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Kawhi looking for the exit after he single-handedly crippled the franchise
how far is the flight from San Diego to Phoenix?
2020-21 NBA Offseason thread: Officially a wrap
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by nick.,
- Start date
how far is the flight from San Diego to Phoenix?
MVP
Supporter
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Hmm Jimmy Butler was his first choice to team up in LA if I remember correctly.
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I like johnathan isaacs game on court. His choice to stand for the anthem is something else.
but I guess Orlando felt the need to retain him because for some reason Orlando can’t attract free agent fa despite the weather and the no state income tax
but I guess Orlando felt the need to retain him because for some reason Orlando can’t attract free agent fa despite the weather and the no state income tax
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South Beach Kiwi 
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KL and the Heat culture would work. The Heat is pretty deep. That medical staff/nutrition team would get his body right. Long way from his home in San Diego thkigh.
MVP
Supporter
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- Joined
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The Athletic's NBA predictions
We’re going to say a couple of things that may shock you, so fasten your seat belts: The Los Angeles Lakers are good; championship-level even. And they are popular among fans, retailers and, get this, television executives.
We know, we know. Stunning, right?
Want to know who else the Lakers are popular with? The Athletic writers, editors and podcasters. (Basically, we’ve become the prediction-equivalent of this guy.) From the Sixth Man of the Year (in this case, Men) to Finals MVP, Defensive Player and Coach of the Year and seemingly every category in between, our predictions and picks for the 2020-21 NBA season are infused with purple and gold. If we’re correct, expect to see the Lakers pass the Boston Celtics for most NBA titles with 18 as they once again hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at season’s end.
Now, on to our prescience.
Individual award predictions
Most Valuable Player
15 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
5 — LeBron James, Lakers
4 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
4 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
4 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
1 — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
1 — Steph Curry, Warriors
2019-20 winner: G. Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Doncic has gotten better at basketball every year of his life; is it that outrageous to think he’ll do it again? If he does, Doncic is the narrative favorite to win MVP this season, between his continued ascension as one of the NBA’s two or three best players and the likelihood that his team improves around him too. Will he be the league’s outright best player? Maybe, maybe not. But knowing what we know about this award, he has perhaps the most compelling case to vote for. — Tim Cato
Defensive Player of the Year
12 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
8 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
6 — Bam Adebayo, Heat
4 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
3 — Ben Simmons, Sixers
3 — Joel Embiid, Sixers
1 — Jrue Holiday, Bucks
2019-20 winner: G. Antetokounmpo, Bucks
There’s a strong case to be made that Davis should have won Defensive Player of the Year last season. Voters can sometimes be a year or two late with award results, and with Davis coming off a dominant 2020 postseason and a championship run, he’s now viewed in a different light. Even if his defense doesn’t improve this season — and to be clear, it should — his newfound reverence could earn him more votes. The departures of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard could also lead to an increase in Davis’ blocks and better on-off defensive metrics, resulting in The Brow winning his first Defensive Player of the Year hardware. — Jovan Buha
Sixth Man of the Year
9 — Montrezl Harrell, Lakers
6 — Dennis Schröder, Lakers
4 — Spencer Dinwiddie, Nets
3 — Tyler Herro, Heat
3 — Lou Williams, Clippers
2 — Jordan Clarkson, Jazz
2 — Danilo Gallinari, Hawks
2 — Caris LeVert, Nets
Others receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Trail Blazers; Davis Bertans, Wizards; Shake Milton, Sixers; Bobby Portis, Bucks; Gary Trent Jr., Trail Blazers; Yay Points, NBA fans
2019-20 winner: Harrell, Clippers
Harrell, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, should be in prime position to repeat as the Lakers’ new go-to scoring option off the bench. Schröder, Harrell’s new teammate, was last season’s runner-up for the award and would have likely been Harrell’s primary competition if not for Schröder likely starting. As we’ve seen with Williams, a dominant bench scorer can reel off multiple Sixth Man of the Year awards. Thus, Harrell is the favorite until proven otherwise. — Buha
Super-sub blurb: It’s hard to remember now, but for over 20 years, the 6MOY winners represented a wide variety of game-changers. While bench gunners such as Ricky Pierce and Eddie Johnson were recognized, so were defense stalwarts such as Bobby Jones and Bill Walton and tactical Swiss Army knives such as Detlef Schrempf. However, since 2005, only Lamar Odom in 2011 and Harrell last year have broken the string of perimeter gunners. Occasionally an All-Star level performer like Manu Ginobili or James Harden will win, but for the most part, it’s been high-calorie, low-nutrition chuckers. Yay points. — Seth Partnow
Most Improved Player
9 — Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
5 — OG Anunoby, Raptors
5 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
3 — Christian Wood, Rockets
2 — Deandre Ayton, Suns
Others receiving votes: Coby White, Bulls; Derrick White, Spurs; Devin Booker, Suns; Chris Boucher, Raptors; Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks; Gary Harris, Nuggets; Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies; John Collins, Hawks; Josh Richardson, Mavericks; Kevin Knox, Knicks; Talen Horton-Tucker, Lakers; Wendell Carter Jr., Bulls; Zion Williamson, Pelicans
2019-20 winner: Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
Porter needs to be the Nuggets’ third star next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray — whether it’s as a starter or off the bench — because of the lack of defensive stoppers Denver has. His scoring will be imperative for the team’s success. His stats jumped from the regular season to the playoffs last season as he got more and consistent playing time. That will continue this season. Porter has also been working on his defense, and that is all but sure to be improved. — Kendra Andrews
Rookie of the Year
9 — Obi Toppin, Knicks
8 — LaMelo Ball, Hornets
7 — James Wiseman, Warriors
4 — Killian Hayes, Pistons
3 — Isaac Okoro, Cavaliers
2 — Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Others receiving votes: Cole Anthony, Magic; Deni Avdija, Wizards; Tyrese Haliburton, Kings; Patrick Williams, Bulls
