Regular season round-up roundtable: NBA award picks and playoff predictions

Posted by: Dan Slaubaugh

With the regular season now over, it is time for the On The Prowl staff to hand out their 2017-18 NBA awards and give our playoff predictions.

Rookie of the Year
 
Dan Slaubaugh: This could very well be the best rookie of the year race we’ve had in a decade. On one hand, we have a dynamic guard and a true rookie that is the primary offensive option for a 4-seed in the mighty West. That would be Donovan Mitchell. On the other hand, we have an ultra-versatile guard/forward in Ben Simmons who is doing it all for the 3-seeded 76ers averaging 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. They are both great offensively, but Simmons’ defensive prowess earns a vote from this blog boy. 
 
Zach More: Ben Simmons. I was going to use an easy out answer and predict a tie here with Donovan Mitchell but I do believe Simmons gets the award. His game and versatility has been great and he has been consistent all year.
 
Jake Paynting: Ben Simmons. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s ability to unleash hell on any opposing squad, Simmons gets my vote here. The crazy versatility and defensive prowess is enough to sneak him over the line.
 
Seth Toupal: Ben Simmons gets my vote. Donovan Mitchell has been incredible this season, but Simmons gets the nod because of his versatility. He has played multiple positions for the 76ers this year, and has played them all well. Simmons has had more of an impact on games overall than Mitchell has.
 
Jonah Sprinkel: You can’t be a rookie if you spent an entire year traveling and rehabbing with a team.
 
6th Man of the Year
 
Dan: Lou Williams. He led the Clippers in scoring (22.6 points) and assists (5.3), career highs for both. He had the highest scoring average of any bench player in the last 25 years. He's the only player in NBA history to average at least 20 points and five assists off the bench. And he led the NBA in fourth-quarter points, averaging almost eight a game. Need I say more?
 
Zach: Lou Williams. Lou had a special year for the Clippers and for a while single handedly kept them in playoff contention. Add in the fact that he averaged more PPG and APG than Gordon who started 30 of the 69 games he played in for Houston and it makes Williams the easy choice.
 
Jake: Lou Williams. Williams came off the bench in 60 of his 79 games, so he still counts as a sixth man in my eyes. The professional scorer went to another level this season, dragging the Clippers into playoff contention near single-handedly. Averaging 22.6 points and 5.3 assists off the bench? No brainer.
 
Seth: I'm going with Eric Gordon. Lou Williams may be more deserving overall, but Gordon shot 47% from 3 in March, when the Rockets were trying to lock up the top overall seed in the West. Gordon is a vital piece of what the Rockets do, and stepped up when Harden and Paul missed time this year.
 
Jonah: Lou Williams. Williams is the only played in NBA history to start fewer than 20 games and appear in more than 75 games while averaging 22 points and 5 assists.
 
Most Improved Player

Unanimous selection: Victor Oladipo. Turned into an All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the game. Registered career highs in points (23.1), rebounds (5.2), assists (4.3) and steals (2.4, a league high). Quickly filled the hole in Pacers fans hearts left by Paul George

Coach of the Year
 
Dan: Quin Snyder. Despite losing Gordon Hayward last offseason, the Jazz finished with just three fewer in wins in 2017-18 even though their defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert missed 26 games. Coached the Jazz to a 30-7 record since January 20, third best in the league. During that stretch, Utah posted an otherworldly 97.1 defensive rating He also deserves credit for putting Donovan Mitchell in a position to succeed.
 
Zach: Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni took the addition of CP3 and made it mesh seamlessly. His ability to turn the role players into great pieces for that team was great. It never hurts having the worst record in the league for this award either.
 
Jake: Quin Snyder. I had Utah outside the playoff picture before the season, and I was pretty confident when they dropped to 17-26 midway through the season. Since then Snyder has coached the heck out of this team and has them sitting as a potential Western Conference dark horse.
 
