Contenders:

Eastern Conference

• Boston Celtics

The Celtics are coming off of a season in which they lost game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Cavaliers former star player, LeBron James, in a series where they did not have all-star caliber players Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. With all of the major pieces of last year’s team returning and Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum continuing to progress, the rest of the league, even the Warriors, should be scared of the Celtics.

• Toronto Raptors

After an offseason that included losing a franchise great, DeMar DeRozan, the reigning one-seeded Raptors are in a much better place than they were a year ago. Acquiring a two-time former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard will make them a contender in the 2018-19 season, as long as Leonard is fully engaged.

• Philadelphia 76ers

After a disappointing 4-1 series loss to the Celtics, the young and talented 76ers are poised to have a breakout season in 2018-19. Adding veteran forward Wilson Chandler and a new and improved Markelle Fultz to the bench will add a spark off of the bench. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons finally playing full seasons and proving their talent, the 76ers will look to make some noise next April.

Western Conference

• Golden State Warriors

The defending champions of three of the last four NBA Finals lost two rotation players in the offseason and in an effort to compensate, added a fifth perennial all-star, Demarcus Cousins, to fill in the weakness at center. Adding quality bench pieces Jonas Jerebko and Jacob Evans also makes them even less vulnerable. Do not expect much of a drop-off from Golden State this season.

• Houston Rockets

The Rockets certainly raised some eyebrows by letting Trevor Ariza, a player who was seemingly built to play in the Mike D’Antoni system, walk away in free agency and proceed to bring in an aging Carmelo Anthony. Despite the questionable move, the Rockets still added a young and athletic player in Marquese Chriss, who will thrive playing alongside reigning MVP James Harden and all-time great Chris Paul. Houston will look to finish what they started last May in the Western Conference Finals.

• Oklahoma City Thunder

Last offseason, the Thunder went all out to improve by acquiring Paul George. While they made no moves on that scale this offseason, the signings of Dennis Schröder and Nerlens Noel were great depth additions and resigning ultra-versatile defender Jerami Grant was critical. Combining these moves with the loss of Carmelo Anthony makes the Thunder’s offseason look like a success.

Award Predictions:

Most Valuable Player

1. Lebron James, Forward (F), Los Angeles Lakers
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
3. Kyrie Irving, Guard (G), Boston Celtics

Dark Horse: Joel Embiid, Center (C), Philadelphia 76ers

Rookie of the Year

1. Luka Dončić, G/F, Dallas Mavericks
2. Deandre Ayton, C, Phoenix Suns
3. Kevin Knox, F, New York Knicks

Dark Horse: Wendell Carter Jr., F/C, Chicago Bulls

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Embiid
2. Anthony Davis, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans
3. Rudy Gobert, C, Utah Jazz

Dark Horse: Al Horford, F/C, Boston Celtics

Most Improved Player

1. Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets
2. Julius Randle, F, New Orleans Pelicans
3. D’Angelo Russell, G, Brooklyn Nets

Dark Horse: Doug McDermott, F, Indiana Pacers