Opinion - comedian James Nokise presents his picks for the big guns of this NBA season, which opened this week.
Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks looks to pass during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
In some ways the beginning of the NBA season is the most fun part. Nothing is certain, and even juggernaut teams like the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have had enough pre-season issues to provide doubts to their inevitability.
Who then will lift the various trophies come seasons end? Sure, you could back frontrunners like Luka Doncic, Rudy Gobert, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the "Evergreen" Lebron James.
But why not broaden your basketball horizons and, over the next six months, cheer on some dark horses in the award races.
Donovan Mitchell, left, playing for the USA, trying to intercept Patty Mills of Australia. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2019
Most Valuable Player: Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
A reminder that most valuable doesn't always mean best in league. While most eyes are on Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns to jump into the MVP conversation, 'Spider' Mitchell quietly finished last season with a higher scoring average (26.4), on the team with the best record.
This pick is all about Mitchell's mentor, and new Jazz part owner, Dwyane Wade. If the 2006 Finals MVP manages to pass on his defensive prowess to the 25 year old All Star, opponents will be in for quite a shock.
Jimmy Butler Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Defensive Player of the Year: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Anthony Davis may be the best current defensive player to never win the award, but a close second is arguably Jimmy Butler.
Miami is built this year for defence, with an absolute wrecking crew of a starting five. If they finish as the top defensive team then Butler, who led the league in most steals per game last year and is the teams defensive leader, could add another trophy to his 2015 Most Improved player.
Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Rookie of the Year: Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder
Don't worry if you've never heard of Josh Giddey. The 6'8 Australian comes direct to the NBA from the NBL, just like last year's rookie sensation, LaMelo Ball.
He doesn't have the scoring game of No.1 and 2 draft picks Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green, but Giddey led the NBL last year with 7.6 assists, to go with 7.3 rebounds and 10.9 points.
Being at OKC should allow him big minutes next to one of the leagues hottest young scorers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If the Thunder is half decent, Giddey's gotta get it.
Sixth Man: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls plays against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
The man with one of the NBA's most entertaining fanbases and two of its greatest nicknames (The Bald Eagle, Carushow) has a genuine chance, but stiff competition from around the league.
An explosive and underrated scorer, Caruso learned at the foot of Lebron James for three seasons before signing to Chicago, making him a sixth man with something to prove.
His strong defence and often overlooked passing skills should have him close out games where coach Billy Donovan opts to go small.
Most Improved Player: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
Before he fractured his hand last February, 23 year old Mitchell Robinson was anchoring the defensive renaissance of Thom Thibodeau's New York Knicks.
The seven foot tall centre is a shot blocking machine - think a more athletic Rudy Gobert - who broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for highest field goal percentage in a season.
Interestingly, Robinson has yet to play more than 28 minutes a game, but is essential to taking defensive pressure off All Star Julius Randle, and to the New Yorks' continued development.
Coach of the Year: Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
How can one of the NBA's all time greatest coaches, fresh off an Olympic Gold Medal, be a dark horse for the award?
Well for starters, the 2021 San Antonio Spurs may be the worst team he's ever coached, with no All Stars and only one All NBA Defensive Player (Dejounte Murray).
If anyone but Coach Pop was in charge then the Spurs would be guaranteed last place. But there's a belief the 72 year old has held off on retirement precisely for this challenge, and to better build up a roster for eventual successor (and current assistant coach) Becky Hammon.
Frankly, title or not, if the Spurs make the playoffs with this team, Popovich is a shoo-in.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (left) tries to get past Kent Bazemore of the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA season opener on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Champion: Golden State Warriors/ Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Yes they're popular, but the iconic GSW haven't exactly been successful since Kevin Durant left. Their well-publicised injury problems have led to two seasons of treading water, and now Steph Curry is 33 years old.
And as much as Lebron James has built the LA Lakers to come out of the West, they're a larger, older team who'll require careful management over the season to avoid the disappointing end from last year.
The Warriors have gone back to basics, with a speedy defensive formula not dissimilar to their 2015 championship build. The fact Curry didn't win Finals MVP that year is all the motivation he needs to keep chasing not only a fourth ring, but the one award missing from his illustrious career.
*James Nokise is a Billy T Award-shortlisted New Zealand comedian, and a long-time fan of the NBA.
