The NBA Awards are always in the spotlight all. This year, narratives across the league have all seemingly led back to the various awards. From the Milwaukee Bucks’ domination of the East, to James Harden’s never-ending scoring run and the Denver Nuggets’ surprise run to the top of the West, the league has been exciting since opening night. Fellow PerSources writer Yaw Bonsu and I take a look at the favorites for each award.
Most Valuable Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Oisín Browne)
Antetokounmpo has been absolutely balling for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, guiding them to the top of the NBA. The Bucks have dominated the East, with only the Toronto Raptors coming close to Giannis’ side. “The Greek Freak” has been a monster on both ends, averaging 27 points, nearly 13 rebounds, 6 assists, as well as 1.4 blocks and steals per game. He has the best net rating on the court out of the three main candidates for the award (+13.7). He even slightly edges out James Harden when it comes to total win shares (10.6 to 10.5).
Giannis is simply the best player in the league this season. With LeBron’s absence and the constant
James Harden (Yaw Bonsu)
Who else would it be? Bucks SF Giannis Antetokoumpo and Thunder SF Paul George both have justifiable arguments, but Harden has been on another level this season. He’s notched 32 straight games with 30+ points, and it doesn’t stop there.
On the season, he’s averaging 36.5 points (first in the NBA), 6.6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists (sixth in the NBA). Harden is simply on an unprecedented tear that can’t be stopped.
There has been criticism all year in regards to his usage rate and that being the reason for his high stats. But, in reality, it remains to be seen if another player can do what Harden has been doing. Take Harden off the Rockets, and they’re just another above average team at best. Harden’s scoring and playmaking has propelled to new heights previously unimaginable to fans and media alike.
Honorable mention: Paul George
Defensive Player of the Year
Paul George (Yaw Bonsu)
If there’s anyone better positioned to win two awards this season, it’s Paul George. Not only is PG getting it done on the offensive side of the ball to put him as an MVP candidate, but he’s also one of the best two-way players in the league.
Along with averaging career-highs in points (28.7), assists (4.1), and field goal percentage (54.6%), George has been just as efficient on the defensive side. He’s averaging the most steals in the NBA at 2.3 per game. Even with someone like PG Russell Westbrook on his team, George manages to handle any matchup that comes his way. Whether it’s the best player on the team or the eighth man off the bench, George locks up on defense.
In addition, George is keen at forcing turnovers, as he brings pressure as soon as his matchup hits half-court. George has even held his own against G James Harden, who we all know is unstoppable this season. PG’s as great of a defender as they come, and this year truly can be his. Sixers’ C Joel Embiid has come out and said that he thinks he’s the best defensive player in the league, but that’s not the case. Raptors F Kawhi Leonard always has a case for this award as well, but this is Paul George’s award to lose.
Rudy Gobert (Oisín Browne)
Gobert has continued his immense defensive form this season, with 2.2 blocks per game as well as just slightly under a steal per game as well. With the Jazz climbing back to the sixth seed in the West after a terrible start, Gobert has to get a lot of credit.
The stats can only say so much, but Gobert is their main man on defense. When he’s on the court, the Jazz have a Defensive Rating of 102.6, which rises to 105.8 when he’s off the court. His value to the team can’t be underestimated. While it’s neck-and-neck between Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid, it seems that Gobert just about edges it.
Honorable mentions: Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard
Rookie of the Year
Luka Doncic (Yaw Bonsu)
If this award was not obvious enough, Luka is the rightfully deserving recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award. The rookie out of Slovenia has taken the league by storm with his clutch play and his step-back. Some even had Doncic pegged in to be an All-Star this season.
He’s averaging 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. If we’re talking who the best player on the Mavericks is, an argument certainly can be made for Doncic, who’s been as fantastic as they come and not just for a rookie
This race is closer than some people think, and Suns’ C Deandre Ayton’s great season does get overlooked by Doncic’s growing popularity. Despite that, Luka has
Deandre Ayton (Oisín Browne)
Disclaimer: Luka Doncic is the ROTY without a doubt, but I had to write about someone else.
Ayton has been quietly tearing it up for the Phoenix Suns. Averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2 assists, a block, and just shy of a steal too, Ayton has shown the Phoenix crowd that there’s plenty to be optimistic about in Arizona. While he hasn’t been up to the levels of Devin Booker, Ayton has been given the opportunity to play however he wants, as the team has no intention of winning. With the possibility of Zion Williamson joining the team next year, the potential is endless for Phoenix.
Honorable mentions: Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Most Improved Player
Pascal Siakam (Yaw Bonsu)
Siakam is a better player this season in literally every aspect of his game. He’s averaging 16.1 points (+8.8) and 7.0 rebounds (+2.5) on a 55.1% field goal percentage (+4.3) and 34.1% from behind the arc (+12.1). He’s earned his increased minutes this season and his stats are a reflection of that.
