National Basketball Association

Into the Bears' Den: Predicting awards for NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:14 a.m. ET

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May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

For this week’s “Into the Bears’ Den” roundtable, our writers predicted who’ll win a myriad of awards in the NBA, as well as for the Memphis Grizzlies.

This week, Ryan Snellings, Ian Pierno, Parker Fleming and Ryan Schmitz predicted Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year for the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies (or in one case, that was the same).

There were a lot of similar picks from our writers for Rookie of the Year, but there were some intriguing picks for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award the the Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player Award.

Next: Ryan Snellings (@rsnellings25)

Ryan Snellings (@rsnellings25)

Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

MVP: Blake Griffin

I went with him here and I plan to stick with it. Griffin can do some big things this year and with Chris Paul already being bit by the injury bug in the preseason, (please pray for the Point God), expect Griffin to shoulder the burden of the offense.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Marc Gasol

If he can stay healthy, Gasol can wreck opposing teams’ small-ball units. I expect him to have a big bounce back year and even have a shot at making the All-Star team. (though, no specified center position makes that tough).

Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard

It will be close with guys like Draymond Green and DeAndre Jordan biting at his heels, but Leonard is just too talented on the defensive end.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Tony Allen

Is there really another choice? Expect the Grindfather to be the defensive leader this year while Memphis produces a top-10 defense.

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid.

Trust the process. This guy is going to be bonkers and will take the league by storm. Dance moves and a windmill? Oh man.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

He’ll be a decent backup point guard. Expect some growing pains, but he’ll contribute through the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff run.

Most Improved Player: Kyle Singler

YEP, I SAID IT. Singler can’t get any worse, right? So the sky’s the limit. He has played decent in preseason and I think he will prove himself to be a contributor. LOOK OUT, LEAGUE!

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: JaMychal Green

He played well in spurts last season, but being thrown into the starting role will be great for him. He might be the 4th option on offense, but he will definitely still contribute and surprise a few teams.

6th Man of the Year: Brandon Jennings

I just said this so Ian will shut up.

Editor’s note: It’s never too late to hop on the Brandon Jennings hype train.

Memphis Grizzlies’ 6th Man of the Year: Zach Randolph

This is another easy pick. He has transitioned to the bench well so far and his new 3-point shot is an interesting development. He’ll probably be in contention to win 6th Man of the Year for the entire NBA.

Ian Pierno (@IanPierno)

Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

MVP: Russell Westbrook

He has the keys to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense now and more motivation than ever after being betrayed by Kevin Durant. Watching him torch the Memphis Grizzlies’ during the preseason told me a lot: he’s still going to take you to the rack and he’s still going to trust his teammates on the perimeter.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Mike Conley

With the addition of Chandler Parsons and the revamped abilities of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, it’ll be up to Conley to spread the ball around in David Fizdale’s new offense and get the most out of his teammates. Also, the only viable point guard behind him is Wade Baldwin IV, and Conley will play a crucial role in his development.

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

All too often, blocks are considered synonymous with a center’s ability to play defense. However, for Gobert, he can get blocks—he had the fourth highest block rate in the league last year amongst players who played at least 800 minutes—and protect the rim, where he was the best in the league for players who played more than 450 minutes.

Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Tony Allen

via GIPHY

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid

The man has been unreal in the preseason. I guess sipping Shirley Temples during rehab isn’t such a bad strategy. That being said, I’ll be cheering for his teammate, Cat Barber, though.

Celebrating with a Pitcher of Shirley Temples #ShirleyTemplesdidthis

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) May 18, 2016

Memhpis Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

Lil’ Westbrook on the scene.

Most Improved Player: Dennis Schroder

Oct 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Atlanta defeated Chicago 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Now that he has the full control to run the Atlanta Hawks’ offense, Schroder should be poised for a breakout year. His defense has been improving and he’s a solid distributor. If he can improve on his shooting and ball handling in pick-and-roll sets (because, hey, he has Dwight Howard now), he could become one of the most consistent point guards in the Eastern Conference.

Honorable mentions: D’Angelo Russell and T.J. Warren.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: James Ennis

Parker said it best.

6th Man of the Year: Brandon Jennings

Assuming he doesn’t take Derrick Rose’s starting job.

When bae comes to the pickup gamehttps://t.co/6wT9GYdMoE

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 21, 2016

Memphis Grizzlies’ 6th Man of the Year: Zach Randolph

Duh.

Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

Aug 12, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; United States guard Kyrie Irving (10) celebrates a victory over Serbia after the game in the preliminary round of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

MVP: Kyrie Irving

Yes, the other Cleveland superstar will take home the MVP. At 31, I expect LeBron to “coast” until the playoffs to save himself for the Warriors. In the meantime, Irving will lead the Cavaliers to a No. 1 seed by averaging over 25 points and seven assists per game.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Mike Conley

In a starting lineup where four of the five guys are 3-point threats, Mike Conley will thrive in pace and space. This could be the year Conley flirts with a 20/10 point/assist average. If the Memphis Grizzlies are rolling, it’ll be because of their $153M, All-Star point guard.

Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green.

After two years of being in the race, this will be Green’s year to win Defensive Player of the Year. Green will be the only player in the league who can surpass two blocks and steals per game, leading him to his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Marc Gasol

Oct 11, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol and guards Mike Conley and Tony Allen react during a timeout in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Philadelphia 121-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, Tony Allen could get this, too. However, Marc Gasol’s interior presence is a key component to the Memphis Grizzlies’ defense.

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid

Trust the process. This kid is the real deal.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

I agree with Ryan here. After some growing pains, Baldwin will come alive in the postseason, where he will show glimpses of being a future star.

Most Improved Player: D’Angelo Russell

Jul 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russel (1) defends during an NBA Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles won the game 85-65. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

After his horrid rookie year, D’Angelo Russell will thrive in Luke Walton’s offense. Don’t be surprised if he flirts with an All-Star bid. This will be the first of many years that Russell takes the NBA by storm.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: Troy Daniels.

Daniels has had a terrible preseason. Shooters have slumps. He will be fine. I think this will be the year Troy Daniels becomes a more complete player. It may not show at the beginning, but, aside from Baldwin, Troy Daniels will grow the most over the course of the season.

Memphis Grizzlies’ AND the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year: Zach Randolph

Zbo will demoralize opposing second unit big men and be a key cog in the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench. If the Grizzlies are a top-4 seed, you can lock up a Zach Randolph 6th Man of the Year award.

Ryan Schmitz (@XC_Gang_Schmitz)

Oct 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

MVP: LeBron James

When picking the MVP, you have to make sure that he is a part of one the top two teams in each conference. The last MVP to win without being in the top two was Michael Jordan in 1988. I think the Warriors will take away stats too much, and I think LeBron is one of the few others qualified to win. He still puts up stats and carries the Cavs. I think Kawhi Leonard has a real shot as well and my dark horse is Dame Lillard.

Memphis Grizzlies’ MVP: Mike Conley

Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives to the basket past Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) during the second half at the Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeat the Rockets 134-125. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Gasol and Chandler Parsons might put up prettier numbers, but the team goes through Conley. He’s a fearless leader and everything is facilitated through him. He has more options to assist, too, and I think he wants to live up to his big contract.

Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard

The guy is a stud on the defensive side. The only way he doesn’t win is if he gets hurt. He’s one of the few guys that can guard every position and “shut down” LeBron James. Pair his defense with his vastly improved offensive game and he’s an MVP candidate.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year: Tony Allen

I think he will have reduced minutes this year, but he is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the game. They will need him to shut down guys like Kevin Durant, and he can. Allen wouldn’t get the playing time he does if he wasn’t a top defender.

Rookie of the Year: Buddy Hield

I could go with Joel Embiid, as he is looking really good, but I think Hield is going to put up some numbers. He has one of the better chances to become a primary guy on that team and chuck shots. He has the skillset to do well and if Anthony Davis can lead the Pelicans into the playoffs, it will only help his stock.

Memphis Grizzlies Rookie of the Year: Wade Baldwin IV

Baldwin hasn’t looked the best in the preseason so far. I think he needs some time to grow, but by the end of the year I think he will be playing meaningful minutes.

Most Improved Player: Jabari Parker

This is a tough one to pick. I’m going with Jabari Parker, though, because of his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo after he started running the point last year. Jabari averaged around 14 points per game last year, but with Khris Middleton out, he’s going to have to step up his game and live up to his draft status.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player: Brandan Wright

He could end up starting this year some this year and if he stays healthy, he should be a candidate. He has barely played with the Grizzlies, so any time on the court is an improvement to me.

6th Man of the Year: Will Barton

Bringing Memphis into the sixth man of the year race with my choice. Barton is a former Memphis Tiger that has developed into a really strong player for the Nuggets. If he can up his averages from 15-6-3, I think he’ll one of the favorites. Eventually Crawford won’t be able to produce anymore, right?

Memphis Grizzlies’ 6th Man of the Year: Zach Randolph

If he stays coming off the bench, this is an obvious choice. He is arguably a top three scorer for the team and with added range now, the fans should be excited.