NBA Awards Predictions: Predicting 2018-19 NBA Awards

Rookie of the Year

Prediction: Marvin Bagley - Forward, Sacramento Kings

Will Bagley be a difference maker for the Kings?

Why he will win

I don't think Bagley is the best player from the 2018 NBA draft, but he is on a team that will give him the opportunity to put up big numbers. He could average anywhere between 16-20 points per game, along with 8 to 10 rebounds a game. The Rookie of the Year Award is usually given to the player that puts up big numbers, which is the exact position Bagley is going to be in. Unlike his peers, he will be the number one scoring option and will be given huge minutes for the struggling Kings.

Why he won't win

Bagley struggles on defence. We have seen the evolution of the NBA go from big men being the focus to now small ball lineups. Being good as a big man is harder to do now than it was in the past. Bagley may have his defensive weaknesses exposed this season. Teams may focus and target him when he has the ball, making it difficult for him to score.

Other candidates

Luka Doncic - Guard/Forward, Dallas Mavericks

Can his success in Europe translate to the NBA?

Why he will win

Doncic is, in my opinion, the best player from the draft class and could be a potential superstar in the NBA. He will be the future of the Dallas Mavericks along with Dennis Smith Jr. Doncic has won every award possible in the second best league in the world at only 18/19 years old. There are questions about his athleticism, but his playmaking and versatility scoring the ball are exceptional and he could show why he is the best player in the class if he can transform the Mavericks team.

Why he won't win

He will need to share the ball with Dennis Smith Jr. and Harrison Barnes, which will deflate his numbers and they won't properly reflect his talent. Impact is not based on numbers, but the Rookie of the Year award, more often than not, is based on numbers. His athleticism is also called into question as he may not be fast enough to guard other wings and guards. Doncic will put up all-round numbers his first year but they may not be as glamorous as his peers.

DeAndre Ayton - Center, Phoenix Suns

Ayton addressing the Suns media after being drafted

Why he will win

The number one overall pick from the 2018 NBA draft is expected to be dominant on offence similar to Marvin Bagley. Ayton's dominance on offence has drawn comparisons to Karl Anthony Towns, which should excite all Suns fans. He has said how he and Booker could replicate the magic Shaq and Kobe once had. Even though those expectations are unrealistic, Ayton is a talented big man who could become one of the best offensive big men in the game in a few years.

Why he won't win

Similar to Bagley, Ayton struggles defensively. His defensive weaknesses could be exposed and be too much to overlook when considering the Rookie of the Year contenders. He also is the second option on his team. Devin Booker is expected to continue his scoring rise and be the primary ball-handler of the Suns, which means that Ayton won't necessarily get as many touches as Bagley in order to produce Rookie of the Year-worthy numbers.