NBA: Award tips: LeBron back on the throne?

The Regular Season is just around the corner (Opening Night: Both games live on DAZN from 2am)! Who gets the MVP trophy? Who will be Most Improved Player, who is the best defender and rookie? The SPOX editorial team dares to make forecasts – and agrees on many things.

Ole Frerks: Justise Winslow.

This should be Dejounte Murray. But also Winslow is a good choice – still only 22 years old, the Swingman is ready for a jump after he was injured for such a long time in year two and missed almost a whole year. Already last year was with a nearly doubling of his triple quota a big step, now beckons even more playmaking and a bigger role.

Florian Regelmann: D’Angelo Russell.

It’s gonna be a brutally important season for Russell, his rookie deal’s coming to an end. In 2015 he was the second overall pick of the Lakers, injuries threw him back again and again, the Lakers sent him away to the Nets, but now he seems to have just the right coach with Kenny Atkinson. Russell’s gonna explode.

Philipp Jakob: Brandon Ingram.

As early as 2017/18, the 21-year-old forward flashed through what he was made of. At LeBron’s side, he can now be expected to take another enormous step forward.

Robert Arndt: Jamal Murray.

I’m a little sceptical about the health of Isaiah Thomas, so I believe in a great year for the Canadian, who could of course also play alongside IT. Denver will finally reach the playoffs again this year and that because Murray will play over 20 points on average.

Lennart Gens: Lance Stephenson.

Born Ready plays best when he’s really up for it. At the Showtime Lakers he translates this desire into a lot of highlights and his best NBA season so far.

Gianluca Fraccalvieri: Brandon Ingram.

This season the No.2-Pick of 2016 makes its big breakthrough! He will be one of the biggest profiteers of LeBron’s move to L.A., getting good throws and finally unfolding his great assets.

Marc-Oliver Robbers: Markelle Fultz.

Injuries, a lack of self-confidence and malice determined his rookie season. But this is supposed to be over now. In summer he worked intensively and probably successfully on his litter. In addition, the now clear team hierarchy with Simmons and Embiid as the leader is a welcome addition. Good conditions for a new beginning in the shadow of the two.

Laif Karl: Jabari Parker.

Actually, I just didn’t want to take the boring pick, Markelle Fultz. Parker is now in a new situation, can finally play Small Forward again and will score well with the Bulls. Let’s hope he doesn’t get hurt.

Page 1: Most Improved Player

Page 2: Coach of the Year

Page 3: Defensive Player of the Year

Page 4: Sixth Man

Page 5: Rookie of the Year

Page 6: Most Valuable Player

Page 7: Finals pairing

Page 8: Master