2018 NBA Award Predictions: James Harden, Paul George top the list

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Quin Snyder talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Quin Snyder talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a layup in front of Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and gets fouled by Stephen Curry #30 during the first half of their NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a layup in front of Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and gets fouled by Stephen Curry #30 during the first half of their NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

2017 NBA Award Winners and Nominees:

(2017) NBA Most Valuable Player:

1. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

2. James Harden (Houston Rockets)

3. Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)

After taking a second look at these 2017 nominees,you have to ask yourself, how the heck was LeBron James not in the top three?

(2017) Defensive Player of the Year:

1. Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)

2. Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

3. Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)

Draymond actually has a good chance of being on this list again.

Funny enough, Gobert and Leonard both don’t have a chance of being back on this list in 2018.

(2017) Most Improved Player of the Year:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

2. Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

3. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

It’s insane to think the Greek freak is going from most improved player of the year, to possible 2018 MVP candidate.

(2017) Sixth Man of the Year:

1. Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)

2. Andre Iguodala (Golden State Warriors)

3. Lou Williams (Houston Rockets)

Iggy has been missing this season since he signed his contract, (sigh) why does that happens so often with NBA players?

Also, is Lou Williams ever not in this conversation?

Where’s Jamal Crawford at?

(2017) Rookie of the Year:

1. Malcom Brogdon (Milwaukee Bucks)

2. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)

3. Dario Saric (Philadelphia 76ers)

This award was the biggest surprise last year.

Although, this year we have a 2-man race, so could be more exciting for the 2018 list.

(2017) Coach of the Year:

1. Mike D’Antoni (Houston Rockets)

2. Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)

3. Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)

Spo was fantastic last year, if Miami would’ve gotten that eight seed he might have won.

Which is funny because the 2018 Jazz may be the eighth seed and Quin Snyder could win, what’s up with all these eighth seeded coach of the year candidates?

I like it.