NBA 2017/18 Preview: 5 bold predictions for the upcoming season

#5 Dennis Smith Jr. to win Rookie of the Year; Kawhi Leonard for MVP

Kawhi Leonard is San Antonio's best bet to contend this season

The San Antonio Spurs have committed to their current roster for the future, signing LaMarcus Aldridge to a 3-year, $72 million extension. Coach Gregg Popovich is persisting with the team system that the Spurs are so good at.

That brings Kawhi Leonard into focus more than ever. Though The Claw is currently not fully fit and could be out of the season opener, he will be the pivotal player if San Antonio are to succeed.

The presence of emerging players like Dejounte Murray, Davis Bertans and Bryn Forbes, along with veterans like Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills and Tony Parker make the Spurs a very interesting proposition in the West, allowing them to play different styles, as they can go big and small.

Leonard averaged 25.5 PPG to go with 5.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG and 3.5 APG, incredible stats for someone still only 26. With greater responsibility placed on him, he could elevate his game to the next level this season.

Dennis Smith Jr. will work closely with Rick Carlisle to fast-track his development

Dallas Mavericks are currently in a rebuilding phase and rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is an integral part of that. He has impressed with his composure, ability to get to the rim and his shooting and averaged 12.4 PPG and 4.6 APG in pre-season.

Playing alongside developing players like Harrison Barnes and Seth Curry, apart from the legendary Dirk Nowitzki, will give him the chance to develop his game tremendously.

He will be running the point for Dallas in 2017/18 and seems like the rookie most ready to make the jump to the next level and is an early favourite for the Rookie of the Year award.