The 24-year-old has grown as a defender as well, earning comparisons to Warriors’ PF Draymond Green. In terms of the impact he’s had on the team last year to this year, there should be no question that Pascal Siakam is the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He’ll continue to prove and make his claim as the season moves down to the final stretch.
Buddy Hield (Oisín Browne)
Hield has been playing lights out for the Sacramento Kings this year. Averaging 20.5 points and 5 rebounds per game, he’s not only led a potential playoff team in scoring, but he’s also made people reconsider what was billed as the “Worst Trade In NBA History” by the Kings to give up DeMarcus Cousins.
With the likes of De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley also turning it up for the Kings, the future certainly looks bright regardless of whether or not they make the playoffs. Hield is a very efficient shooter, shooting 47% from the field and 45% from behind the arc. It’s been
Honorable mentions: De’Aaron Fox, Josh Richardson
Sixth Man of the Year
Lou Williams (Oisín Browne)
Williams has been on fire for the Los Angeles Clippers this season. The reigning 6MOTY is scoring just shy of 20 points per game while playing six minutes less than last season. He’s also boasting 5.5 assists and a career-high 3PT%.
Despite not starting, Williams is still the Clippers most important player, especially after the Tobias Harris trade. The young squad that features the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montrezl Harrell needs leadership. Williams has been in the league since 2006 and has a wealth of experience. To this point, Williams has been the team’s best player on numerous occasions.
For a 6’1″ combo guard, Williams has found himself being arguably the most effective he’s ever been over the past two seasons. With the Clippers, he’s scored 30+ points once every 5.8 games. His scoring prowess is undeniable and will continue to be as the Clippers push for a playoff spot.
Domantas Sabonis (Yaw Bonsu)
I’m sorry to all the fans out there, but Derrick Rose is not the 6th Man of the Year. The Pacers are currently the third seed in the East, and that’s after SG Victor Oladipo went down with his horrific injury.
Sabonis is averaging 14.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season. The impressive part about that is the fact he’s doing this on only 25 minutes of play. Derrick Rose, who’s also a favorite for this award, basically receives starter minutes from HC Ryan Saunders at 29 minutes a game and still only has an edge on Sabonis when it comes to points and assists.
The Lithuanian has been a major help for his squad that had its star player go down. Without him, they’re not a top-three seed in the East. The cherry on top for Sabonis would be his 60.6 field goal percentage which includes 57.1% from behind the arc. Sabonis has been the best sixth man thus far and can run away with it if the Pacers continue to perform.
Honorable mentions: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Spencer Dinwiddie
Coach of the Year
Mike Budenholzer (Yaw Bonsu)
Last season, with former Head Coach Jason Kidd, the Bucks achieved a record of 44-38 and were seventh in the East. Kidd was a terrible head coach. Even with all the talent surrounding him including Giannis Antetokoumpo, he still couldn’t snag a top-four seed in the East.
After Milwaukee’s season ended they had arguably the best acquisition of the offseason in Mike Budenholzer. To say the least, Budenholzer has turned the franchise around this season. Antetokoumpo is flourishing under his leadership and is flying high as an MVP candidate.
The team has the best record in the NBA. If you compare the film from last season to this season, although the teams aren’t the same, you can pinpoint the changes made from Jason Kidd’s system to that of Budenholzer’s. Going from the seventh seed to the best team in the NBA is nothing short of a spectacular improvement. It certainly deserves all the praise.
Mike Malone (Oisín Browne)
The Denver Nuggets have surprised many by being one of the strongest teams in the West this season. They occupied the first seed for the first quarter of the regular season and have been a lock at the second seed since. Despite being one of the most injured teams in the league, with the likes of Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Isaiah Thomas all missing time, Malone has done an incredible job even keeping them in the playoffs.
While it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Nuggets are a playoff team given how close they were last year, their dominance has been outstanding. Nikola Jokic is arguably the best center in the NBA right now, and if they’re healthy for the playoffs, they might have the best chance of taking down the Warriors and winning a championship.
Honorable mentions: Dave Joerger, Brett Brown, Nate McMillan
Have your say! Who will win the NBA Awards?
Will Harden take home the MVP award for the second year in a row? Can Kawhi Leonard cause an upset and win DPOY? Which NBA Awards are the most unpredictable? Let us know in the comment section below. Make sure to also check out our pages on Instagram and Twitter.
Oisín Browne: Instagram @OB_PerSources Twitter @OB_PerSources
Yaw Bonsu: Instagram @Yaw_PerSources Twitter @Jailbodyaw