Early season NBA awards update

With each team playing about 25 games roughly so far this season I feel it is appropriate to have my first NBA awards update and see what the MVP, DPOY, 6MOTY, COY, and ROY are. Let’s dive into it. 

MVP

The MVP award over the last couple of seasons has been littered with some monster stat lines, all-time greats, and some uncomfortable decisions. This year will be no different. I believe there’s a clear top 3 right now with an argument for a 4th player to sneak into the conversation. I’ll list out what I believe to be the top 5 and describe what’s working for them and what is working against them. Please keep in mind when talking about these guys it is practically splitting hairs with how insane their statlines are. 

 1. Nikola Jokic 

Working for him: 

Jokic is the majority favorite being the best player in the world currently. His team has avoided slipping in the Western Conference standings and it is almost exclusively because of him and the monster numbers he is putting up. He’s averaging 30.9 points per game, 13.9 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks. He’s doing this on 55.8% from the field and 48.9% from 3. His team sits at 14-10 and 5th in the Western Conference. Jokic has won 3 of the last 4 MVP awards and is off to a stellar start this season. Many believed he would face voting fatigue after his win last year, but to me, that is not the case. He’s averaging a triple-double and if you need any more reason to believe he’s the sole reason the Nuggets are 5th in the West look at the Nugget's advanced numbers with him on the court versus off the court. The Nuggets have a 123. Offensive rating, which would be the highest in the league with him on the floor, and has a +10 net rating. In his 380 minutes off the court this season, the Nuggets have an offensive rating of 96.3, which would be far and away the worst in the NBA, and have a net rating of -15.1, which would also be worst in the NBA. The Nuggets need him on the floor and with his production. 

Working against him: 

While the numbers are impressive being 5th in our conference does not help you. I think the defensive numbers he has traditionally been good, but the Nuggets give up the 4th most points in the paint, and the defensive rating with him on the floor is 112.8, not a great number. Sure the front offense didn’t help him this offseason, but he’s dominant on one side of the ball while not being great at the other. I think if the Nuggets get a top 3 or 4 seed in the West it’s his award to lose, but anything below it’s in question, and not to mention he would probably need to average a 30-point triple-double with the insane efficiency he’s at right now. It’ll be very challenging, but he’s the best in the world for a reason. 

 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 

Working for him:

Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player on the best in the best conference. He’s averaging 30.3 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1 block. He’s the only guard since Michael Jordan to have those numbers in a season and he’s doing it on 51% shooting from the field and 34% from 3. He’s also shooting 58.3% from 2 as well. As a guard, this is absurd efficiency. He’s a stone-cold killer and I think he has the chance to leapfrog Jokic if the Thunder win the NBA Cup and can get to 60 wins on the season. Being in the Western Conference Gilgeous-Alexander is going up against some of the best teams on a nightly basis. He’s unbelievable at closing games out and he is a good defender as well. He’s very smart in when to shoot the gaps and get a steal. He leads the NBA in +- with +293  and the Thunder offensive rating is 119 when he is on the floor and the defensive rating is 102. He’s performing at his best in the clutch and has hit multiple game-clinching shots for OKC so far. 

Working against him:

It’s possible that Jalen Williams gets an All-Star nod this season and the Thunder have a ton of really good defenders around him as well. The surplus of depth especially on the defensive end will likely hurt him and if the Thunder somehow do not get the 1st seed in the West it could hurt him as well. I know these are very high standards to hold him to, but the Thunder are solid with him off the floor, and having another All-star on your team doesn’t always help your case. It’s not a lot working against him, but it still could hurt him in the end. 

