How ESPN predicts Steph, Wiseman will do in MVP, ROY awards

It's very possible that Steph Curry is a top MVP candidate this season.

And don't be surprised if James Wiseman captures NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

The folks over at ESPN agree.

A six-member panel believes Curry will finish fifth in MVP voting, with Wiseman finishing runner-up to LaMelo Ball for Rookie of the Year.

"Among the top two picks [in the NBA draft], Wiseman figures to have the opportunity as the Warriors' only true 7-footer, but his game is still a work in progress in terms of his defensive instincts and offensive polish," Mike Schmitz writes.

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After missing Golden State's preseason opener Saturday night -- as well as all five training camp practices last week -- Wiseman on Monday participated in practice for the first time.

"His energy was through the roof," Draymond Green told the media. "He didn't look too bad out there. Sometimes first practice you're a little giddy and all over the place -- which was the case.

"But like I said, you'd much rather coach that up than trying to tell a guy to play harder. Fantastic to see."

RELATED: Wiseman reveals favorite play from first Warriors practice

The No. 2 overall pick in last month's draft will not suit up for the Warriors on Tuesday night against the Kings, but might play Thursday night in Golden State's preseason finale in Sacramento.

As for Curry, he took home his first MVP in 2014-15 and became the only unanimous winner in NBA history the following season. But the three-time NBA champion has finished in the top-five of MVP voting just once (2018-19) in the last four years.

If the 32-year-old is a finalist this season, it almost assuredly means the Warriors won a lot more games than some analysts expect from them.

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