OKC Thunder 2018-19 Awards Special -Predicting winners with a view to potential OKC contenders

Most Valuable Player

Like the GMs our team had varying opinions on who takes the leagues top individual award with seven different choices.

Finalists in 2017-18: LeBron James (Cavaliers), James Harden (Rockets), Anthony Davis (Pelicans)

Winner: James Harden (Rockets)

Tamberlyn Richardson – Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

I ruled out players based on factors such as not getting a home court seed (Pelicans/Lakers),  competing talents (Warriors, Celtics, Thunder) coach getting credit over player (Bucks). That left me with Kawhi Leonard. Aside from the fact he has to atone for a missed season there are those who believe he can’t re-insert himself as the best two-way player in the NBA and top three NBA talent. Oh- and there is that little matter of a contract summer approaching.

Lawrence George – Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo. After a breakout season last year, Oladipo figures to take the next step and be “that” guy. The Pacers go as far as he takes them and I anticipate Indiana being the third seed behind Toronto and Boston. If Dipo carries them to 50+ wins, he will be in the running.

Rylan Stiles  – LeBron James, LA Lakers

The MVP award is all about narratives, and LABron gives the voters just what they want. Plus, LeBron James is due for another MVP award.

Austin Sternlicht – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the league in scoring an helps the Bucks finish with a top three seed in the East.

Jordan Buckamneer – Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics

We all saw what the Celtics were able to do last year. And this season they come back fully healthy and Kyrie Irving has already made his verbal commitment to staying in Boston long term. Add that to voter fatigue for the usual contenders, and it’s a perfect storm.

Asad Ali Jamal – Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Anthony Davis is going to win MVP this season. Don’t believe me? Let’s check the facts. Davis finished third in MVP voting last season, will likely have an uptick in production with DeMarcus Cousins gone, and he must have made another jump in performance considering his age. Did I forget to mention he is 6-foot-10 and can shoot? Exactly, MVP!

Gideon Lim – LeBron James, LA Lakers

The MVP award is really a game of narratives, and there’s nothing quite like The King ruling the City of Angels. Ironically, LeBron has slowly rebuilt fan appreciation after years of voter fatigue. Him going stat-crazy for a year should be enough for voters to relent and give him one last MVP. Plus, I just don’t see any of the other candidates (AD, Giannis, Harden, GSW boys) building a fresh enough narrative to seize the race. Shoutout to Kawhi too. If the Raptors stomp through the East as predicted, he will be LeBron’s biggest competitor.

Alex Mcewen – Paul George, OKC Thunder

If Paul George wins MVP while being named to second-team All-NBA it will be the first time that occurs in the 3-point era (1979-present). Theoretically. PG could bump LeBron or KD off first-team All-NBA, but it will be highly unlikely. Perhaps, he needs to rewrite history like his MVP teammate.