Seth: My Houston bias might be starting to show, but Mike D'Antoni is my pick for Coach of the Year. Every team had the goal of trying to beat Golden State, and the Rockets have put a team together that can do just that. D'Antoni oversaw a seamless transition with the addition of Chris Paul (some thought there might be some friction) and has his team playing good defense too. Oh, and 65 wins.
 
Jonah: Dwane Casey. The Toronto Raptors finished the 2017-28 season 6th in the league in assists per game. Last season, the Raptors were dead last in assists per game. Casey’s offensive reformat has led to the most Raptor wins in a single season.
 
Most Valuable Player
 
Dan: In the words of Kobe Bryant, “If James Harden doesn’t win MVP this year, what the hell is he supposed to do to win MVP, average 40 points, 15 assists, and 15 rebounds? I mean, come on now. Enough is enough.”
 
Zach: James Harden. He was absolutely dominant this season, played for the best team in the league and finished the season 1st in the NBA in PPG and 3rd in APG. He also was the leader in win shares.
 
Jake: James Harden. No surprises here. Leading his Houston Rockets to first seed with a franchise record 65 wins and averaging 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists per night. Harden is hands down MVP.
 
Seth: I'm going with James Harden. Harden has been the driving force behind the best team in the NBA. I'm also going to give Harden credit for the strides he has made defensively this year. But game on the line with a basket to win I wouldn't go to anyone else but The Beard.
 
Jonah: At 33 years old, LeBron James started 82 games for the first time in his career, led the league in points and minutes, guided the Cavaliers to 50 wins, and posted a career high in assists per game while the team endured injuries and a mid-season roster overhaul.
 
All-NBA 1st Team
 
Dan: G James Harden, G Damian Lillard, F LeBron James, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Anthony Davis
 
Zach: G James Harden, G Damian Lillard, F LeBron James, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Anthony Davis
 
Jake: G James Harden, G Damian Lillard, F LeBron James, F Anthony Davis, C Joel Embiid
 
Seth: G James Harden, G Damian Lillard, F LeBron James, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Anthony Davis
 
 Jonah:  G Russell Westbook, G James Harden, F LeBron James, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Anthony Davis
 
All-NBA 2nd Team
 
Dan: G Russell Westbook, G Victor Oladipo, F Kevin Durant, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Joel Embiid
 
Zach: G Russell Westbrook, G DeMar DeRozan, F Kevin Durant, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Joel Embiid
 
Jake: G Russell Westbrook, G DeMar DeRozan, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, F Kevin Durant, C Karl-Anthony Towns
 
Seth: G Russell Westbook, G Victor Oladipo, F Kevin Durant, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Karl-Anthony Towns
 
Jonah: G Damian Lillard, G Stephen Curry, F Jimmy Butler, F Kevin Durant, C Joel Embiid
 
All-NBA 3rd Team
 
Dan: G Chris Paul, G DeMar DeRozan, F Ben Simmons, F Jimmy Butler, C Karl-Anthony Towns
 
Zach: G Stephen Curry, G Victor Oladipo, F Jimmy Butler, F Paul George, C Karl-Anthony Towns
 
Jake: G Jrue Holiday, G Victor Oladipo, F Jimmy Butler, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Nikola Jokic
 
Seth: G Kyle Lowry, G DeMar DeRozan, F Paul George, F Otto Porter, C Clint Capela
 
Jonah: G Chris Paul, G Victor Oladipo, F Ben Simmons, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Nikola Jokic
 
All-Defense 1st Team
 
Dan: G Chris Paul, G Victor Oladipo, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, F Anthony Davis, C Rudy Gobert
 
Zach: G Chris Paul, G Jimmy Butler, F Paul George, F Anthony Davis, C Rudy Gobert
 
Jake: G DeJounte Murray, G Victor Oladipo, F Jimmy Butler, F Anthony Davis, C Rudy Gobert
 
Seth: G Ben Simmons, G Donovan Mitchell, F Robert Covington, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Rudy Gobert
 
Jonah: G DeJounte Murray, Victor Oladipo, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, F Draymond Green, C Rudy Gobert
 
All-Rookie 1st Team
 
Dan: Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma, Bogdan Bogdonavic
 
Zach: Ben Simmons, Donvan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma, Lauri Markkanen
 
Jake: Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma, Lauri Markkanen
 
Seth: Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma Lauri Markkanen
 
Jonah: Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Smith Jr.

