I’m not a big futures guy, but we can all admit, futures are fun. Personally, I commit about 5-10% of my bankroll to futures, depending on what I like coming into the season. If there’s not a ton I really like, I’ll throw some beer bets just for fun. The NBA is where I have had the most success in the futures market over the years, so I’ll share a few futures that I took coming into the NBA season…
AWARDS
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
One of my favorite futures this year, I like Terrance Mann (+3300) of the Clippers to take the Sixth Man of the Year. We all saw how Terrance Mann stepped up last year in the playoffs coming off the bench and really owned his role when Kawhi Leonard was banged up. I like the Clippers to do well in the West this year and Mann is a huge part of that story. The Florida State product is a complete player whose defense and effort does nothing but create opportunities. He will see significantly more playing time this season after last year.
Brooklyn made great move by picking up Patty Mills (+750) in the offseason, and he comes into the season riding high off of his awesome performance in the Olympics for Australia. A solid all around player, I wouldn’t be surprised if voters want to root for the 11-year veteran who’s on a team that should get far in the postseason.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
With Demar Derozan in Chicago, San Antonio’s success is squarely on Dejounte Murray (+1600). His numbers should increase even more than his breakout season last year. And of course, I love guys that play defense to create more opportunities for themselves.
Lonzo Ball (+3300) looks like his shot has only gotten better since his arrival in Chicago. His long range improvement is noticeable, and if the Bulls do squeak into the playoffs, it will be because Ball finally looks like a well rounded player.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Nate McMillan (+1600) could get a make up election as Coach of the Year after catapulting the Hawks deep into the postseason last year. His coaching style clearly fit well with an offensively minded roster, the Hawks should be competitive once again.
Monty Williams (+1400) is in the same boat as McMillan, in line to be a make up choice for voters. After the Suns unbelievable run, his tenure in Phoenix is solidified. He clearly made the most of his roster in the tough Western Conference.
Every year in the NBA, it does seem like there is one team from each conference that exceeds expectation. In the East, the buzz is all about the Bulls. Billy Donovan (+1200), who has had success in the Pros and college, would be sure to get the credit.
My sleeper team in the East is the Pacers though. I like the addition of a proven Coach, Rick Carlisle (+1400), who was smart enough to get the hell out of Dallas and the Doncic takeover of that organization. If the Pacers can stay healthy, I like the Pacers’ roster to put themselves ahead of the Knicks, Bulls, and Hornets who seem to be getting the Underdog buzz so far.
Correlated with my higher opinion of the Pacers, I also like Myles Turner (+900) for Defensive Player of the Year, who has led the league in blocks a couple of years but is injury prone. Outside of Giannis to win, I think the media has worn on Rudy Gobert and are looking to give it to someone else. Good luck and have fun!
