Suns Podcast: Breaking down first-round matchups and NBA awards picks

In Episode 29 of the Valley of the Suns Podcast, guest Shane Young joins to talk Phoenix Suns playoff matchup and make picks for NBA awards season, including MVP, All-NBA teams and more.

Welcome back to a long-overdue episode of the Valley of the Suns Podcast, Valley Boyz and Girlz!

In Episode 29, host Gerald Bourguet is joined by special guest Shane Young of Forbes to discuss potential first-round playoff matchups for the Phoenix Suns. Now that the Suns have officially secured the 2-seed in the Western Conference, a date with the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors play-in game awaits! Bourguet and Young break down what a series would look like for the Suns against both of these dangerous opponents.

After that, the two transition to NBA awards season, making their picks for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year while also discussing which Suns could actually be in the running for those awards. Does Chris Paul have a legitimate MVP case? Is Monty Williams the favorite for Coach of the Year? And why isn’t Mikal Bridges getting more MIP buzz?

Finally, the duo turns to the selections for All-NBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams. Will Chris Paul and Devin Booker make the All-NBA cut? And is there any way Mikal Bridges misses the cut for an All-Defensive team? Bourguet and Young make all their awards picks and predictions to sort it out.

Suns fans can check out the podcast or the YouTube video below

Here’s the breakdown for Episode 29:

• Suns’ potential playoff matchups with Lakers/Warriors (2:40)
• NBA Awards picks for MVP, ROY, 6MOY, DPOY, MIP & COY (24:15)
• All-Rookie, All-NBA & All-Defensive team picks (55:15)

Thanks for listening! Please make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and write us a five-star review if you haven’t yet! If you’d prefer to watch this episode, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for the premiere at 12 p.m. ET.

Also, please make sure to follow Shane Young on Twitter and check out his work for Forbes Sports!