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Quick Hits: - Predictions for each division’s best rookie, biggest bust, breakout player and MVP.
Best Rookie: D'Angelo Russell
*Photo via Getty Images
D'Angelo Russell will provide the L.A. Lakers with not only the passing ability that has been lacking over the last three seasons as well as a long term solution at point guard. In addition, D'Angelo Russell has the length and the versatility to contend with point guards like Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, and Chris Paul, who have been exploiting the Lakers for years.
Biggest Bust: Nick "Swaggy P" Young
*Photo via Getty Images
Nick Young will be this Season "Biggest Bust" not just because his play on the court, but his persona off of it. What I mean by this is it seems like Nick Young is more worried about the lime light as "Swaggy P" instead of focusing on how to improve his game on the court. I have stated this before he could still be a solid player in this league he is two years removed from the "NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award" mentions. Nick Young is now 30 years old and let me quote in reference to Everett WA, up and coming hip-hop artist “J-Key", he is not a kid anymore.
Breakout Player: Jordan Clarkson
*Photo via USA Today
Jordan Clarkson is going to be this year’s breakout player in the Pacific Division. Last year he made the All-Rookie Team and I feel he will be the heir apparent to succeed Kobe Bryant when he finally hangs them up. He will definitely be the go to guy this season and I see him averaging 15 to 24 points a game. Jordan's length and versatility will also have him in the conversation for the NBA "Most Improve Player Award"
MVP: Chris Paul
Let’s not kid ourselves, this is still Chris Paul’s division and he is the anchor that has made this Los Angeles Clippers squad a NBA Finals contender over the last couple years. I think with the addition of talent like Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce, this team will be poised to make a deep playoff run. In fact, I could see the whole starting five in All Star uniforms for the Western Conference this year. Be on the lookout for Chris Paul to make a run at league MVP.