2019-20 winner: Ja Morant, Grizzlies
It’s easy to see why Toppin comes into this season as the Rookie of the Year favorite. He’s 22 and shot up into the lottery because of his production last season as college basketball’s best player. So the Knicks didn’t draft Toppin as a pure spec play, which is more than could be said for the players taken around him. Toppin is a dynamic finisher, a surprisingly facile passer and has also shown a willingness this preseason to start shooting 30-footers. If the minutes shake out his way — he comes in as the backup to Julius Randle in a busy frontcourt — Toppin should roll up some good numbers on a bad team that will need him to score. — Mike Vorkunov
Coach of the Year
8 — Monty Williams, Suns
5 — Doc Rivers, Sixers
5 — Terry Stotts, Trail Blazers
3 — Rick Carlisle, Mavericks
3 — Tyronn Lue, Clippers
3 — Steve Nash, Nets
2 — Steve Kerr, Warriors
2 — Lloyd Pierce, Hawks
Others receiving votes: James Borrego, Hornets; Billy Donovan, Bulls; Erik Spoelstra, Heat; Brad Stevens, Celtics; Stan Van Gundy, Pelicans; Frank Vogel, Lakers
2019-20 winner: Nick Nurse, Raptors
The Suns have as much buzz around them as they’ve had in a decade. Between their inspiring performance in the bubble and their acquisition of Chris Paul, people are expecting big things from the Suns. Williams was widely recognized for the change in culture and attitude in Phoenix. If the culture and roster upgrades are enough to contribute to a real winning season — like top five in the West — Monty Williams would be an easy favorite to win Coach of the Year. — Dave DuFour
Executive of the Year
12 — Rob Pelinka, Lakers
7 — Sean Marks, Nets
5 — Daryl Morey/Elton Brand, Sixers
5 — Travis Schlenk, Hawks
3 — James Jones, Suns
2 — Neil Olshey, Trail Blazers
2 — Sam Presti, Thunder
1 — David Griffin, Pelicans
2019-20 winner: Lawrence Frank, Clippers
For the record: This is one of the few awards not awarded by the media. So even if those of us on this side thought Pelinka was deserving a year ago, he would not have won. He still had to impress his peers, and the simple act of adding Anthony Davis to LeBron James didn’t cut it in their eyes. Pelinka finished seventh. This year will be different. Pelinka has built a completely different kind of roster around his two superstars, adding the top two bench scorers in the league from a year ago while enticing long-term commitments from both James and Davis. More importantly, Pelinka has distanced himself from the chaos and stench of the Magic Johnson years that his contemporaries may start giving him the credit he deserves. — Bill Oram
Predicted winners: Division, conference, NBA Finals
Kevin Durant will play a large part in the Nets’ ascension in the East. (Wendell Cruz / USA Today Sports)
Atlantic Division
14 — Brooklyn Nets
12 — Boston Celtics
9 — Philadelphia 76ers
2 — Toronto Raptors
The Nets have as challenging a division as anyone with three legitimate playoff teams in the Raptors, Celtics and Sixers being regulars on the schedule, but Brooklyn’s depth is superior to the rest. A healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving blew out Boston in Friday’s preseason finale while the Raptors need to replace a key piece in Serge Ibaka, who left for the Clippers. Barring disaster, the Nets should win their first division title since 2004. — Alex Schiffer
Southeast Division
37 — Miami Heat
Central Division
37 — Milwaukee Bucks
Southwest Division
35 — Dallas Mavericks
2 — Houston Rockets
Northwest Division
26 — Denver Nuggets
6 — Portland Trail Blazers
5 — Utah Jazz
The Nuggets should feel confident about winning the Northwest Division for a third straight year. Despite the roster turnover, the Nuggets have maintained their core and added seven good players. During the preseason, Denver beat Portland two times — and by 30-plus points both times — and it didn’t even look like the Blazers made the Nuggets sweat. Coming off a trip to the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets are boasting a quicker offense and strong identity, and if their upward trajectory continues, they should be able to win the Northwest Division. — Andrews
Pacific Division
32 — Los Angeles Lakers
5 — LA Clippers
Eastern Conference champions
15 — Milwaukee Bucks
12 — Brooklyn Nets
4 — Philadelphia 76ers
3 — Boston Celtics
3 — Miami Heat
2019-20 East champs: Miami Heat
In the offseason, Bucks general manager Jon Horst shook up the team’s roster to add more scoring punch and moved Eric Bledsoe, who has struggled badly in the playoffs, for All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to strengthen one of the team’s biggest postseason weaknesses. With improved play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton and strong adjustments from coach Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks should be better in the postseason and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. — Eric Nehm
Western Conference champions
28 — Los Angeles Lakers
8 — LA Clippers
1 — Denver Nuggets
2019-20 West champs: Los Angeles Lakers
Finals matchups
12 – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
8 – Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
4 – Brooklyn Nets vs. LA Clippers
3 – Milwaukee Bucks vs. LA Clippers
3 – Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
3 – Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
2 – Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
1 – Miami Heat vs. LA Clippers
1 – Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets
NBA champs
27 — Los Angeles Lakers
7 — LA Clippers
Others receiving votes: Milwaukee Bucks; Brooklyn Nets; Denver Nuggets
2019-20 NBA Champs: Los Angeles Lakers
It isn’t often that you watch a team that looked as dominant as the Lakers did last season shake things up during an offseason. Year 2 of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis partnership may be easier than the first. Instead of resting on their laurels, the Lakers got smarter and more potent. Adding Marc Gasol to an already stout defense will make things easier, but Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell are going to be able to lighten the offensive workload of the Lakers stars. Fresher legs in the playoffs for James and Davis will be a problem for the rest of the league. — DuFour
Finals MVP
22 — LeBron James, Lakers
7 — Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
5 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
1 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
1 — Kevin Durant, Nets
1 — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
2020 Finals MVP: James
James has won the Finals four times. Each time he has been named the MVP of that series. Predicting the Finals MVP is a very specific act, particularly when James is the elder statesman on a team with an ascendant superstar in Anthony Davis. The takeaway from this projection is the amount of confidence voters have in not only the Lakers returning to the Finals but also in LeBron still being the best player on his team, even at age 36. — Oram
Miscellaneous categories
Despite the drama, James Harden remains a potent scorer. (Mike Wyke/ pool via USA Today Sports)
Who’ll lead the league in scoring?
