Tejas Vadali
The heroes, zeroes, and superstars all reentered the spotlight on October 16, but will their valiant efforts amount to anything at all this year. It’s that time of the year again when champions are made, records are broken…or maybe the same saga continues for a third straight installment. It’s time for the return of NBA basketball.
Just like last year, my esteemed judges and I will make some predictions about the season. Without further ado, here are our thoughts:
Mr. Gupta:
→ Champions: Golden State Warriors
→ ROTY: Luka Doncic
→ DPOY: Draymond Green
→ MIP: Lauri Markkanen
→ MVP: Kevin Durant
All-NBA Teams:
1st Team:
→ Anthony Davis
→ Kevin Durant
→ LeBron James
→ James Harden
→ Steph Curry
2nd Team:
→ Joel Embiid
→ Giannis Antetokounmpo
→ Paul George
→ Damian Lillard
→ Devin Booker
3rd Team:
→ Karl-Anthony Towns
→ Brandon Ingram
→ Jayson Tatum
→ Kyrie Irving
→ Donovan Mitchell
Omar Allende:
→ Champions: Golden State Warriors
→ ROTY: DeAndre Ayton
→ DPOY: Joel Embiid
→ MIP: Zach Lavine
→ MVP: LeBron James
All-NBA Teams:
1st Team
→ Joel Embiid
→ LeBron James
→ Giannis Antetokounmpo
→ Stephen Curry
→ Kyrie Irving
2nd Team:
→ Anthony Davis
→ Kevin Durant
→ Ben Simmons
→ Donovan Mitchell
→ James Harden
3rd Team:
→ Draymond Green
→ Kawhi Leonard
→ DeMar DeRozan
→ Klay Thompson
→ Russell Westbrook
Koren Jurado:
→ Champions: Golden State Warriors
“Who else would it be? I mean really, who else could it possibly be?”
→ ROTY: Marvin Bagley
“He’s the most athletic rookie in the class, though I’m kind of biased because I’m a Kings fan.”
→ DPOY: Joel Embiid
“Joel Embiid is going to have a major jump, elevating his overall game and getting second in MVP voting. He’ll win DPOY by a lot.”
→ MIP: Markelle Fultz
“He’s going to be a borderline All-Star in the weaker Eastern Conference, and he will make huge strides with his game. Plus, Fultz will finally approach the potential that he was predicted to have when he entered the league, effectively completing ‘the process.’”
→ MVP: Kawhi Leonard
“Playing motivated and on a Toronto team that could be very successful, Kawhi will return to his superstar status. People tend to forget that he’s as good as he is, and he’ll remind every one of his skill this year.”
All-NBA Teams:
1st Team:
→ Joel Embiid
→ Kawhi Leonard
→ LeBron James
→ James Harden
→ Kyrie Irving
2nd Team:
→ Anthony Davis
→ Kevin Durant
→ Giannis Antetokounmpo
→ Jimmy Butler
→ Damian Lillard
3rd Team:
→ Nikola Jokic
→ Paul George
→ Gordon Hayward
→ Donovan Mitchell
→ Ben Simmons
Tejas Vadali:
→ Champions: Golden State Warriors
It’s pretty obvious that the Warriors are bound to make another championship run. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are showing no signs of slowing down, and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are playing their positions to perfection. Add DeMarcus Cousins to that mix and you have a championship team without a doubt. Barring any serious injuries, the Warriors should coast through the playoffs.
→ ROTY: Wendell Carter Jr.
The Bulls found a gem in this year’s seventh overall pick, and he is already so advanced in so many aspects of the game. I would honestly be surprised if he didn’t win.
→ DPOY: Joel Embiid
Having emerged as a bona fide superstar, Embiid will look to etch his name into the record books as one of the youngest Defensive Players of the Year in NBA history. Philadelphia’s early playoff exit to Boston has spurred Embiid to put his team on his back and “complete the process” once and for all. He finished second in DPOY voting last season. He won’t settle for anything but first this year.
→ MIP: Brandon Ingram
With the addition of LeBron James, the Lakers have brought in a man who is a proven legend and excellent mentor. Ingram’s already solid game will improve tremendously under James’ guidance, and his playmaking ability and basketball IQ will increase as well.
→ MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is already a superstar in the league, and he is only twenty-three years old. The Bucks’ loss of Jabari Parker will only increase Giannis’ offensive responsibilities. Already a Second Team All-Defensive Player, Giannis’ will make great strides in his overall game and etch his name into NBA history.
All-NBA Teams:
1st Team:
→ Anthony Davis
→ Giannis Antetokounmpo
→ LeBron James
→ James Harden
→ Stephen Curry
2nd Team:
→ Nikola Jokic
→ Joel Embiid
→ Kevin Durant
→ Klay Thompson
→ Russell Westbrook
3rd Team:
→ Karl-Anthony Towns
→ LaMarcus Aldridge
→ Paul George
→ DeMar DeRozan
→ Ben Simmons
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