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Working for him:

Antetokounmpo is in the midst of his best season yet. The former MVP is averaging a career-high 32.7 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks. He’s shooting 61.4% from the floor as well. He’s the only player in NBA history to average 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, on 60% shooting from the floor. He’s dragged the Bucks back to the middle of the Eastern Conference and has them in the NBA Cup finals against the Thunder. The Bucks started 2-8 this year, but are now 12-3 in their last 15 games and a large part of that is due to Giannis. He had a game earlier this season with 59 points and 20 rebounds. He leads the league in points in the paint and fastbreak points. He makes the most shots at the basket and leads the league in dunks, He is the most dominant force when he is driving downhill and he’s an above-average defender as well. 

Working against him:

The Bucks are 14-11 in the Eastern Conference, which isn’t anything special. I think people would agree the East is not a very challenging conference compared to the Western Conference. Antetokounmpo also has Damian Lillard on his team, who will be an All-Star and the Bucks only have a +2.7 net rating with him on the floor and a +0.9 net rating with him off the floor. The Bucks would probably need to win the East or make a charge for a top 3 seed for Antetokounmpo to get serious consideration. He’s been hurt by voter fatigue and has won the award in the past as well. 

 4. Luka Doncic

Working for him:

In my opinion, I would’ve given Doncic the award last year he averaged an absurd 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, on 48% shooting from the floor and 39% from 3. His numbers however are a little down from last year though. On the year he’s averaging 28.9 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He’s shooting 45% from the field and 35% from 3. While the numbers are down compared to last year that comes with a grain of salt. He averaged almost a 34-point triple-double with one of the highest usage percentages in NBA history. This year he has been subpar for his standards to start, but the Mavericks are 3rd in the Western Conference and 29, 8, and 8 is nothing too stiff. His last 5 games have shown he's returned to his form last year and he's coming off a 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebound perfroacne against the Warriors in his last outing. He’ll need to average close to if not a 30-point triple-double and the Mavericks will need to compete for a top 2 seed in the West for Doncic to get serious consideration. Doncic is also probably one of the two scariest players for a team to play against given his passing and scoring ability. He’s had a 60 points 20 rebounds triple-double before and has countless monster series in the playoffs.

Working against him:

Doncic has one of the highest standards for a player to not win this award. I thought last year should’ve been his, but that shows how incredibly talented the league is. The Mavericks are also considerably better around him and have played well in his absence this year. Kyrie Irving is also having his best year of shooting year of his career and will be an All-Star both things that work against MVP hopefuls. I think Doncic not winning it last year shows the high bar that’s been set for him and it is something he’ll need to play at for an entire year to get consideration. 

 5. Jayson Tatum

Working for him:

Tatum has been the best player on a top 2 team in the Eastern Conference. He’s averaging 28.2 points per game, 9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He’s shooting 45.3% from the field and 35.9% from 3. He’s arguably one of the best two-way wings in the NBA and one of the only players in the league to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals (Jokic and Doncic). He’s been the best player on the best team this year in the NBA and that always garners MVP consideration. Tatum’s size at 6’10 poses a matchup nightmare and the improved passing and playmaking has seen him average a career-high in assists this year and being the best offensive player on the best offense as well. The Celtics have a 120 offensive rating with him on the floor and have a net rating of +12.7. He’s also one of the best in the league in +- with +228 when on the floor this season. 

Working against him:

For Tatum, the Celtics have the best-supporting cast in the NBA. They have arguably the best starting 5 in the NBA with Jaylen Brown (All-Star), Derrick White (All-NBA defense), Jrue Holiday (All-NBA defense), and Kristas Porzingus (One of the best rim protectors). Tatum will be punished for having the best-supporting cast in the NBA and his stats aren’t as gaudy as the other 4 on this last list. While the assists are at a career-high his shooting percentages are down from last year and the Celtics still have a net rating of +4.7, the best mark for anyone on the list. The Celtics would probably need to win 70 games somehow for Tatum to have a real case to jump the other 4 players. 

