New Orleans Pelicans: Way too early NBA awards predictions

New Orleans Pelicans: Early choices for Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year

Rookie of the Year

Patrick Williams

This year’s ROY is tough because there isn’t really a frontrunner. None of the players in the top-3 have really stood out so far, although that could change.

So far, it’s been guys like Tyrese Maxey and Isaac Okoro who have been most impressive, but I don’t think either of them will get the playing time (Maxey) or gaudy offensive stats (Okoro) to take home the award.

Instead, I predict Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls will win Rookie of the Year.

He has looked explosive so far in the early going and will get the playing time on the awful Bulls to rack up numbers.

Williams has a “young Kawhi Leonard” feel to him and could end up being the best pick in this draft, something the Bulls haven’t been able to say since they drafted Derrick Rose.

Defensive Player of the Year

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Anthony Davis will probably miss time with an injury, something he did all too much with the Pelicans, which will hurt his candidacy.

Also, I think voters will get tired of voting for Giannis for MVP (even though he clearly is) so they will give him some kind of reward and this will be it.

Giannis is a force of nature on defense, covering the entirety of the paint with his wingspan and generally making everything difficult for everyone.

He’s the best defensive player in the league and will be rewarded.