Shifting towards playoff conversation

What first round matchup are you most looking forward in each conference?
 
Dan: In the West, Thunder-Jazz: a series between a TEAM and star talent. Also, I'm hyped to see Rick Rubio ball in the playoffs for the first time in his career. In the East, Pacers-Cavs. Indiana has a lot of heart and could give Cleveland a run for their money if they don’t flip the switch defensively.
 
Zach: West: Jazz vs. OKC. The Jazz are a darkhorse team in the West and are going to be a tough out. OKC will have the experience and stars on their side. East: I guess the Cavs-Pacers matchup is what I am looking forward to the most. The East doesn’t have too many exciting matchups. The Pacers could play the Cavs tough and send everyone to a panic.
 
Jake: Apart from the Wolves – Rockets match-up, the firepower of Portland up against the determination of the Pelicans is a series I’ll struggle to keep my eyes off. Playoff Anthony Davis will be a ton of fun to see again.
 
Seth: I'm definitely looking forward to Thunder-Jazz most other than Rockets-Wolves in the West. The Jazz have become a dominant team with Rudy Gobert healthy. Russell Westbrook seems to always find a different gear in the playoffs, but will Paul George and Carmelo Anthony be able to help him out? How will Ricky Rubio look in his first playoff action? TONS of intrigue. In the East I'm going to be watching Celtics-Bucks. How will Boston handle Giannis? How will the Celtics look without Kyrie in the playoffs? I think Boston will still win but it could give us an answer as to if Boston can make the Conference Finals.
 
Jonah: Thunder v Jazz: Ricky Rubio playing in a highly competitive playoff series, opposite a MVP winner, will be a wonderful thing to behold.
 
Which team 5-9 has the most potential to upset their opponent in the first round for each conference?
 
Dan: In the West, I think the Pelicans. They are rolling into the playoffs while Portland kind of just treaded water the last three weeks of the season. That Anthony Davis guy is pretty good too. In the East, I think the Bucks. Without Kyrie Irving, Boston won’t have an established go-top option late in games and that hurts in the playoffs. Celtics defense is legit but they don’t have much offensive punch right now with Smart, Hayward, and Irving out. Bucks in 6.
 
Zach: West: The Jazz have the best chance to pull off the upset over OKC. The Jazz have been playing great the 2nd half of the year and their team defense will make them a tough out. East: I don’t like any chances of an upset in the East but I would put Indiana over the Cavs just because the lower teams in the East are just so overmatched.
 
Jake: While LeBron James is a different monster come playoff time, I won’t be surprised if the new and improved Victor Oladipo leads his Pacers to a series win over the Cavs. This Indiana team has a lot of heart, something we haven’t seen much of in Cleveland.
 
Seth: Utah is an easy answer in the West. I think they upset the Thunder and I think they will give the Rockets a test in round 2, taking the series to 7 games. I still don't know what to make of Cleveland so I will say the Pacers have the best chance for the upset in round 1. Victor Oladipo is a force and a lot of the Cavs new additions aren't playoff-tested. Then again neither are the Pacers. Buckle up regardless.
 
Jonah: East: Milwaukee over Boston. Without a veteran leading scorer like Kyrie Irving, the Celtics may find it hard to put enough points on the board while slowing down Antetokounmpo. West: Jazz over Thunder. Their defense will overwhelm Oklahoma City. Jazz in 7.
 
How much of a chance do the Wolves have at a competitive series with the Rockets?
 
Dan: Read my lengthy, in-depth series preview here for an answer.
 
