Five contenders for every 2017-18 NBA award

Leonard has finished in the top three in MVP voting over the last two seasons, and he's the favorite this year, according to Bovada. An elite defensive player, Leonard peaked at 25.5 points per game last season.

The four-time MVP could take on a bigger scoring role early in the year with Isaiah Thomas working his way back from a major hip injury. He averaged 26.4 points and a career-high 8.6 rebounds last season.

Durant's 25.1 points per game last season was the lowest since his rookie season, but his value was still astronomical for Golden State. If the Warriors continue to win at will, Durant seems the most likely on the team to win the MVP.

The reigning MVP averaged a triple-double last season and will now have more help after the Thunder added Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. The company could hurt him on the stats sheet, but Westbrook has also led the league in points per game in two of the last three seasons.

The Greek Freak has made great strides in his four NBA seasons, finishing with 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season. With Milwaukee expected to take a big step forward this season, he's certainly in the MVP conversation.

Ball has been the talk of the summer, and he will control the Lakers at the point. While he might not be an elite scorer, Ball very well could average a double-double in his rookie season.

Smith was a steal for the Mavs with the ninth pick in the draft, averaging 18.1 points in his only season at N.C. State. Without much of a supporting cast in Dallas, he will get plenty of opportunities to run up his stats.

After a full year off following injury, the 2016 first overall draft choice is ready to roll. He's a force to be reckoned with in the paint, averaging 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds in his only season at LSU.

Tatum has impressive offensive talent, though it remains to be seen how big of a role he will get with the competitive Celtics. He averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game at Duke last season.

The first overall pick in the draft, Fultz will have a plenty of opportunities to shine on a young Sixers squad. He averaged 23.2 points on a very bad Washington squad last season, but he has the long shot (41 percent from three) and the ability to distribute the ball.

Leonard has won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice already and is certainly one of the front-runners for the award entering this season. He's had at least 1.7 steals per game in each of his last five seasons.

The defending award winner, Green had a league-high two steals per game last season while also averaged 1.4 blocks. His focus has been more on defense after the Warriors added Kevin Durant last season.

Gobert has developed into an elite presence in the paint for the Jazz. He had a league-high 2.6 blocks per game last season.

Known as one of the top perimeter defenders in the game, Butler had an impressive 1.9 steals per game with the Bulls last season. He could get more attention this year on an improved Minnesota squad.

Whiteside is a load in the paint. He had a league-high 3.7 blocks per game in 2015-16 and led the league with 14.1 rebounds per game last season. Miami's star player is certainly in the award conversation again this season.

Acquired in the Chris Paul trade, Williams won the Sixth Man Award in 2014-15 and will have another opportunity this year. He's well-versed in the role, averaging 17.5 points and with 5.5 three-point attempts per game last season.

Averaging more than 26 minutes per game off the bench in each of the last three seasons, Iguodala has taken well to his bench role in Golden State. His contribution doesn't go unnoticed for what will likely be the NBA's winningest team again.

The defending Sixth Man of the Year, Gordon averaged 16.2 points off the bench for the Rockets last season. His role will be similar this year after Houston's significant offseason.

A starter over the last two seasons in Boston, Crowder will likely spend more time on the bench after moving to Cleveland. He's still a very important player for the team, averaging 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Celtics last season.

Moving to the bench could be just what the doctor ordered for the oft-injured Rose. He averaged 18 points for the Knicks last season and could still see plenty of starts for Cleveland until Isaiah Thomas is healthy.

With Gordon Hayward out of the way, Utah will need someone else to step up as a scorer. Hood averaged 12.7 points per game last season but should get more shots this year.

Russell's situation with the Lakers became uncomfortable after his off-court woes, but he still averaged 15.6 points and 4.8 assists during his sophomore season. He will get an opportunity to lead the Nets this season with a change of scenery.

Turner becomes the face of the Pacers after the team traded Paul George. He averaged 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last season and could be on the cusp of becoming a truly dominant player this year.

The second overall pick in last year's draft, Ingram started only 40 games in his rookie season. Now that he has more experience under his belt, Ingram should get more minutes and opportunities to use his advanced offensive game.

Booker already averaged 22.1 points per game last season, but his all-around stats were otherwise not jaw-dropping. As the centerpiece of the Suns roster, Booker has an opportunity to take another step forward in his third year.

Kerr has been on and off the court over the last two years due to back trouble, but he will hopefully be 100 percent this year. The Warriors remain the overwhelming favorites to win their third NBA championship in four years under Kerr.

D'Antoni's squad was one of last year's surprise teams with 55 regular-season wins. After adding Chris Paul, the Rockets have a chance to take another step forward.

Stevens has consistently exceeded expectations during his NBA tenure. Now the expectations in Boston are quite high after adding Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum. It would likely take at least 60 wins for Stevens to win the award, but the Celtics are capable.

Always a top candidate for Coach of the Year, Popovich has won the award three times with the Spurs. Jumping Steve Kerr and Co. will be difficult, but Popovich is an elite tactician in his field.

Donovan has done a nice job in his transition to the NBA, winning 102 games over his first two seasons. After the Thunder acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Donovan's squad has a chance to take a huge step forward.