2021-22 NBA awards and Finals predictions: Will any Pistons win awards?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 13: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up the court against the New York Knicks during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pistons defeated the Knicks 93-87. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Feb 2, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) shoots against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert-Utah Jazz

This is another boring choice, but Gobert is the anchor of one of the NBA’s best defensive teams and will once again win the award.

The only way Gobert doesn’t win this is if voters are just sick of choosing him or if the Jazz suddenly fall off the map.

Related Story. 1 optimistic prediction for each Piston this season. light

I could also see Bam Adebayo winning this if Miami finishes in the top-4 in the East, or even Giannis Antetokounmpo if he finds another level or leads the league in blocked shots.

Most Improved Player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker-New Orleans Pelicans

A lot of people are picking Jordan Poole for this award, which makes sense, but I don’t think he’s going to get enough touches with Klay Thompson back to improve significantly.

I am going to take a flyer on 3rd-year guard Alexander-Walker, who is going to have a much larger role this season and should be the 3rd scoring option for the Pelicans behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Alexander-Walker only averaged 11 points last season, but scored 18+ per game as a starter, which he should be this season. If he nearly doubles his scoring average and the Pelicans make a run at the playoffs, he’ll have a good chance to take home this award. I love him as a longshot bet if you are looking for one.

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