NBA: Predicting the 2018-19 regular season award winners

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 4, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bucks 111-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 4, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bucks 111-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 6: Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half at TD Garden on December 6, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Mavericks 97-90. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 6: Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half at TD Garden on December 6, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Mavericks 97-90. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Winner: Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

One of the absolute best coaches in the league has yet to be recognized with the award. Expect that to change this season. The Celtics were great last year and are primed for an even bigger season with their highest paid player, Gordon Hayward, now healthy after missing an entire season with a fractured tibia and Kyrie Irving also healed up from the knee injury that cost him the end of the regular season and playoffs.

They didn’t lose any key contributors and the dynamic young duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will be another year older. They could run away with the East as Toronto builds chemistry and acclimates their new players to the system.

With the best record in the east and a top 3 overall record Stevens should have no problem finally bringing home the award.