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Into the Bears’ Den: Predicting awards for NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies

By Ian Pierno

May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ian Pierno (@IanPierno)

Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

MVP: Russell Westbrook

He has the keys to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense now and more motivation than ever after being betrayed by Kevin Durant. Watching him torch the Memphis Grizzlies’ during the preseason told me a lot: he’s still going to take you to the rack and he’s still going to trust his teammates on the perimeter.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Mike Conley

With the addition of Chandler Parsons and the revamped abilities of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, it’ll be up to Conley to spread the ball around in David Fizdale’s new offense and get the most out of his teammates. Also, the only viable point guard behind him is Wade Baldwin IV, and Conley will play a crucial role in his development. 

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

All too often, blocks are considered synonymous with a center’s ability to play defense. However, for Gobert, he can get blocks—he had the fourth highest block rate in the league last year amongst players who played at least 800 minutes—and protect the rim, where he was the best in the league for players who played more than 450 minutes. 

Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Tony Allen

via GIPHY

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid

The man has been unreal in the preseason. I guess sipping Shirley Temples during rehab isn’t such a bad strategy. That being said, I’ll be cheering for his teammate, Cat Barber, though.

Memhpis Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

Lil’ Westbrook on the scene. 

Most Improved Player: Dennis Schroder

Oct 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Atlanta defeated Chicago 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Atlanta defeated Chicago 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that he has the full control to run the Atlanta Hawks’ offense, Schroder should be poised for a breakout year. His defense has been improving and he’s a solid distributor. If he can improve on his shooting and ball handling in pick-and-roll sets (because, hey, he has Dwight Howard now), he could become one of the most consistent point guards in the Eastern Conference.

Honorable mentions: D’Angelo Russell and T.J. Warren.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: James Ennis

Parker said it best. 

6th Man of the Year: Brandon Jennings

Assuming he doesn’t take Derrick Rose’s starting job.

Memphis Grizzlies’ 6th Man of the Year: Zach Randolph

Duh.

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