The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: 2019-20 NBA award predictions

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

AJ Iezzi

  • MVP — Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
  • Defensive Player of the Year — Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
  • Sixth Man of the Year — Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers
  • Most Improved Player — Luke Kennard, Detroit Pistons
  • Rookie of the Year — Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
  • Coach of the Year — Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1st Team All-NBA
    • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
    • James Harden, Houston Rockets
    • LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
    • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
    • Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
  • 2nd Team All-NBA
    • Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
    • Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
    • Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
    • Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
    • Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
  • 3rd Team All-NBA
    • Mike Conley, Utah Jazz
    • Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets
    • Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
    • Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons
    • Al Horford, Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1st Team All-Defense
    • Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
    • Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
    • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
    • Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
    • Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
  • 2nd Team All-Defense
    • Patrick Beverley, Los Angeles Clippers
    • Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
    • Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
    • Robert Covington, Minnesota Timberwolves
    • Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1st Team All-Rookie
    • Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
    • R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks
    • Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves
    • Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
    • Eric Paschall, Golden State Warriors
  • 2nd Team All-Rookie

Zion might end up as the best rookie by the end of the year, but Ja Morant will play a larger role on offense. He’s a nightly double-double threat. During a season with no expectations, Morant’s most important task will be finding cohesion with Jaren Jackson Jr.. On the other hand, Zion will be on a competitive team while sharing touches with JJ Redick, Jrue Holiday, and a hoard of young players.

Brett Brown will take a new starting lineup, while managing the workload of Joel Embiid and push 60 wins and a top two seed. It’ll feel like a cumulative award for a coach that’s done so much for the franchise. BB has a stellar reputation around the league and this award will be a testament to that. Mike Malone and Doc Rivers will finish closely behind.

Luke Kennard could be the x-factor in the Pistons being sneaky interesting. His skill-set will be on full display, and by the end of the year he’ll be the best guard on the team. He’s got the instincts and playmaking to raise eyebrows this season. His numbers may dip due to an increase in volume, but Kennard is a prime candidate to make the next step.

Draymond Green is still Draymond Green. He’s one of the best defenders of all time, and he’ll be playing all year like his hair is on fire. Steph Curry and Draymond have no choice but to unleash on the NBA. Klay’s absence cannot be understated, but Curry will go nuclear and keep the team afloat, while incorporating D-Lo. The Warriors will go through ups and downs but ultimately end the spring as a team nobody wants to play.