Awards Predictions at the Quarter Mark

NOTE: Hey guys. I apologize for the lack of content over the last month or so, it has been very hard to balance my social life and school and I have not had any good content to write about. I am all about quality over quantity so that is another reason I haven’t just put out an boring bad article every week. Thanks to the loyal readers who have still been visiting the site.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have passed the quarter mark of the NBA season, this is now a time where the great teams separate themselves from the good, and flukey teams become exposed. But here at The Bankshots, its time to give my predictions on who will win the major awards when the end of the season rolls on around.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers

Every game I watch Embiid play, I am more and more amazed. He's averaging north of 18 points per game, blocking 2.5 shots and grabbing around seven rebounds. But the truly amazing part of those stats? Embiid is doing all that in 23 MINUTES PER GAME. Trust the process.

Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green, PF, Golden State Warriors

It's his time. After getting snubbed last year (in my opinion) he's playing some of the best all around defense I have ever seen. Whether it is blocks, steals, on-ball pressure, poise, Draymond is doing all of that. If he doesn't with the DPOY, I will be disgusted.

Most Improved Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Everything, Milwaukee Bucks

Really, what can this man not do? I had a feeling that The Greek Freak would make his leap to stardom eventually, but this much improvement this quick? I had absolutely no idea this was possible from him. Giannis leads the Bucks in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Caveliers

I've been saying this since the start of the season that King James would win the MVP. All he has done this season has just asserted my claim. Averaging over 25 points, with 9 assists and around 8 rebounds to go along with a 26.6 player efficiency rating. MVP! MVP! MVP!