Hoops Habit
Fansided

Way too early predictions for each NBA Award for the 2023–24 season

By Rob Greene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
NBA Awards.
Chris Paul (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors

Yes, there is already a slight reluctance being shown towards the bench, as previously mentioned. We will see a ton of lineups with the three Hall of Fame guards. Paul will also likely start more than expected, noting some of the injury woes Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have dealt with in recent years. That does not indicate that CP3 would not be a lovable Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Like many have been voicing, the most underrated asset of Paul’s out-of-this-world basketball mind is his ability to adapt. No matter the system’s or the organization’s trajectory. That incredible IQ of his always finds a way to make a notable impact on that team’s season. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s tenure is a perfect example. Given those capabilities, if Paul were to go into the season as Golden State’s sixth man, it would be a huge boost for the Warriors.

The Dubs already did not have that strong of a second unit given the franchise’s resume. No more Poole; Donte DiVincenzo is in New York now. Their other young bench pieces failed to provide strong offensive help for a lot of the season. Speaking of what he did in OKC as the Warriors’ sixth man, Paul could be another excellent mentor in the locker room while making them better on the court.

Players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, etc. can provide more constructive consistency next to Paul, giving Golden State a deeper, more reliable bench. He has chemistry with new addition Dario Saric from their trip to the Finals together in 2021.

The 12-time All-Star will certainly receive plenty of playing time with Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green. He can also help evolve Andrew Wiggins, with them both likely playing with the second unit a good amount. Steve Kerr will have the perfect combination of Hall of Fame minds to help this team return to the championship stage after a one-year absence.

Though Paul took a bit of a backseat in his effectiveness on the stat sheet last season, finally showing his age, the potency he provides is clearly felt throughout. It was in the Suns’ first-round win over the Clippers. Really, if you think about it, it could turn out to be a perfect marriage for however long it ends up being, with CP3 getting his first ring as a honeymoon.