It seems like the NBA had more headlines than ever coming into the 2016-17 season. Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors; legends Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant retiring; Derrick Rose traded to the Knicks to form a “superteam.” The list of important transactions seemed endless. The NBA is usually about consistency as one team is usually dominant for many years until another team takes over for the next few years. The Heat was that team when LeBron was there, and recently the Warriors have been the talk of the NBA, including last year before LeBron James’ Cavs literally stole the championship from them. This year, the inconsistency will continue as a completely new team will bring home the title.

First off, let’s start out with the player awards. Russell Westbrook will win MVP. So far, with Durant not there to hold him back, he is averaging a triple double per game and has single-handedly led the Thunder to a 13-8 record. The defensive player of the year award will go to the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard, who is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. Leonard makes plays on the defensive end night after night.

The Rookie of the Year award will go to Joel Embiid. This University of Kansas product was drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA draft but missed his first two seasons due to injury. Now, finally healthy, he’s averaging 17 points per game and 7 rebounds per game, making his presence noticeable in that young 76ers’ frontcourt. The Sixth Man of the Year award will go to Doug McDermott. The Bulls’ only true scorer this year is Jimmy Butler, so McDermott will come off the bench to give the Bulls a much-needed, three-point threat. If the Bulls are going to go anywhere this year, McDermott will be the key to their success.

The All-NBA first team will have no surprises. The best starting five that could be made is Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
My boldest prediction is that there will be a new champion this year. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs will square up against the Celtics. The Celtics will win this series and go on to the finals. I know what you are thinking: The Celtics? Yes, the Celtics. This team is seriously underrated and has two great players in Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. Their maturity will help rookie Jaylen Brown reach his full potential and will make sure everyone is always on the same page. If the Celtics trade for DeMarcus Cousins in the middle of the year and grow as a team the rest of the year, they can do it.
In the Western Conference, the Spurs will beat the Warriors. Surprising as it seems, the Warriors actually got worse with the signing of Durant, because their team chemistry is different from years past, and they do not have any depth on their bench. In the finals, I predict the Celtics will upset the Spurs. Thomas will win the finals MVP, and Brad Stevens will win Coach of the Year.