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Quick Hits: - Predictions for each division’s best rookie, biggest bust, breakout player and MVP.
Best Rookie: Stanley Johnson
*Photo via Getty Images
Everyone was complaining about this pick during the draft, “The Pistons should have taken Winslow!” Then, during Summer League, Johnson proved many doubters wrong as he was very often the best player on the court averaging 16.2 points per game while shooting nearly 42% from three. He will have to be a big contributor as the 3 spot has plagued the Pistons ever since Tayshaun Prince left the team. Johnson can be a major impact player for a Pistons team that has a legitimate chance to fight for a playoff spot.
Biggest Bust: Matthew Dellavedova
*Photo via AP
Delly; everyone’s favorite Playoff hero is back again. The story about toughness, borderline dirty plays and diving on the floor for no reason was fun, but listen up, if he’s playing anything more than five to ten minutes a game, the Cavs are in trouble. He is an average backup guard – that may even be a stretch – but that is all he is. If he’s asked to do more than that (i.e. the Finals) he will be exposed. So while he was a fan favorite, do not expect much from the Australian this season.
Breakout Player: Jabari Parker
*Photo via USA Today
Everyone in Milwaukee has big expectations after a successful first season under new coach Jason Kidd. However, as we saw in the playoffs, this team is desperate for any source of offense. Enter Jabari Parker. Greg Monroe may be getting the headlines but Parker has the potential to change the entire outlook of the Bucks season. Parker has a unique skill set with a silky smooth jumper and also having the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. If Parker can turn into a 20 point scorer, the Central Division could possibly have some competition at the top.
MVP: LeBron James
*Photo via Getty Images
Could it be anyone else? He’s the best player in the NBA, and as we saw in the 2015 Playoffs, he can put the Cavs on his back with little to no supporting cast and still give his team a good chance to win the title. He had a “down year” by his standards and with an offseason without any distractions; I think he is the hands down favorite to be MVP of the entire league in the 2015-16 season.