17 — James Harden, Rockets
5 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
3 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
3 — Devin Booker, Suns
3 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
2 — Steph Curry, Warriors
1 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
Regardless of where Harden suits up for the 2020-21 season — whether as a Rocket or elsewhere — his scoring acumen hasn’t shown any real signs of waning over the last few seasons. Harden’s unique brand of basketball has seen him average over 33 points a game since the 2017-18 season. His combination of high volume and efficiency consistently gives defenses a headache, and while he’s not the spring chicken he once was, his game isn’t predicated on elite athleticism. — Kelly Iko
Who’ll lead the league in rebounding?
26 — Andre Drummond, Cavaliers
4 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
3 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Others receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Heat; Clint Capela, Hawks; Deandre Ayton, Suns; Joel Embiid, Sixers
Drummond earned the vote to be the league’s leading rebounder for this upcoming season because of his resume to hold that spot in previous seasons. His role as a true center is to protect the paint and shut down the rim. He has built his game around his ability to challenge shots at the rim and grab boards. He led the league last season in rebounding, averaging 15.2 per game. Since the 2015-16 season, there has been only one year where Drummond was not the leading rebounder in the league — the 2016-17 season, where he finished second, averaging 13.8 rebounds right behind Hassan Whiteside, who averaged 14.1 per game. Drummond’s game thrives on the defensive end, and with the Cavs’ heightened focus surrounding defense this season — with Drummond as an important piece to that defensive presence in the paint and at the rim — he can be the leading rebounder in the league again. — Kelsey Russo
Who’ll lead the league in assists?
16 — Trae Young, Hawks
10 — LeBron James, Lakers
6 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
3 — Chris Paul, Suns
2 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
Young was second in the league last season in assists per game behind LeBron, and that was with playing alongside players such as Damian Jones, Alex Len, Jabari Parker and Vince Carter (and others!), who all played meaningful minutes for the Hawks last season. Atlanta revamped its roster in free agency, and Young now has much better options at his disposal who should be able to make open shots, which was not the case last year. — Chris Kirschner
Who’ll lead the league in blocks?
13 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
10 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
5 — Myles Turner, Pacers
3 — Brook Lopez, Bucks
3 — Hassan Whiteside, Kings
3 — Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
Last season, Davis finished third in the league in blocked shots behind Hassan Whiteside and Brook Lopez. Why might that change this season? Well, Lopez is approaching 33, and Whiteside appears to be in a diminished role in Sacramento. Both centers are trending downward. Davis, meanwhile, no longer has to compete with JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard for blocks in Los Angeles. He’s now the Lakers’ unquestioned rim protector and should enjoy an uptick in rejections as they use him more as their last line of defense. An unforeseen challenger could emerge, but Davis is the safest bet to be the game’s top shot-blocker. — Buha
Who’ll lead the league in steals?
18 — Ben Simmons, Sixers
9 — Fred VanVleet, Raptors
2 — Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
Others receiving votes: Chris Paul, Suns; Dejounte Murray, Spurs; Jrue Holiday, Bucks; Marcus Smart, Celtics; Paul George, Clippers; Robert Covington, Trail Blazers; Russell Westbrook, Wizards; Steph Curry, Warriors
Simmons’ size and speed allow him to get to balls that most players couldn’t dream of. But it’s his anticipation that got him to lead the league in steals per game a season ago. Specifically, he’s excellent at reading hit-ahead passes in transition and drive-and-kick passes in the halfcourt. With Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard on the backline of the Sixers defense, Simmons will still be aggressive on defense. — Rich Hofmann
Who’ll have the most triple-doubles?
26 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
6 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
4 — LeBron James, Lakers
1 — Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Doncic finished with 17 triple-doubles last season in 75 games, and he often made it look unceremonious. He’s a 6-foot-8 passing savant with a nose for the ball, so why wouldn’t he pull down 11 rebounds or register 14 assists in a single game? Who’s going to prevent him from doing that? If he nabs double digits in those categories, well, the points come even more easily. He’s an easy pick to lead the league. — Cato
Who’ll be the first to drop 50 points in a game?
13 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
7 — James Harden, Rockets
4 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
4 — Devin Booker, Suns
2 — Kevin Durant, Nets
2 — Steph Curry, Warriors
Others receiving votes: Jamal Murray, Nuggets; Kyrie Irving, Nets; Luka Doncic, Mavericks; Trae Young, Hawks; Zach LaVine, Bulls
First to score 50? For Lillard, 60 is the new 50 judging from last season, when he joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only player to score 60 three times in the same season. After finishing third in the league in scoring with a 30.0 average, Lillard says he will continue to push boundaries, as he has vowed to show off his expanded shooting range by taking the occasional jumper from halfcourt. — Jason Quick
Who’ll be your breakout player?
