Way-too-early awards predictions for the Detroit Pistons next season

Detroit Pistons: Predictions for individual awards

Rookie of the Year – Jaden Ivey

This one ought to be a no-brainer. There is absolutely no surprise here. Paulo Banchero should be the frontrunner to win this award across the league, but Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren may not be NBA ready, giving Keegan Murray and Jaden Ivey a real shot at second, if not winning the award outright.

Ivey is the perfect backcourt partner for Cunningham. He isn’t a knockdown threat from three yet, but apparently, Cunningham’s shot will get there, so the Pistons can afford to have a pure slasher. He is fine on defense, and Cunningham is able enough already to pick up any slack. Ivey is fast, big, strong, and agile enough to get to his spot or take the ball all the way to the rack. Expect nightly highlights from the young man.

The league is on notice. After the Hawks acquired Dejounte Murray, they may have the best young backcourt in the East, but not for long. Cunningham will be better than both Young and Murray soon, and Ivey is the perfect partner in crime. Usually, a top rookie needs to take the lead right away. Jalen Green, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Cade Cunningham, and Luka Doncic are all examples of that, but in Detroit this season, the pressure won’t be on Ivey as much as it could have been, giving him ample opportunity to do what he does best: ball out.

Jalen Duren could also make a case to win this award, but I think he will have some stiff competition for playing time with Olynyk, Stewart, and Bagley, so he might just not get the chance he needs.