Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was last year's MVP and title winner, but competition will be fierce for both trophies this season.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was last year's MVP and title winner, but competition will be fierce for both trophies this season.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James will be all smiles if his team manages to stay healthy come playoff time.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James will be all smiles if his team manages to stay healthy come playoff time.
John Minchillo/AP
Without teammates Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving helping out on offense in the NBA Finals, James suffered a big drop in his shooting percentages.
Without teammates Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving helping out on offense in the NBA Finals, James suffered a big drop in his shooting percentages.
Jason Miller/Getty Image
Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the MVP frontrunner if he can adjust to coach Billy Donovan's offense while accommodating former MVP Kevin Durant.
Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the MVP frontrunner if he can adjust to coach Billy Donovan's offense while accommodating former MVP Kevin Durant.
Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is another frontrunner for the MVP awards, coming off a stellar 2014-15 season.
New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is another frontrunner for the MVP awards, coming off a stellar 2014-15 season.
Layne Murdoch
It remains to be seen how effective 2014 MVP Durant will be after foot surgery which forced him to sit out most of last season.
It remains to be seen how effective 2014 MVP Durant will be after foot surgery which forced him to sit out most of last season.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose may be asked to shoulder a lighter load on offense under new coach Fred Hoiberg to preserve his oft-injured body.
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose may be asked to shoulder a lighter load on offense under new coach Fred Hoiberg to preserve his oft-injured body.
Getty Images
After enduring multiple offseasons of rehabilitation, Kobe Bryant could well be playing his last campaign for the Lakers.
After enduring multiple offseasons of rehabilitation, Kobe Bryant could well be playing his last campaign for the Lakers.
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/file
NCAA champ Jahlil Okafor, the top pick of the Philadelphia 76ers, is a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year Award.
NCAA champ Jahlil Okafor, the top pick of the Philadelphia 76ers, is a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Chris Steppig - Pool/Getty Images
No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves will have his work cut out for him this season, but will be mentored by former MVP Kevin Garnett.
No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves will have his work cut out for him this season, but will be mentored by former MVP Kevin Garnett.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Young Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, here with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected No. 4 by the Knicks in the draft, was greeted with gasps from New York fans.
Young Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, here with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected No. 4 by the Knicks in the draft, was greeted with gasps from New York fans.
Elsa/Getty Images
LaMarcus Aldridge, formerly of the Portland Trail Blazers, will bring a strong low-post presence to the San Antonio Spurs alongside teammate Tim Duncan.
LaMarcus Aldridge, formerly of the Portland Trail Blazers, will bring a strong low-post presence to the San Antonio Spurs alongside teammate Tim Duncan.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images