With a new NBA season tipping off, some teams are embracing new super duos or super trios, the whole league is getting ready for a European-style in-season tournament and Jimmy Butler remains as confident as ever.
We have plenty of questions that need answering between now and next summer, including who will win the top individual awards.
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MVP
Pick: Nikola Jokiċ
Co-favorite: Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL (+450)
Long shot: Donovan Mitchell, CLE (+2500)
Looking for a third straight MVP award last year, Jokić had a sublime season, missing averaging a triple double by nine assists. Still, he lost to Joel Embiid. If nothing else, Jokić showed that at age 28, the 6'11" maestro is still getting better. If he improves upon last season, it will be awfully hard for voters to deny him again. Odds: +450
Rookie of the Year
Pick: Scoot Henderson
Favorite: Victor Wembanyama, SAS (-161)
Long shot: Brandon Miller, CHA (+1200)
While San Antonio’s Wembanyama will dominate the coverage of the stout rookie class, Henderson finds himself in a potentially more favorable situation in Portland. If the Trail Blazers need him to score, the former G League Ignite guard can oblige. ODDS: +333
Defensive Player of the Year
Pick: Evan Mobley
Favorite: Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM (+500)
Long shot: Jrue Holiday, MIL (+2500)
The most versatile defender on the NBA’s best defense, the Cavs’ Mobley led the league in defensive win shares in his second season. The rangy 7-footer can protect the rim with the best of them as well as chase down shooters on the perimeter. ODDS: +700
Coach of the Year
Pick: Mark Daigneault
Favorite: Erik Spoelstra, MIA (+800)
Long shot: Gregg Popovich, SAS (+2000)
The Thunder improved by 16 wins last year, so they won’t sneak up on anyone. But Daigneault will welcome Chet Holmgren, who missed all of last season and essentially gives Oklahoma City a second lottery pick. A playoff return looks likely. ODDS: +1000
Sixth Man of the Year
Pick: Immanuel Quickley
Favorite: Immanuel Quickley, NYK (+800)
Long shot: Austin Reaves, LAL (+2800)
In 21 games as a starter with New York, Quickley shot the ball better and scored at a higher clip than as a reserve. But by net rating, he was more than twice as good coming off the bench, showing just how good the fourth-year guard is anchoring the second unit.
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Most Improved Player
Pick: Jordan Poole
Favorite: Mikal Bridges, BKN (+600)
Long shot: Paolo Banchero, ORL (+4000)
In 30 minutes a night on a loaded Golden State team, Poole averaged 20.4 points per game last year. Imagine what kind of numbers he’ll put up in Washington, where he’ll play massive minutes on a struggling team that’s starved for scoring. ODDS: +1800
