Predicting which Warriors could contend for NBA awards

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It has been a few years since a member of the Warriors has won a major NBA award, due to a combination of several factors: the team's nonchalant play in the regular season at the end of their dynasty, the health of their stars, the overall Warriors fatigue within the national media and, of course, a last-place record last season.But could the Warriors return to the podium this season?Here are the Warriors that could be candidates for the major awards this year, and who I believe ultimately will win them.

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1/6

Alen Smailagic. Next question.

All joking aside, the obvious candidate is Steph Curry and the reason is simply that he has the ability to lift a revamped roster -- still decimated by the loss of Klay Thompson -- to great heights, and exceed the expectations of many, including the national media. If Curry stays healthy for the majority of the season, averages more than 30 points per game and leads the Warriors to a top-four or five seed in the Western Conference, then he surely will be a top candidate for the award.

My prediction: Kevin Durant

I do think Curry can finish in the top three of MVP voting, but at the end of the day, Durant looked fantastic in the preseason and if he remains healthy throughout the regular season, he'll have the numbers, record and storyline to win it.

2/6

Just like you can put Curry in the MVP conversation every season, Draymond Green's name should be mentioned in the Defensive Player of the Year category. I mean, the guy already won the award once.

In the last few seasons, Green's health and motivation during the regular season has taken him out of the running as a candidate, but if the Warriors are to regain their footing in the West, they will need Green to revert back to his award-winning days. If you watched him in the 2018-19 playoffs, you would know that Green still has the ability to turn it on and become the defensive beast and mastermind we all remember. He just needs to do it over the 72-game regular season.

My prediction: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is sensational on that end of the floor -- and the other end, for that matter. He does a lot of the things that Draymond does, but with a massive 6-foot-11 frame. Green will have to play almost the entire season, and play like he did in his prime days, each and every night to dethrone a player like Giannis.

3/6

Steve Kerr did not get the credit he deserved for leading a group of superstars, and their egos, to five straight Finals appearances. He won a Coach of the Year award towards the beginning of their run, but once Durant joined the squad, voters just assumed that Kerr's job was too easy to give him the credit he deserved.

This season, Kerr will get all the credit in the world if he leads this new group to a high seed in the West. The expectations are low for the Warriors, so overcoming the naysayers and contending in the conference is a sure-fire way to get some votes.

My prediction: Steve Nash

The Brooklyn Nets are stacked, but most assume that Nash will have his hands full behind the scenes with Kyrie Irving and Durant. If the Nets end up with one of the best records in the East, then the first-year head coach will be at the front of the line for the award.

4/6

All the top picks in the 2020 NBA Draft have their flaws, as they all are very young and pretty raw. Usually, the worst teams can afford to give their rookies more playing time, thus putting them in position to put up the numbers to win the award, but since Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and other top picks could face a steep learning curve, the award should be up for grabs.

James Wiseman only played in three college basketball games, and never made it into live action in the NBA preseason. What he can bring every night in the best league in the world is completely unknown. However, being on a potentially good team, surrounded by players like Curry and Green, and frequently playing in the national spotlight will give Wiseman a leg up on other rookies. He might not have to dominate to win the award, but if he can average a double-double and be a defensive force, then he absolutely will be a prime candidate.

My prediction: Wiseman

I'm just not convinced that any of the top rookies are ready to put up gaudy numbers this season. Someone like Obi Toppin could impress with the New York Knicks, but the national spotlight around the Warriors should considerably help Wiseman's candidacy.

5/6

This award has not been in the Warriors' reach since Andre Iguodala left the team, but if any member of Golden State has a fighting chance at making a name for himself as a top bench player, it's Eric Paschall. It is highly unlikely he will have the opportunity or requisite shot attempts to put up the numbers one would expect from the award-winner, but if he can be a reliable scorer and defender off the bench for the Warriors, then the team will be that much better. There is no "I" in "team", right?

My Prediction: Montrezl Harrell

He won the award last season, and now is on a Lakers team that continuously will be in the national spotlight and will utilize him in a similar way.

6/6

Can a player average fewer points than his typical output and win the award? Probably not, but if Andrew Wiggins breaks his reputation and becomes a highly efficient scorer and plus-defender, then he might actually steal a couple votes.

Kelly Oubre Jr. averaged 18.7 points per game last season, and probably would fall into the same conversation as Wiggins for a player improving his efficiency and defense. This award does not seem like it is well-suited for the Warriors. Perhaps Green returning to his prime glory days could sway a voter or two? I'm reaching now.

My Prediction: Michael Porter Jr.

I had considered choosing Markelle Fultz, but I think MPJ will put up some big scoring nights to inspire voters to choose him for the award.

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