6 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
6 — Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
2 — De’Aaron Fox, Kings
2 — Deandre Ayton, Suns
2 — Devin Booker, Suns
2 — OG Anunoby, Raptors
Others receiving votes: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hawks; Miles Bridges, Hornets; Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks; Rui Hachimura, Wizards; Tyler Herro, Heat; Talen Horton-Tucker, Lakers; Brandon Ingram, Pelicans; Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies; Shake Milton, Sixers; Jamal Murray, Nuggets; Fred VanVleet, Raptors; John Wall, Rockets; P.J. Washington, Hornets; Zion Williamson, Pelicans; James Wiseman, Warriors; Christian Wood, Rockets; Trae Young, Hawks
Usually for a guy to break out, they come out of nowhere. We’ve known what Gilgeous-Alexander is capable of since his rookie year with the Clippers. Co-running last season’s surprise Thunder team with Chris Paul, Shai certainly took a leap. His sophomore season saw him nearly double his scoring average from his rookie year and increase his efficiency. After losing Paul and Dennis Schröder, there is no question who the top guy is in Oklahoma City. All of the signs are pointing to a huge season for Shai. — DuFour
Who’ll have the most technicals?
15 — Draymond Green, Warriors
10 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
6 — DeMarcus Cousins, Rockets
2 — Marcus Morris, Lakers
Others receiving votes: Luka Doncic, Mavericks; Kevin Durant, Nets; James Harden, Rockets; Kyle Lowry, Raptors
Fifteen is an appropriate amount of votes. Because 15 is the exact amount of technicals you can expect from Draymond Green. That’s one away from a suspension. He’s ended three of his last four seasons at 15. He pushes referees over the edge and his technical count to the edge, but then stops when a game check and one-game ban is on the line. — Anthony Slater
Who’ll hit the first game-winner?
6 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
4 — Steph Curry, Warriors
3 — Devin Booker, Suns
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
3 — Kyrie Irving, Nets
3 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
2 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
2 — Gordon Hayward, Hornets
2 — Trae Young, Hawks
Others receiving votes: Aaron Holiday, Pacers; Aron Baynes, Raptors; Ja Morant, Grizzlies; Jamal Murray, Nuggets; James Harden, Rockets; Jayson Tatum, Celtics; LeBron James, Lakers; Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Pelicans; Seth Curry, Sixers
While some on the list may not be the first person you think of when it comes to hitting a game-winner (and Hayward, with his broken finger, may be limited early in the season), this list is chock-full of clutchy, shootery, swag-filled dudes — Steph! KD! Kyrie! Bron! Book! — who can put an exclamation point on any win. Still, it should be no surprise that Lillard is at the top, not only because he can drain 40-footers with seeming ease, but he can be so damn cold-blooded about it. The question is: Will Dame Time arrive in the form of Logo Lillard as he races up the court in transition? Will it happen on a brilliant ATO? Or will he dribble out the clock from 37 feet and wave goodbye (which also gives me the chance to link to one of my favorite on-deadline stories ever)? — Rob Peterson
Which coach is on the hot seat?
15 — Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
11 — Lloyd Pierce, Hawks
5 — Luke Walton, Kings
2 — Scott Brooks, Wizards
Others receiving votes: Tyronn Lue, Clippers; Steve Nash, Nets; Terry Stotts, Trail Blazers; Tom Thibodeau, Knicks
Despite playing better defense than any other team during the regular season, postseason opponents have exposed the Bucks’ willingness to let opponents shoot 3-pointers above the break while refusing to give up points at the rim. On the other end, opponents have effectively walled Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lane. While players have underperformed at times, the Bucks have fallen short of the NBA Finals despite the league’s best record. Budenholzer has to be better this season. — Nehm
Will a team be shut down by COVID-19?
24 – Yes
13 – No
Over/under on games postponed because of COVID-19
16 – 10 games
10 – 20 games
9 – Five games
1 – One game
1 –14.5 games
When does James Harden get traded?
12 – January
9 – February
7 – Doesn’t get traded
6 – December
3 – March
With every passing day in Rockets preseason, it seems increasingly more likely that the Harden trade situation will resolve itself. Head coach Stephen Silas has said all the right things, but the truth is it’s become a huge distraction for himself and the team he’s supposed to lead. The uniqueness of the circumstances — with three years remaining on his deal — puts this saga in unknown territory, but it seems more likely than not that Houston’s front office finds a suitable deal for its franchise player sometime in the new year. — Iko
(Top illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic)
We know, we know. Stunning, right?
Want to know who else the Lakers are popular with? The Athletic writers, editors and podcasters. (Basically, we’ve become the prediction-equivalent of this guy.) From the Sixth Man of the Year (in this case, Men) to Finals MVP, Defensive Player and Coach of the Year and seemingly every category in between, our predictions and picks for the 2020-21 NBA season are infused with purple and gold. If we’re correct, expect to see the Lakers pass the Boston Celtics for most NBA titles with 18 as they once again hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at season’s end.
Now, on to our prescience.
