Predictions for the NBA’s 2021 Award Winners

As the final week of regular-season basketball is here, this week I will be giving my predictions as to which individuals will be walking away with an award at the conclusion of the NBA season. From MVP to Coach of the year I’ve got you guys covered on who I believe will be walking away with hardware come to the close of the season.

Most Valuable Player 2021 

Winner: Nikola Jokic

Jokic has been dominant all year and continues to elevate his supporting cast. Jokic hasn’t missed a beat despite the brutal loss to co-star Jamal Murray. Jokic has led Denver to the 4th seed and has been exceptional averaging 26.8 PPG 10.8 RPG and 8.5 APG on 56/40/86 splits. Jokic has been averaging just short of a triple-double all year and has kept Denver near the top of the Western Conference. Jokic has also been more durable than fellow MVP Candidate Joel Embiid which I believe gives him more of an edge in the MVP race. 

Runner up: Joel Embiid 

Most Improved Player 2021

Winner: Julius Randle

I remember the off-season the Knicks were supposed to make a “big splash” in free agency and get KD and Kyrie many Knicks fans were upset with the Julius Randle signing. Today, Randle has won them over and is playing the best basketball of his career while leading a Knicks team to the postseason for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. Randle has elevated his game and became the man in New York City becoming one of the league’s best two-way forwards. In 2021 Randle had his name in MVP conversations as a testament to his stellar play. This year Randle has averaged 23.9 PPG,10.3 RPG, and 5.9 APG  becoming one of the Knicks’ vital pieces for their offense. 

Runner up: Jerami Grant 

Defensive Player of the Year 2021

Winner: Rudy Gobert 

Gobert is looking to become a 3x winner of the DOPY award after this season as his stellar play has helped the Jazz remain at the top of the Western Conference. Gobert is the league’s best rim protector and a dominant paint presence, the Jazz being in the first place only strengthened his case for the award. 

Runner up: Ben Simmons 

Rookie of The Year 2021

Winner: Anthony Edwards

Despite all the LaMelo Ball hype, I believe Edwards will walk away being the Rookie of The Year after the 2021 season. With Edwards’ stellar play as of late and the extended absence of Ball, Edwards has become the favorite in my opinion. Edwards has had multiple games scoring 40+ points and has shown flashes of becoming a star in the NBA. Edwards is averaging 18.9 PPG 4.8 RPG and 2.9 APG on 41% shooting. In Edwards’ last eight games alone he is averaging 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor which is trending upwards from his season averages. 

Runner up: LaMelo Ball

6th Man of The Year 2021 

Winner: Jordan Clarkson

Clarkson has been a reliable bench scoring option all year as he has been averaging 17.7 PPG off the bench. He has been another reason why Utah has been so good this year, as he helps take all of the offensive focus off of Donovan Mitchell. Clarkson has always been a scoring threat, and this year nothing has changed off the bench for Utah. 

Runner up: Joe Ingles

Coach of The Year 2021 

Winner: Monty Williams

Many forget that the Phoenix Suns were 8-0 in last year’s NBA Bubble, with the addition of Chris Paul and Monty Williams system, the suns have re-emerged back to near the top of the Western Conference for the first time since the Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire days. Prior to the season nobody thought the Suns would emerge as contenders to win a championship which is why Monty has solidified his case as Coach of the Year. Last year the Suns finished with a 34-39 record, this year they are 48-20 (so far) really turning things around.  

Runner up: Tom Thibodeau