Ryan Schmitz (@XC_Gang_Schmitz)
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
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.
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