Zach: I would love to say the Wolves can be competitive if their big 3 has a good series but I just don’t see it. The Rockets are just a terrible matchup for the Wolves. Hard to win games when the opponent outscores you from the 3 point line and the FT line. The pick and roll between Harden and Capela has given the Wolves fits too.
 
Jake: Not a great deal. While I’m hopeful Jimmy Butler can hold James Harden to a couple of quiet games, it takes more than that to beat this version of Houston. If the Wolves took two games I’d be pleasantly surprised.
 
Seth: The Wolves are going to essentially have to play perfect basketball for 4 games to win this series and hope Houston gets cold from outside. The thing about Houston that makes them so tough is they just have so many shooters, so if someone struggles they have 3 or 4 other guys who can step up. Plus Harden has Chris Paul now so he won't have to carry the whole load.
 
Jonah: Kevin Malone, “If anybody gives you 10,000-1 odds on anything, you take it.” However, even if I was given 20,000-1 odds, I would still take the Houston Rockets.
 
NBA Playoff Predictions
 
Dan:
1st round
Rockets over Wolves in 5
Warriors over Spurs in 5
Trail Blazers over Pelicans in 7
Jazz over Thunder in 7
 
Raptors over Wizards in 5
Bucks over Celtics in 6
76ers over Heat in 5
Cavs over Pacers in 6
 
2nd Round
Rockets over Jazz in 5
Warriors over Trail Blazers in 5
 
Cavs over Raptors in 6
76ers over Bucks in 5
 
Conference Finals
Rockets over Warriors in 7
Cavs over 76ers in 6
 
NBA Finals
Rockets over Cavs in 7
 
Zach:
1st round
Rockets over Wolves in 4
Warriors over Spurs in 5
Blazers over Pelicans in 7
Jazz over Thunder in 7
 
Raptors over Wizards in 6
Celtics over Bucks in 5
Sixers over Heat in 5
Cavs over Pacers in 7
 
2nd round
Rockets over Jazz in 6
Warriors over Blazers in 6
 
Sixers over Celtics in 7
Cavs over Raptors in 6
 
Conference Finals
Rockets over Warriors in 7
Cavs over Sixers in 7
 
NBA Finals
Rockets over Cavs in 6
 
Jake:
1st round
Rockets over Wolves in 5
Warriors over Spurs in 6
Pelicans over Blazers in 7
Jazz over Thunder in 6
 
Raptors over Wizards in 6
Celtics over Bucks in 5
76ers over Heat in 5
Cavs over Pacers in 7
 
2nd round
Rockets over Jazz in 7
Warriors over Pelicans in 5
 
Raptors over Cavs in 5
76ers over Boston in 7
 
Conference Finals
Warriors over Rockets in 7
Raptors over Sixers in 6
 
NBA Finals
Warriors over Raptors in 6
 
Seth:
1st round
Rockets over Wolves in 4 (sad face)
Jazz over Thunder in 6
Blazers over Pelicans in 6
Warriors over Spurs in 5
 
Raptors over Wizards in 5
Cavs over Pacers in 6
76ers over Heat in 5
Celtics over Bucks in 6
 
2nd round
Rockets over Jazz in 7
Warriors over Blazers in 7

Cavs over Raptors in 7
76ers over Celtics in 7
 
Conference Finals
Rockets over Warriors in 6
76ers over Cavs in 7
 
NBA Finals
Rockets over 76ers in 6
 
Jonah:
1st round
Rockets over Wolves in 4
Jazz over Thunder in 7
Blazers over Pelicans in 6
Warriors over Spurs in 5
 
Raptors over Wizards in 5
Cavs over Pacers in 5
Sixers over Heat in 5
Celtics over Bucks in 6
 
2nd round
Rockets over Jazz in 5
Warriors over Blazers in 4
 
Cavs over Raptors in 7
Sixers over Celtics in 6
 
Conference Finals
Warriors over Rockets in 6
Cavs over Sixers in 6
 
NBA Finals
Warriors over Cavs in 5