Predicting NBA 2022-23 Regular Season Awards

Jul 24

The NBA season begins a couple of months from now, but there are always offseason predictions for the upcoming season. So here’s a look at who I believe will win the NBA regular season awards next season.

MVP: Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks

Dončić led the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals, where their season ended after losing to the Golden State Warriors. Dončić averaged 26.6 points per game and came in fifth in MVP voting last season. The young star has shown so much promise through the earlier parts of his career, and if he can stay healthy, I believe he will win MVP.

Rookie of the Year: Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Mathurin was the sixth pick in this year's draft by the Indiana Pacers. Mathurin attended the University of Arizona, averaging 17.7 points per game. In the summer league, he averaged 19.3 points per game. Mathurin is my early prediction for Rookie of the Year as he reminds me a lot of former lottery pick Victor Olidipo. I could see Mathurin being the breakout player the Pacers need to put them back in contention down the line.

Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics

Williams emerged on the scene last year for the Eastern Conference champions averaging 10 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per game. Unfortunately, Williams got injured later in the season, which caused him to miss some time in the playoffs last year. Nevertheless, Williams controls the middle for the best defense in the NBA. Williams is only 24 years old, and I believe he will have his best season.

Sixth Man of the Year: Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors

Poole emerged as a star this season when Klay Thompson was injured, but when Thompson came back, Poole was still productive. He embraced the bench role for the champions and was a key player in their title run. Poole averaged 18 points last season, and I believe he will average around 20 points this season and have a Tyler Herro-type season for the Warriors.

Most Improved: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards is one of the most electric players to watch in today's NBA. Edwards averaged 20 points per game in his second NBA season for the T-Wolves last year. I believe Edwards will have a breakout season in the 2022-23 season, averaging around 25 points a game and leading Minnesota to a top-5 seed in the Western Conference.