Upcoming Season Predictions

The pre-season is the perfect time to make predictions for the upcoming season. NBA analysts and pundits have been busy at work creating their own models in an attempt to predict conference winners, seeding and seasonal award recipients. The following are my predictions for the upcoming season:

•  NBA Champion - Cleveland Cavaliers: An unpopular choice among most analysts who expect the new-look Warriors to win, Cleveland still has the championship edge and pedigree from their amazing title run last season and have it in them to make another run.
• Eastern Conference Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers
• Western Conference Champion: Golden State Warriors 
• MVP - Russell Westbrook: With the departure of teammate Kevin Durant, the floodgates have opened for Russell Westbrook to put up historical numbers en route to a historic MVP season. There are question marks around the talent of his teammates but a herculean effort from the dynamic point guard will capture his first league MVP title.
• Defensive player of the year - Kahwi Leonard: The best perimeter defender in the game looks set to make another run for the defensive crown.
• Most improved player - Devin Booker: The talented 2nd year player showed glimpses of stardom in his rookie year and looks set to make a large increase in his scoring production this season.
• Rookie of the year - Brandon Ingram: With the injury of favourite Ben Simmons, the stage is set for Brandon Ingram to impressive with an stellar rookie season.