Just missed

6. Anthony Davis

7. Donovan Mitchell

8. Karl Anthony-Towns

9. Anthony Edwards

10. Jalen Brunson

ROTY

The Rookie of the Year award is always tough to judge 25ish games into the season. Rookies have a tough time adjusting to the NBA and it’s not fair to judge them 25 games into the season. This year’s class hasn’t seen quite the success the other classes have seen and overall at the moment doesn’t seem to have a potential All-NBA player or a future top-10 player in the league. Nonetheless here are the top 5 rookies so far this season. I will only do what is working for the rookies at this moment as well. 

1. Stephon Castle

Working for him:

Castle is the best perimeter defender in the rookie class so far and the Spurs have been much better with him on the floor this season. He earned his way into the starting lineup. His averages of 11.7 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists aren’t jumping off the page, but the defense is ferocious. He’s often taking on the other team’s best offensive player and holding up well against them. He’s an essential part of the Spur's future and pairs extremely well next to Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. 

2. Jared McCain

Working for him:

McCain has been the best shooter so far this season in the class. His shooting percentages of 46% from the field and 38% from 3 are amongst the best marks given the amount of defensive attention he’s been given from other teams. He’s averaging the most points per game at 15.3 a game has the most 20+ point outings this year with 8 and has the second highest points outing with 34. McCain is also hurt right now and it is unclear if he will play enough games in make him eligible for the award. 

3. Jaylen Wells

Working for him:

Wells has been one of the best rookies in the Western Conference and has been a beneficiary of a deep roster in Memphis. He’s shooting 39% from 3 and is oftentimes getting his opponent's best offensive matchup. His minutes aren’t as high as the other on the list, but the production is real. He’s also not having the ball a ton in his hands like the others, but the shooting has been real. The 39th overall pick from Washington State has been one of the best catch-and-shoot rookies in the NBA. He’s doing everything Memphis needs him to do at the moment. 

4. Alex Sarr

Working for him:

Sarr is the best defender on the Wizards as a rookie, which isn’t saying much, but it’s clear his versatility on that side of the ball is his best trait at the moment. He’s been solid in defending 1-5 this season and is getting much better in his pick-and-roll defense. The offense is a work in progress as he’s averaging 10.9 points per game on 38.8% from the floor and 26.5% from 3. He’s averaging far and away the most blocks for rookies at 1.8 a game and is the future in Washington in terms of protecting the basket. 

5. Zaccharie Risacher

Working for him:

Risacher was this year’s 1st overall pick and hasn’t been horrible so far. He got off to a rocky start, but an injury in Deandre Hunter saw him enter the lineup and start to find his footing. He’s a solid defender with good versatility. The shooting I think is better than the percentages show (38% from the field and 27% from 3), he’s got the third-highest scoring outing with 33 points in a game and is starting for the 5th place Haws in the East. 

Just missed

6. Zach Edey (not enough games)

7. Bub Carrington 

8. Yves Missi

9. Dalton Knecht

10. Tristan Da Silva

MIP

Most improved player is one of the most fascinating awards in the NBA. It can be won by a jump from a younger guy in his 2nd or 3rd year taking the expected jump from him or a veteran finding their footing and being in a good situation in their 10th or 11th season in the NBA. I will do the top 5 and what is working for them.

1. Dyson Daniels

Working for him:

Daniels is in the midst of his best offensive and defensive season in his young career. He’s garnering support as the best on-ball defender in the NBA with his steals numbers and effectiveness on the other team’s best offensive player. The offense has also seen jump as well as he is averaging a career-best 13.4 points per game and an NBA-high 3.4 steals per game. He’s one of the best defenders in the NBA period and is having a career year after being traded in the offseason. 

2. Norman Powell

Working for him:

Powell, like the rest of the guys on the list, is having a career year. However, I’m giving him a nod over some others due to his insane shooting percentages. 50% from the floor and 48% from 3. He’s in contention for an All-Star bid and is the best reason why the Clippers are 14-12 and off to a better-than-anticipated start so far this season. He’s also been awesome on defense and playing well next to James Harden too. Powell is in his 10th NBA season and having the best year of his career. 

