NBA 2016-2017 season predictions

Jay Asser 15:23 25/10/2016
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  • Last season’s champions Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks, setting into motion a brand-new campaign of basketball action across the North American continent.

    Sport360’s Jay Asser provides predictions on what fans can hope to witness as each competing team’s campaign progresses week in, week out.

    Eastern Conference

    Cleveland Cavaliers

    Until proven otherwise, there’s no reason to believe any team in the East can challenge them. They might not even finish with the best record in the conference, but there’s a clear drop-off after them which will again be evident in the playoffs. Boston will make their road more difficult than usual, but that will be the extent of it.

    Western Conference

    Golden State Warriors

    Until proven otherwise, there’s no reason to believe any team in the East can challenge them. They might not even finish with the best record in the conference, but there’s a clear drop-off after them which will again be evident in the playoffs. Boston will make their road more difficult than usual, but that will be the extent of it.

    NBA Champions

    Golden State Warriors

    This is going against LeBron, which backfired in a major way this past June, but even one of the greatest players in NBA history can’t stop what the Warriors are. There’s just too much talent, too many mismatches, too much shooting and too much versatility for the Cavaliers to contend with. Unless there’s an injury, Golden State should win the grudge match.

    MVP

    Kevin Durant

    It’s another bet against LeBron, who should get a wave of mea culpa votes after Stephen Curry’s anointment last year, but the MVP historically comes from one of the top teams and if Golden State approach 70 wins, it will be one of their players. Voter fatigue is a real thing and after giving it to Curry the past two years, Durant is the obvious target to receive the credit.

    Defensive Player of the Year

    Kawhi Leonard

    He’s the league’s best perimeter defender, who constantly makes life difficult for opposing stars and can guard multiple positions. Dwight Howard is the only player to ever win the award in three consecutive years, but this will be a way to recognise Leonard without giving him the MVP.

    Rookie of the Year

    Joel Embiid

    If Ben Simmons was healthy, this would be a fun two-way battle, but with his team-mate out until potentially January, Embiid will have plenty of opportunities to take full charge of Philadelphia. After sitting out two seasons, he’s looked very good, showing an ability to score with his back to the basket and facing up.

    Most Improved Player

    D’Angelo Russell

    With Kobe Bryant gone, there shouldn’t be anyone on the Lakers to constrict the point guard. Luke Walton will unshackle Russell and allow his playmaking to shine, which will result in good stats on a mediocre team.

    Sixth Man of the Year

    Brandon Knight

    Andre Iguodala may be the most valuable sixth man in the league, but the award typically favours volume scoring, which is why Jamal Crawford could also repeat. But Knight is a starting caliber player who will come off the bench for Phoenix and provide plenty of spark and points.

    Coach of the Year

    Brad Stevens

    He’s already established as one of the best coaches in the league, but this will be the first season Boston becomes one of the unquestioned top teams and have the record to show for it. Fifty-plus wins are on the way, as is the two seed in the East.

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