The Golden state warriors have fallen, and with them gone new teams can finally claim the throne. With the balance of power in the league finally leveled, there are new opportunities for players to make a name for themselves. I am going to predict what players are going to take this opportunity and win the biggest awards in the NBA.

Sixth Man of the Year – Lou Williams. Who else could it be? Lou Williams has won this award three times already in his career, and it is hard to see why that would change this year. Even though the Los Angeles Clippers added two all stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, to the team, that will not stop Williams from being the offensive beast that he is from the bench.

Coach of the year- Doc Rivers. Last year Doc Rivers almost won coach of the year, while he brought the Los Angeles Clippers to the playoffs, despite not having one all star on the team. Imagine what he could do with two of the best players in the league: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Expect Rivers to lead his team to have the best record and the best defense in the league. 

Most Improved Player- Jamal Murray. This off-season, Jamal Murray signed a five year $170 Million maximum contract with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are hoping that Murray will become an all star caliber player that can play alongside Nikola Jokic. Don’t be surprised when Murray lives up to those expectations and becomes one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league.   

Rookie of the Year – Zion Williamson. Zion Williamson has arguably been the most hyped up rookie ever since Lebron James. I don’t think he will do what James did in his first year, but I do think he will put up some big numbers. With Anthony Davis gone, Williamson will be the focus point on the team. Combining that with his size, and freakish athleticism, expect him to put up some crazy numbers.

Defensive Player of the Year – Anthony Davis. Many people are curious as to whether Anthony Davis will put up the same numbers on the Los Angeles Lakers that he did back on the New Orleans Pelicans. I may not be sure about his offensive numbers, but I am positive that he will put up crazy defensive numbers on the Lakers. For years Davis has been one of the best rim protectors in the league, and with Demarcus Cousins injured, expect him to be even more in the paint , and have a career high in blocks per game.

MVP- Giannis Antetokounmpo. I’m calling it now: Giannis Antetokounmpo will win the MVP again. Last year when he won MVP he was one of the best all around players in the league, while also leading his team to the best record in the league. I don’t expect much to change. With the Milwaukee Bucks running it back with the same team, there is no reason why he shouldn’t put up the same numbers.