Sometimes you have to take a risk. And that's exactly what our experts have done in predicting which players might be named the league MVP and Rookie of the Year a few months from now. Who knows what might transpire once the league tips off Saturday. Either way, our experts see eye-to-eye on this subject for now:

PRESEASON PROJECTIONS
Nancy Lieberman MVP: Lisa Leslie Leslie is the ultimate competitor with an incredible work ethic. No matter what awards she wins, she never allows herself to think she's the best, and that's what keeps Leslie working so hard. She plays like she always has something to prove, whether it's practice or game time. Leslie plays and trains with such intensity and determination that she's only getting better. That's why she's the best player in the world today. Rookie of Year: Tamika Catchings Catchings can shoot it, take it to the basket, put it on the floor, is working on her passing and is just incredible. As great as Sheryl Swoopes and Chamique Holdsclaw are, they only have half of Catchings' pure athleticism. This kid is just amazing, and although she hasn't played in a single game, she might evolve into one of the top three players in the league rather quickly.		Mechelle Voepel MVP: Lisa Leslie With a rookie point guard, Leslie is going to have to be all the more a giant and is able to do that. She was just awesome last year, and in the WBCA All-Star game in March, she was just punishing. Leslie came into her own last season as the league's dominant player, and it doesn't look like there's any sign of her slowing down. The Sparks belong to her now. Rookie of Year: Tamika Catchings She was the best player in college a year ago as a senior. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the fruition of that because her season got cut short by a torn ACL in January 2001. Catchings is so effective both inside and outside, and she's developed into a really deadly outside shooter, which is rare for someone her size. Indiana's going to base a lot of its offense around her.