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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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Oct 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

MVP: LeBron James

When picking the MVP, you have to make sure that he is a part of one the top two teams in each conference. The last MVP to win without being in the top two was Michael Jordan in 1988. I think the Warriors will take away stats too much, and I think LeBron is one of the few others qualified to win. He still puts up stats and carries the Cavs. I think Kawhi Leonard has a real shot as well and my dark horse is Dame Lillard.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Mike Conley 

Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives to the basket past Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) during the second half at the Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeat the Rockets 134-125. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives to the basket past Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) during the second half at the Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeat the Rockets 134-125. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Marc Gasol and Chandler Parsons might put up prettier numbers, but the team goes through Conley. He’s a fearless leader and everything is facilitated through him. He has more options to assist, too, and I think he wants to live up to his big contract.

Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard

The guy is a stud on the defensive side. The only way he doesn’t win is if he gets hurt. He’s one of the few guys that can guard every position and “shut down” LeBron James. Pair his defense with his vastly improved offensive game and he’s an MVP candidate.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Tony Allen

I think he will have reduced minutes this year, but he is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the game. They will need him to shut down guys like Kevin Durant, and he can. Allen wouldn’t get the playing time he does if he wasn’t a top defender. 

Rookie of the Year: Buddy Hield

I could go with Joel Embiid, as he is looking really good, but I think Hield is going to put up some numbers. He has one of the better chances to become a primary guy on that team and chuck shots. He has the skillset to do well and if Anthony Davis can lead the Pelicans into the playoffs, it will only help his stock.

Memphis Grizzlies Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

Baldwin hasn’t looked the best in the preseason so far. I think he needs some time to grow, but by the end of the year I think he will be playing meaningful minutes.

Most Improved Player: Jabari Parker

This is a tough one to pick. I’m going with Jabari Parker, though, because of his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo after he started running the point last year. Jabari averaged around 14 points per game last year, but with Khris Middleton out, he’s going to have to step up his game and live up to his draft status.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: Brandan Wright

He could end up starting this year some this year and if he stays healthy, he should be a candidate. He has barely played with the Grizzlies, so any time on the court is an improvement to me.

6th Man of the Year: Will Barton

Bringing Memphis into the sixth man of the year race with my choice. Barton is a former Memphis Tiger that has developed into a really strong player for the Nuggets. If he can up his averages from 15-6-3, I think he’ll one of the favorites. Eventually Crawford won’t be able to produce anymore, right?

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

If he stays coming off the bench, this is an obvious choice. He is arguably a top three scorer for the team and with added range now, the fans should be excited.

Next: The ultimate guide to Memphis Grizzlies drinking games

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