, and one of the better point guards in the league.

DPOY:

Rudy Gobert (C - Timberwolves)

• 2021-22 Stats - 0.7 Stl, 2.1 Blk, *Dbpm 1.7, *Dws 4.3

• Runner Ups - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaren Jackson Jr.

This would be the 4th time Gobert would win the award after just falling short last season to Marcus Smart. Year in and year out, Gobert is one of the league's best defenders and isn't slowing down. With him entering a new team, there are many possibilities for increases in statistics. There are also going to be many opportunities to show why he is still the best as he will be anchoring the defense with Karl Anthony Towns as his frontcourt mate. He should once again have a stellar year and prove he is the most valuable player on defense.

SMOY:

Jordan Poole (SG - Warriors)

• 2021-22 Stats - 18.5 Pts, 4.0 Ast, 3.4 Reb, 0.8 Stl

• Runner Ups - Malcolm Brogdon, Norman Powell

Poole is coming off a stellar year and proving his importance to a dominant Warriors squad. He should be expected to improve even more this season and be a big role once again. He will prove to be one of the best players coming off of the bench, and why he is sixth man of the year after another good year for the solid Warriors team.

ROY:

Keegan Murray (PF - Kings)

• 2021-22 College Stats - 23.5 Pts, 1.5 Ast, 8.7 Reb

• Runner Ups - Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin

Murray was seen as a surprise pick at fourth in the draft to the Kings. However, through summer league and preseason he has proven he might be worth the pick. He has a chance to prove how valuable he can be at the power forward position in the league. He also has a great chance on a struggling Kings team that is trying to improve, which Murray should help in. He is going to prove a lot of people wrong and be the best in his class this coming season.

COY:

Tyronn Lue (Clippers)

• 2021-22 Record - 42-40

• Runner Ups - Michael Malone, J.B. Bickerstaff

With the Clippers getting fully healthy with the return of Kawhi Leonard, the team should be much better than last season. With the addition of John Wall and last season additions, the team will be much more well rounded and primed for the regular season. They should be competing for a top three seed without a doubt if they are able to stay healthy. Lue will continue to show why he is a top coach in the league helping his team to the top again.

Key: *Dbpm: defensive box plus minus,*Dws: defensive win shares