Individual award predictions
Most Valuable Player
15 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
5 — LeBron James, Lakers
4 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
4 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
4 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
1 — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
1 — Steph Curry, Warriors
2019-20 winner: G. Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Doncic has gotten better at basketball every year of his life; is it that outrageous to think he’ll do it again? If he does, Doncic is the narrative favorite to win MVP this season, between his continued ascension as one of the NBA’s two or three best players and the likelihood that his team improves around him too. Will he be the league’s outright best player? Maybe, maybe not. But knowing what we know about this award, he has perhaps the most compelling case to vote for. — Tim Cato
Defensive Player of the Year
12 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
8 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
6 — Bam Adebayo, Heat
4 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
3 — Ben Simmons, Sixers
3 — Joel Embiid, Sixers
1 — Jrue Holiday, Bucks
2019-20 winner: G. Antetokounmpo, Bucks
There’s a strong case to be made that Davis should have won Defensive Player of the Year last season. Voters can sometimes be a year or two late with award results, and with Davis coming off a dominant 2020 postseason and a championship run, he’s now viewed in a different light. Even if his defense doesn’t improve this season — and to be clear, it should — his newfound reverence could earn him more votes. The departures of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard could also lead to an increase in Davis’ blocks and better on-off defensive metrics, resulting in The Brow winning his first Defensive Player of the Year hardware. — Jovan Buha
Sixth Man of the Year
9 — Montrezl Harrell, Lakers
6 — Dennis Schröder, Lakers
4 — Spencer Dinwiddie, Nets
3 — Tyler Herro, Heat
3 — Lou Williams, Clippers
2 — Jordan Clarkson, Jazz
2 — Danilo Gallinari, Hawks
2 — Caris LeVert, Nets
Others receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Trail Blazers; Davis Bertans, Wizards; Shake Milton, Sixers; Bobby Portis, Bucks; Gary Trent Jr., Trail Blazers; Yay Points, NBA fans
2019-20 winner: Harrell, Clippers
Harrell, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, should be in prime position to repeat as the Lakers’ new go-to scoring option off the bench. Schröder, Harrell’s new teammate, was last season’s runner-up for the award and would have likely been Harrell’s primary competition if not for Schröder likely starting. As we’ve seen with Williams, a dominant bench scorer can reel off multiple Sixth Man of the Year awards. Thus, Harrell is the favorite until proven otherwise. — Buha
Super-sub blurb: It’s hard to remember now, but for over 20 years, the 6MOY winners represented a wide variety of game-changers. While bench gunners such as Ricky Pierce and Eddie Johnson were recognized, so were defense stalwarts such as Bobby Jones and Bill Walton and tactical Swiss Army knives such as Detlef Schrempf. However, since 2005, only Lamar Odom in 2011 and Harrell last year have broken the string of perimeter gunners. Occasionally an All-Star level performer like Manu Ginobili or James Harden will win, but for the most part, it’s been high-calorie, low-nutrition chuckers. Yay points. — Seth Partnow
Most Improved Player
9 — Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
5 — OG Anunoby, Raptors
5 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
3 — Christian Wood, Rockets
2 — Deandre Ayton, Suns
Others receiving votes: Coby White, Bulls; Derrick White, Spurs; Devin Booker, Suns; Chris Boucher, Raptors; Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks; Gary Harris, Nuggets; Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies; John Collins, Hawks; Josh Richardson, Mavericks; Kevin Knox, Knicks; Talen Horton-Tucker, Lakers; Wendell Carter Jr., Bulls; Zion Williamson, Pelicans
2019-20 winner: Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
Porter needs to be the Nuggets’ third star next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray — whether it’s as a starter or off the bench — because of the lack of defensive stoppers Denver has. His scoring will be imperative for the team’s success. His stats jumped from the regular season to the playoffs last season as he got more and consistent playing time. That will continue this season. Porter has also been working on his defense, and that is all but sure to be improved. — Kendra Andrews
Rookie of the Year
9 — Obi Toppin, Knicks
8 — LaMelo Ball, Hornets
7 — James Wiseman, Warriors
4 — Killian Hayes, Pistons
3 — Isaac Okoro, Cavaliers
2 — Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Others receiving votes: Cole Anthony, Magic; Deni Avdija, Wizards; Tyrese Haliburton, Kings; Patrick Williams, Bulls
2019-20 winner: Ja Morant, Grizzlies
It’s easy to see why Toppin comes into this season as the Rookie of the Year favorite. He’s 22 and shot up into the lottery because of his production last season as college basketball’s best player. So the Knicks didn’t draft Toppin as a pure spec play, which is more than could be said for the players taken around him. Toppin is a dynamic finisher, a surprisingly facile passer and has also shown a willingness this preseason to start shooting 30-footers. If the minutes shake out his way — he comes in as the backup to Julius Randle in a busy frontcourt — Toppin should roll up some good numbers on a bad team that will need him to score. — Mike Vorkunov
Coach of the Year
8 — Monty Williams, Suns
5 — Doc Rivers, Sixers
5 — Terry Stotts, Trail Blazers
3 — Rick Carlisle, Mavericks
3 — Tyronn Lue, Clippers
3 — Steve Nash, Nets
2 — Steve Kerr, Warriors
2 — Lloyd Pierce, Hawks
Others receiving votes: James Borrego, Hornets; Billy Donovan, Bulls; Erik Spoelstra, Heat; Brad Stevens, Celtics; Stan Van Gundy, Pelicans; Frank Vogel, Lakers
2019-20 winner: Nick Nurse, Raptors
The Suns have as much buzz around them as they’ve had in a decade. Between their inspiring performance in the bubble and their acquisition of Chris Paul, people are expecting big things from the Suns. Williams was widely recognized for the change in culture and attitude in Phoenix. If the culture and roster upgrades are enough to contribute to a real winning season — like top five in the West — Monty Williams would be an easy favorite to win Coach of the Year. — Dave DuFour
Executive of the Year
12 — Rob Pelinka, Lakers
7 — Sean Marks, Nets
5 — Daryl Morey/Elton Brand, Sixers
5 — Travis Schlenk, Hawks
3 — James Jones, Suns
2 — Neil Olshey, Trail Blazers
2 — Sam Presti, Thunder
1 — David Griffin, Pelicans
2019-20 winner: Lawrence Frank, Clippers
