The 2019-2020 NBA season is right around the corner, and everyone is ecstatic about it. Between, Zion Williamson, the Lakers, the Clippers, etc…the NBA universe has a lot to look forward to.

Predictions:

Rookie of the Year:

I believe the NBA rookie of the year will in fact be, the one and only, Zion Williamson. Despite being a diehard Knicks fan, I will not be biased and say R.J. Barrett will be the Rookie of the Year. Zion has been the most hyped player coming out of the draft since some guy named LeBron James in 2003. At every level he’s played at, Williamson has dominated, including the NBA pre-season. Even though he rocked out in the pre-season, averaging over 23 ppg, it is still up in the air, whether or not he will do it consistently. I can assure you he will continue his domination, especially since I witnessed what he did to 2-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert last week. I have little-to-no doubt that he will flourish under any system he is in. Zion has the talent to be an all-star this year, and I’m pumped to see what he can accomplish.

Defensive Player of the Year:

In my eyes, I can see Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks winning the Defensive Player of the Year. Despite being a rookie last season, Mitch racked up over 2 blocks a game, in roughly 20 minutes a night. He was only behind Rudy Gobert, who in-fact was the DPOY last season. Robinson will most definitely start for the improved Knicks roster, and if the team has a winning record by the end of the season, I can absolutely see Mitch taking home the award. Along with his shot blocking prowess, he has incredible athleticism. He can pick up positions 1-5 and his presence was extremely intimidating to all opposing offensive players, as a rookie! I don’t really see any other candidates, just because of how high this man’s potential on the defensive end really is.

Most Valuable Player:

34 year-old, LeBron James, will be the NBA’s Most Valuable Player this season. After missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, LeBron is looking for revenge. He is now partnered up with superstar Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers. That will only help him because the team will get more wins, and he will produce more because the talent on the roster is much improved from last season. Being one of the elders of the league now, James has barely lost a step, and I think this will be his best season to date. The time is now, for James, as he will be turning 35 in December. James did say ” I’m like fine wine, I only get better with age “, but sadly, all good things must come to an end in the NBA: which is why I believe that Bron will put his all into this season. Senior Carlos Cespedes had this to say about LeBron, ” Bron is about to go off. He will no doubt get his 5th MVP and I see him taking the Lakers to the promise land for their first championship since Kobe.” I see him becoming a better shooter and I also see him averaging double-digits in assists. The King will return to the throne this season, and I see no one else taking him off.

NBA Championship:

The most important thing of all, the NBA Championship. I believe, with all going well health wise, the Los Angeles Clippers will be your 2019-2020 NBA champions. After the summertime additions of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, I think that puts them over any team in the NBA, including their Staples Center roommate, the Los Angeles Lakers. PG and Kawhi are the most intriguing 2-way duo in the league. George was top-3 in MVP voting last year, averaging over 28 ppg and Kawhi being a former 2-time defensive player of the year, while having 1 ring on the Spurs and Raptors respectively, the Klaw has dominated the league on both ends for a while. The superstar duo is one of the clutchest to ever pair up, and I don’t think they will be stopped. The Clippers also have an incredible supporting cast. They have 3-time 6th Man of the Year, Williams, who is coming off of his best season as a pro. The young beast in Montrezl Harrell, looks like the modern-day Dennis Rodman, and opposing offensive and defenses will definitely feel his impact. Other than those guys, the Clippers have a great supporting cast,which is why I believe the Los Angeles Clippers will look to be too much for their opponents, and they will run their way home with the title.