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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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 24: Isaiah Thomas #0 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the Denver Nuggets Media Day at the Pepsi Center on September 24, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 24: Isaiah Thomas #0 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the Denver Nuggets Media Day at the Pepsi Center on September 24, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Winner: Isaiah Thomas

IT had a bad year last season. He was never a good fit in Cleveland next to Lebron James and even though he improved considerably after joining the Los Angeles Lakers, he still struggled to remain efficient. With a full offseason to shake off any lingering health issues, Thomas should come back strong for the Denver Nuggets.

He will likely never regain his Boston Celtics form but he can still light it up in a hurry. Coming off the bench for a Nuggets team with a very solid starting five but lacking many scoring options off the bench is a perfect role at this point in his career. He will get plenty of shots up and could very well end up forming a dynamic duo with the rim running Mason Plumlee, who compliments his game nicely.

He may have a hard time staying efficient again, but that has never been much of an issue for former sixth man winners.