For the record: This is one of the few awards not awarded by the media. So even if those of us on this side thought Pelinka was deserving a year ago, he would not have won. He still had to impress his peers, and the simple act of adding Anthony Davis to LeBron James didn’t cut it in their eyes. Pelinka finished seventh. This year will be different. Pelinka has built a completely different kind of roster around his two superstars, adding the top two bench scorers in the league from a year ago while enticing long-term commitments from both James and Davis. More importantly, Pelinka has distanced himself from the chaos and stench of the Magic Johnson years that his contemporaries may start giving him the credit he deserves. — Bill Oram
Predicted winners: Division, conference, NBA Finals
Kevin Durant will play a large part in the Nets’ ascension in the East. (Wendell Cruz / USA Today Sports)
Atlantic Division
14 — Brooklyn Nets
12 — Boston Celtics
9 — Philadelphia 76ers
2 — Toronto Raptors
The Nets have as challenging a division as anyone with three legitimate playoff teams in the Raptors, Celtics and Sixers being regulars on the schedule, but Brooklyn’s depth is superior to the rest. A healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving blew out Boston in Friday’s preseason finale while the Raptors need to replace a key piece in Serge Ibaka, who left for the Clippers. Barring disaster, the Nets should win their first division title since 2004. — Alex Schiffer
Southeast Division
37 — Miami Heat
Central Division
37 — Milwaukee Bucks
Southwest Division
35 — Dallas Mavericks
2 — Houston Rockets
Northwest Division
26 — Denver Nuggets
6 — Portland Trail Blazers
5 — Utah Jazz
The Nuggets should feel confident about winning the Northwest Division for a third straight year. Despite the roster turnover, the Nuggets have maintained their core and added seven good players. During the preseason, Denver beat Portland two times — and by 30-plus points both times — and it didn’t even look like the Blazers made the Nuggets sweat. Coming off a trip to the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets are boasting a quicker offense and strong identity, and if their upward trajectory continues, they should be able to win the Northwest Division. — Andrews
Pacific Division
32 — Los Angeles Lakers
5 — LA Clippers
Eastern Conference champions
15 — Milwaukee Bucks
12 — Brooklyn Nets
4 — Philadelphia 76ers
3 — Boston Celtics
3 — Miami Heat
2019-20 East champs: Miami Heat
In the offseason, Bucks general manager Jon Horst shook up the team’s roster to add more scoring punch and moved Eric Bledsoe, who has struggled badly in the playoffs, for All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to strengthen one of the team’s biggest postseason weaknesses. With improved play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton and strong adjustments from coach Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks should be better in the postseason and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. — Eric Nehm
Western Conference champions
28 — Los Angeles Lakers
8 — LA Clippers
1 — Denver Nuggets
2019-20 West champs: Los Angeles Lakers
Finals matchups
12 – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
8 – Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
4 – Brooklyn Nets vs. LA Clippers
3 – Milwaukee Bucks vs. LA Clippers
3 – Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
3 – Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
2 – Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
1 – Miami Heat vs. LA Clippers
1 – Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets
NBA champs
27 — Los Angeles Lakers
7 — LA Clippers
Others receiving votes: Milwaukee Bucks; Brooklyn Nets; Denver Nuggets
2019-20 NBA Champs: Los Angeles Lakers
It isn’t often that you watch a team that looked as dominant as the Lakers did last season shake things up during an offseason. Year 2 of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis partnership may be easier than the first. Instead of resting on their laurels, the Lakers got smarter and more potent. Adding Marc Gasol to an already stout defense will make things easier, but Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell are going to be able to lighten the offensive workload of the Lakers stars. Fresher legs in the playoffs for James and Davis will be a problem for the rest of the league. — DuFour
Finals MVP
22 — LeBron James, Lakers
7 — Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
5 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
1 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
1 — Kevin Durant, Nets
1 — Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
2020 Finals MVP: James
James has won the Finals four times. Each time he has been named the MVP of that series. Predicting the Finals MVP is a very specific act, particularly when James is the elder statesman on a team with an ascendant superstar in Anthony Davis. The takeaway from this projection is the amount of confidence voters have in not only the Lakers returning to the Finals but also in LeBron still being the best player on his team, even at age 36. — Oram
Miscellaneous categories
Despite the drama, James Harden remains a potent scorer. (Mike Wyke/ pool via USA Today Sports)
Who’ll lead the league in scoring?
17 — James Harden, Rockets
5 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
3 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
3 — Devin Booker, Suns
3 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
2 — Steph Curry, Warriors
1 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
Regardless of where Harden suits up for the 2020-21 season — whether as a Rocket or elsewhere — his scoring acumen hasn’t shown any real signs of waning over the last few seasons. Harden’s unique brand of basketball has seen him average over 33 points a game since the 2017-18 season. His combination of high volume and efficiency consistently gives defenses a headache, and while he’s not the spring chicken he once was, his game isn’t predicated on elite athleticism. — Kelly Iko
Who’ll lead the league in rebounding?
26 — Andre Drummond, Cavaliers
4 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
3 — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Others receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Heat; Clint Capela, Hawks; Deandre Ayton, Suns; Joel Embiid, Sixers
Drummond earned the vote to be the league’s leading rebounder for this upcoming season because of his resume to hold that spot in previous seasons. His role as a true center is to protect the paint and shut down the rim. He has built his game around his ability to challenge shots at the rim and grab boards. He led the league last season in rebounding, averaging 15.2 per game. Since the 2015-16 season, there has been only one year where Drummond was not the leading rebounder in the league — the 2016-17 season, where he finished second, averaging 13.8 rebounds right behind Hassan Whiteside, who averaged 14.1 per game. Drummond’s game thrives on the defensive end, and with the Cavs’ heightened focus surrounding defense this season — with Drummond as an important piece to that defensive presence in the paint and at the rim — he can be the leading rebounder in the league again. — Kelsey Russo
Who’ll lead the league in assists?