3. Tyler Herro

Working for him:

Herro has been the best scorer on the Miami Heat this season and seeing himself have the most efficient shooting and playmaking season of his career. He’s doing a great job of playmaking for others while keeping his turnovers low. The Heat have trusted him with the ball in his hands towards the end of games as well. His career-high 24.1 points per game, 47.3% from the field and 41% from 3 have been a large part of why the Heat are a top 6 team in the East so far. 

4. Jalen Williams 

Working for him:

Williams is having his best scoring season of his career on an increased usage percentage. He’s doing all of this while being a monster on defense and being the perfect 2nd option on the Thunder as well. The efficiency is a little down, but the shot-making, play-making, and defense all have improved based on the eyeball test. He’s also getting All-Star consideration. Williams is in his third year and has seen himself raise his stock around the entire league with many believing he’ll be an All-Star and potentially earn All-NBA defense as well. 

5. Franz Wagner

Working for him:

Wagner has improved his scoring ability and shooting percentages, along with being the main playmaker on the Magic this season. He’s been without co-star Paolo Banchero this year for all, but 5 games, and in that stretch he’s averaging 27, 7, and 7 on 48/35 shooting splits. His production has jumped him into the All-Star category and a jump has been taken and he’s ascended into one of the best co-stars in the NBA. The main factor for him that will determine if he’s eligible for the award will be if he plays enough games. 

Just Missed

6. RJ Barrett

7. Evan Mobley

8. Payton Pritchard

9. Cade Cunningham 

10. Jalen Suggs

6MOTY

These next two sections will only feature the top 3 at the moment and the next 2 that just missed the cut. 6th man of the year and coach of the year. Both these sections will also only feature what is working for them. 

1. Payton Pritchard

Working for him: Pritchard is averaging the most minutes off the bench this season, the highest 3-point percentage, the most threes made off the bench and the top 3 in the NBA for that matter. He’s scoring the most points off the bench and is miles ahead of anyone else in this category. He’s averaging 16.5 points per game and shooting 48% from the field and 43% from 3. He’s having an excellent season so far for the Celtics.

2. Amen Thompson

Working for him: Thompson is the best defender on the 2nd best defense in the NBA. He’s having his best season off the bench and has provided a spark for the Rockets when he comes into the game. He’s top 3 on the team in +- and is causing all sorts of havoc on the defensive end when he is in the game. His cutting and activity on the offensive glass also gives the Rockets an advantage over their opponents. 

3. Deandre Hunter

Working for him:

Hunter has been awesome for the Hawks this year. He’s a top 3 scorer on their team and is overall their best shooter. His spacing and shooting prowess have helped give Young and Johnson space to operate with on the floor and he is scoring in every type of way when he enters the game. He’s found himself in this role through early season injury and has thrived in it so far. 

Just missed

4. Mo Wanger

5. Buddy Hield 

COTY

Coach of the Year will also feature the top 3 candidates and is working for them so far. 

1. Kenny Atkinson

Working for him: It’s pretty easy to win this award when your team has the best record in the NBA. The Cavaliers are off to their best start in franchise history and have dominated everyone they’ve played so far this year. Atkinson has them with the best offensive rating in the NBA and the best record. He’s played the lineup in a great way and is getting the best out of his best players. 

2. Ime Udoka

Working for him:

Udoka has the Rockets in 4th in the West after missing the playoffs last year. He’s the architect of the 2nd best defense in the NBA and has gotten the best out of his team at that end of the floor so far this season. It’s easy to see why he is 2nd on the list. 

3. Jamal Mosley

Working for him:

After losing his best player 5 games into the season the Magic are in 4th place in the Eastern Conference and are a top 3 defense in the NBA. Mosley has gotten the best version of Franz Wagner and has the Magic playing some of the most ferocious defense in the entire NBA. 

Just missed

4. Ty Lue

5. Taylor Jenkins

That concludes the list of awards. Let me know your thoughts down below on these rankings! Enjoy!