2014 NBA Mock Draft: Top 5 Prospects – Andrew Wiggins the #1 NBA Draft Prospect: Just a couple of weeks remain in 2013-14 NBA regular season, and while playoff positions are still up for grabs, many of the individual awards have been all but wrapped up. There wasn’t a lot of competition down the stretch for many of the awards to begin with, and there just isn’t much a player can do in the final couple of weeks that will offset what has happened over the past several months. With that in mind, here is a look at my picks for all of the major awards for the 2013-14 NBA season.
MVP: Kevin Durant, Small Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
LeBron James made a mini run at getting back in the conversation, but with Miami’s recent slide, Durant is a lock to take home his first MVP. He is running away with the scoring title, averaging 32.2 points per game, and he is stuffing the stat sheet on a regular basis, averaging 7.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Throw in some much-improved defense, and he has shown that he is much more than just an unstoppable scorer. Durant absolutely carried the Thunder when Russell Westbrook was out with an injury, and as Oklahoma City cruises to a division title, Durant is cruising to MVP honors.
Defensive Player of the Year: Joakim Noah, Center, Chicago Bulls
Noah is the easy choice for Defensive Player of the Year honors. He is the heart and soul of a Chicago defense that ranks second in the NBA in both points allowed and opponent field goal percentage. For the year, Noah is averaging 11.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals, and in addition to being a solid rim-protector and general pest, he has enough agility to switch on screens and keeps guards in front of him. His relentless energy and intensity is just the icing on the cake.
Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford, Shooting Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Even though he has missed some time with injuries, Crawford should still be able to take home Sixth Man of the Year honors. He is averaging 18.6 points, 3.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game, and he is knocking down 2.4 3-pointers at a 36.4 percent clip. More importantly, Crawford is exactly what every team looks for as a sixth man. He is instant offense off the bench, and his ability to create his own shot and get to the foul line allows him to keep the Clippers’ second unit respectable.
Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Shooting Guard, Orlando Magic
Michael Carter-Williams’ stats are a little better, but that is due in large part to the massive amount of minutes and shots he logs for the tanking 76ers. Granted, Orlando’s record isn’t much better, but Oladipo has put up similar all-around numbers while playing within a system for a team that is at least trying. He is averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game, and he has served as both the point guard and shooting guard for the Magic and has been the team’s best perimeter defender. Oladipo’s impact on both ends of the court and Philadelphia’s commitment to losing should tip the scales in Oladipo’s favor.
Most Improved Player: Lance Stephenson, Shooting Guard, Indiana Pacers
Stephenson has blossomed in his fourth year, and he is averaging career-highs in terms of totals and percentages in just about every category. For the year, he is averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists, and he leads the NBA with four triple-doubles. Stephenson is also a pretty stout perimeter defender, as well. He has transformed form a guy that couldn’t even score in double figures to one of the best all-around players in the game. He should take home Most Improved Player honors this year.
Coach of the Year: Jeff Hornacek, Phoenix Suns
The Suns are clinging to the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs, but even if they end up missing out, I still like Hornacek’s chance to take home Coach of the Year honors. After all, expectations were nonexistent for Phoenix at the start of the year, and after trading away center Marcin Gortat, the Suns seemed destined for a high lottery pick. Instead, the rookie coach has been able to get the team to buy into his up-tempo offense system, and he has players like Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, P.J. Tucker, Gerald Green and Markieff Morris all having the best years of their careers. I think the surprise factor will be enough to net Hornacek Coach of the Year honors.
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