16 — Trae Young, Hawks
10 — LeBron James, Lakers
6 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
3 — Chris Paul, Suns
2 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
Young was second in the league last season in assists per game behind LeBron, and that was with playing alongside players such as Damian Jones, Alex Len, Jabari Parker and Vince Carter (and others!), who all played meaningful minutes for the Hawks last season. Atlanta revamped its roster in free agency, and Young now has much better options at his disposal who should be able to make open shots, which was not the case last year. — Chris Kirschner
Who’ll lead the league in blocks?
13 — Anthony Davis, Lakers
10 — Rudy Gobert, Jazz
5 — Myles Turner, Pacers
3 — Brook Lopez, Bucks
3 — Hassan Whiteside, Kings
3 — Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
Last season, Davis finished third in the league in blocked shots behind Hassan Whiteside and Brook Lopez. Why might that change this season? Well, Lopez is approaching 33, and Whiteside appears to be in a diminished role in Sacramento. Both centers are trending downward. Davis, meanwhile, no longer has to compete with JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard for blocks in Los Angeles. He’s now the Lakers’ unquestioned rim protector and should enjoy an uptick in rejections as they use him more as their last line of defense. An unforeseen challenger could emerge, but Davis is the safest bet to be the game’s top shot-blocker. — Buha
Who’ll lead the league in steals?
18 — Ben Simmons, Sixers
9 — Fred VanVleet, Raptors
2 — Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
Others receiving votes: Chris Paul, Suns; Dejounte Murray, Spurs; Jrue Holiday, Bucks; Marcus Smart, Celtics; Paul George, Clippers; Robert Covington, Trail Blazers; Russell Westbrook, Wizards; Steph Curry, Warriors
Simmons’ size and speed allow him to get to balls that most players couldn’t dream of. But it’s his anticipation that got him to lead the league in steals per game a season ago. Specifically, he’s excellent at reading hit-ahead passes in transition and drive-and-kick passes in the halfcourt. With Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard on the backline of the Sixers defense, Simmons will still be aggressive on defense. — Rich Hofmann
Who’ll have the most triple-doubles?
26 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
6 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
4 — LeBron James, Lakers
1 — Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Doncic finished with 17 triple-doubles last season in 75 games, and he often made it look unceremonious. He’s a 6-foot-8 passing savant with a nose for the ball, so why wouldn’t he pull down 11 rebounds or register 14 assists in a single game? Who’s going to prevent him from doing that? If he nabs double digits in those categories, well, the points come even more easily. He’s an easy pick to lead the league. — Cato
Who’ll be the first to drop 50 points in a game?
13 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
7 — James Harden, Rockets
4 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
4 — Devin Booker, Suns
2 — Kevin Durant, Nets
2 — Steph Curry, Warriors
Others receiving votes: Jamal Murray, Nuggets; Kyrie Irving, Nets; Luka Doncic, Mavericks; Trae Young, Hawks; Zach LaVine, Bulls
First to score 50? For Lillard, 60 is the new 50 judging from last season, when he joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only player to score 60 three times in the same season. After finishing third in the league in scoring with a 30.0 average, Lillard says he will continue to push boundaries, as he has vowed to show off his expanded shooting range by taking the occasional jumper from halfcourt. — Jason Quick
Who’ll be your breakout player?
6 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
6 — Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
2 — De’Aaron Fox, Kings
2 — Deandre Ayton, Suns
2 — Devin Booker, Suns
2 — OG Anunoby, Raptors
Others receiving votes: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hawks; Miles Bridges, Hornets; Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks; Rui Hachimura, Wizards; Tyler Herro, Heat; Talen Horton-Tucker, Lakers; Brandon Ingram, Pelicans; Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies; Shake Milton, Sixers; Jamal Murray, Nuggets; Fred VanVleet, Raptors; John Wall, Rockets; P.J. Washington, Hornets; Zion Williamson, Pelicans; James Wiseman, Warriors; Christian Wood, Rockets; Trae Young, Hawks
Usually for a guy to break out, they come out of nowhere. We’ve known what Gilgeous-Alexander is capable of since his rookie year with the Clippers. Co-running last season’s surprise Thunder team with Chris Paul, Shai certainly took a leap. His sophomore season saw him nearly double his scoring average from his rookie year and increase his efficiency. After losing Paul and Dennis Schröder, there is no question who the top guy is in Oklahoma City. All of the signs are pointing to a huge season for Shai. — DuFour
Who’ll have the most technicals?
15 — Draymond Green, Warriors
10 — Russell Westbrook, Wizards
6 — DeMarcus Cousins, Rockets
2 — Marcus Morris, Lakers
Others receiving votes: Luka Doncic, Mavericks; Kevin Durant, Nets; James Harden, Rockets; Kyle Lowry, Raptors
Fifteen is an appropriate amount of votes. Because 15 is the exact amount of technicals you can expect from Draymond Green. That’s one away from a suspension. He’s ended three of his last four seasons at 15. He pushes referees over the edge and his technical count to the edge, but then stops when a game check and one-game ban is on the line. — Anthony Slater
Who’ll hit the first game-winner?
