National Basketball Association

NBA: Way-Too-Early 2016-17 Award Predictions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:02 p.m. ET

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May 10, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry with the 2015-2016 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With NBA training camps opening this week, we roll out our way-too-early 2016-17 NBA regular season award predictions

As NBA training camps open this week, it’s safe to say that the 2016-17 NBA season is right around the corner.

The official regular season won’t start for another few weeks, but we’re schedule to get some live basketball action later this week when the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors tip off the NBA’s preseason schedule Oct 1 in Vancouver.

In preparation for the new season, this is the ideal time to begin to get in front of a few of the NBA regular season awards, and handicap the race for the vast public.

Who will win the NBA MVP award, the COY and the DPOY award? We make our way-too-early award predictions.

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Of The Year: Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves

Tom Thibodeau has a great group of young talent around him in Minnesota. With Zach LaVine, rookie Kris Dunn and Ricky Rubio in the backcourt and Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt, the sky is the limit for this Wolves group.

With a young core surrounded by savvy vets like Tayshaun Prince, Jordan Hill and Brandon Rush, the Timberwolves could be a force to reckon with in the Western Conference this season.

Rounding out the top 5 in the Coach of the Year race:

Next: MVP Award

Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts and celebrates after he shoots a three from midcourt to force the game to go into overtime against the Orlando Magic during the last seconds of the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Most Valuable Player: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

With the departure of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook is now in the driver’s seat for the OKC Thunder. I think Westbrook could easily average a triple-double this year, joining “The Big O” as the only players to do so in NBA history.

Westbrook plays the game with a “Jordan-like” passion and it will pay off when he is standing at the podium accepting the 2016-17 NBA MVP award.

Rounding out the top 5 in the MVP race:

Next: ROY Award

Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie Of The Year: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons and LeBron James are often compared for a few reasons – most notably, their versatility, athleticism and their ability to get their teammates involved.

I believe Simmons will average 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his rookie season. In the process, he’ll run away with the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. Plus, he should get a lot of work on Philly’s extremely young roster. Probably more than any other rookie in this class.

Rounding out the top 5 in the ROY race:

Next: DPOY Award

May 25, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (left) looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (right) defends in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Player Of The Year: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Kawhi Leonard has everything going for him, its hard not to give this guy the award.

Night-in and night-out, he’s giving his all on the defensive side of the ball while guarding the other team’s best player. The best part about it is that he is all business, a stone cold killer who shows no emotion. In other words, he’s the typical San Antonio Spur.

Rounding out the top 5 in the DPOY race:

Next: 6MOY Award

Apr 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

6th Man Of The Year: Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers

Jamal Crawford seems to be in the race for 6th Man of the Year every season. This is because he is so good at his job, which includes coming off the bench and lighting up the opposition from the moment he checks into the game.

Crawford is one of the best “pure scorers” in the NBA. Assuming health, I believe he will pull out another 6th Man of the Year award this upcoming season.

Rounding out the top 5 in the 6MOY race:

Next: MIP Award

May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Most Improved Player Of The Year: Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks

Harrison Barnes is going to shine in Dallas being the secondary option. In Golden State, he was the 4th, on a good night, scoring option. Playing alongside a hall-of-famer in Dirk Nowitzki, Barnes will see a lot of touches and be asked to produce a lot more than he was in Golden State.

Look for Harrison Barnes to show the rest of the NBA why he WAS worthy of the max contract that he signed this summer.

Rounding out the top 5 in the MIP race:

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