6 — Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
4 — Steph Curry, Warriors
3 — Devin Booker, Suns
3 — Kevin Durant, Nets
3 — Kyrie Irving, Nets
3 — Luka Doncic, Mavericks
2 — Bradley Beal, Wizards
2 — Gordon Hayward, Hornets
2 — Trae Young, Hawks
Others receiving votes: Aaron Holiday, Pacers; Aron Baynes, Raptors; Ja Morant, Grizzlies; Jamal Murray, Nuggets; James Harden, Rockets; Jayson Tatum, Celtics; LeBron James, Lakers; Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Pelicans; Seth Curry, Sixers
While some on the list may not be the first person you think of when it comes to hitting a game-winner (and Hayward, with his broken finger, may be limited early in the season), this list is chock-full of clutchy, shootery, swag-filled dudes — Steph! KD! Kyrie! Bron! Book! — who can put an exclamation point on any win. Still, it should be no surprise that Lillard is at the top, not only because he can drain 40-footers with seeming ease, but he can be so damn cold-blooded about it. The question is: Will Dame Time arrive in the form of Logo Lillard as he races up the court in transition? Will it happen on a brilliant ATO? Or will he dribble out the clock from 37 feet and wave goodbye (which also gives me the chance to link to one of my favorite on-deadline stories ever)? — Rob Peterson
Which coach is on the hot seat?
15 — Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
11 — Lloyd Pierce, Hawks
5 — Luke Walton, Kings
2 — Scott Brooks, Wizards
Others receiving votes: Tyronn Lue, Clippers; Steve Nash, Nets; Terry Stotts, Trail Blazers; Tom Thibodeau, Knicks
Despite playing better defense than any other team during the regular season, postseason opponents have exposed the Bucks’ willingness to let opponents shoot 3-pointers above the break while refusing to give up points at the rim. On the other end, opponents have effectively walled Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lane. While players have underperformed at times, the Bucks have fallen short of the NBA Finals despite the league’s best record. Budenholzer has to be better this season. — Nehm
Will a team be shut down by COVID-19?
24 – Yes
13 – No
Over/under on games postponed because of COVID-19
16 – 10 games
10 – 20 games
9 – Five games
1 – One game
1 –14.5 games
When does James Harden get traded?
12 – January
9 – February
7 – Doesn’t get traded
6 – December
3 – March
With every passing day in Rockets preseason, it seems increasingly more likely that the Harden trade situation will resolve itself. Head coach Stephen Silas has said all the right things, but the truth is it’s become a huge distraction for himself and the team he’s supposed to lead. The uniqueness of the circumstances — with three years remaining on his deal — puts this saga in unknown territory, but it seems more likely than not that Houston’s front office finds a suitable deal for its franchise player sometime in the new year. — Iko
(Top illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic)
- 37,489
- 31,757
- Joined
- May 1, 2011
Stop it. Bags are being handed in the league no matter what color.So this dude has scored 22pts total as a Clipper, a rate of 7.3per over 3 games, and gets 64 Million? Couldn't be me. Gotta be some sort of white privilege angle here, you know his Dad or Uncle sits on the board of Directors or something, and probably like totally owns a dealership. Mans is a negative 63 over his last 5 games!
But damn, he got paid.
Lots of guys getting paid today. Is today some sort of deadline?
- 37,489
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- May 1, 2011
1.5 hour flight
- 12,742
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- Jul 3, 2012
Make it Make sense...so Clippers give the bag for WHO?!? Luke Kennard I must’ve been in coma while that name rang..they paid him and not Trezz this some funny **** 
- 27,317
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- Jan 30, 2007
Make it Make sense...so Clippers give the bag for WHO?!? Luke Kennard I must’ve been in coma while that name rang..they paid him and not Trezz this some funny ****
Trezz didn't want to get paid by the Clippers ....
- 94,253
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- Oct 24, 2010
I need kawhi do go to a good team
Or just come to the Pistons
send Blake back to lala land and let weaver put some pieces around kawhi
Toronto raptors 2.0
Or just come to the Pistons
send Blake back to lala land and let weaver put some pieces around kawhi
Toronto raptors 2.0
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- May 19, 2016
- 20,228
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- Jan 19, 2007
Yeah Kawhi gone. The jig is up.
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- Sep 12, 2014
No bag for Lonzo
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- Mar 16, 2010
Balmer minus whale sell the team if dude bounces after this year after everything they went through to get him
Still think him and his team are just keeping it close to the vest to keep his leverage Bron style and he stays in LA but God bless the Clips and their fans if he bounces...
Still think him and his team are just keeping it close to the vest to keep his leverage Bron style and he stays in LA but God bless the Clips and their fans if he bounces...
Mr Dink
formerly foamposite xi
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This would actually be a very interesting move. I wouldn’t be mad at this.
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Balmer minus whale sell the team if dude bounces after this year after everything they went through to get him
Still think him and his team are just keeping it close to the vest to keep his leverage Bron style and he stays in LA but God bless the Clips and their fans if he bounces...
What leverage? LeBron used leverage against the Cavs because he wanted to make sure Dan Gilbert did everything in his power to continue winning. Kawhi doesn't have that problem with Balmer. Also, The Clippers have already shown that they're willing to bend over backwards to accommodate him. He really can't get more leverage than he already has
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TrueWhat leverage? LeBron used leverage against the Cavs because he wanted to make sure Dan Gilbert did everything in his power to continue winning. Kawhi doesn't have that problem with Balmer. Also, The Clippers have already shown that they're willing to bend over backwards to accommodate him. He really can't get more leverage than he already has
, not even the Cavs bent backwards as much as the Clips have for him over the last year and a half.Might be to make sure he still has that sway even under a new coach and after the stories coming out about their recruitment of him. If not then yea I might be a little nervous aboit his future if I were the Clips
Still don't think he leaves LA anytime soon though personally
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Kawhi got his rings, his FMVP's and endorsements . I don't see any other thing that will motivate him to move out of LA.
aepps20
Supporter
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Because Brand/Morey got rid of Al Horford for peanuts
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Kawhi is such a weird dude. He wants endorsements and off the court opportunities and he wants to be the face of the franchise but at the same time he doesn't use social media to his advantage and he doesn't have much of a personality.
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Give me Seattle and Las Vegas. Move Memphis and New Orleans to the East.
