NBA Awards Update pt. 2

With each team having about 27-30 games left this season, let’s see where the current awards climate stacks up and who I have winning the following awards if the season ends today. The awards will be the same as last time, featuring who the MVP, DPOY, 6MOTY, COY, and ROY are. Let’s dive into it. 

MVP

My MVP award has come down to a two-man race between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both players have been outstanding so far this season for their respective teams. How I will do this will be similar to the last time with the top 5, their cases, and what’s working against them.  It’s important to note players like Luka Doncic are ineligible for the award, given the games missed. 

1 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 

Working for him:

Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player on the best in the best conference. He’s averaging 32.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 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 52.3% shooting from the field and 35.9% 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 the reason he’s moved ahead of Jokic for me has been the incredible scoring run he’s been on. The last time we did this awards update, he was averaging 30.3 points per game, and it’s only increased over the last 2 months. 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 has the best MVP argument of anyone in the field at the moment. He’s simply the best player on the best team, averaging an absurd stat line along with his team ultimately struggling with him off the floor. Shai on the floor has OKC with a net rating of +18.4 (Off rating of 121.5 and Def rating of 103.1) vs off the floor with a net rating of +0.4 (Off rating of 105.2 and Def rating of 104.8). The Thunder are also 44-10 with an 8-game lead in the Western Conference. Absolute dominance. 

Working against him:

At the moment, not many things are working against Shai. However, it has more to do with Jokic than Shai. Jokic is averaging the most efficient 30-point triple-double the NBA has ever seen. Jalen Williams getting an All-Star nob hurts the campaign a little bit, but we’re just looking for something at this point not to give it to Shai. 

2 - Nikola Jokic 

Working for him: 

Jokic is the majority favorite, being the best player in the world currently. His team is now 3rd in the Western Conference and only 0.5 games out of the second seed. He’s been truly amazing, and we’re running out of words to describe what he has been doing so far this season. He’s averaging 29.8 points per game, 12.6 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks. He’s doing this on 57.7% from the field and 45% from 3. 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 3rd in the West look at the Nugget's advanced numbers with him on the court versus off the court. The Nuggets have a 126.4 Offensive rating, which would be the highest in the league with him on the floor, and has a +12.3 net rating. In his 898 minutes off the court this season, the Nuggets have an offensive rating of 103.4. The Nuggets need him on the floor and with his production. The numbers are eye-popping, and the sneaky part of this is the Nuggets are now 3rd in the West. Jokic is also somehow having the best.t

Working against him: 

While the numbers are impressive, the defense is still pretty meh. I know the traditional numbers say otherwise, but at times, the eye test does not do Jokic any favors. It also doesn’t help that the Thunder are on an absurd winning pace right now. The argument against Jokic at the beginning of the season was the seeding, but even moving up to 3rd, the crowded Western Conference could see the Nuggets fall and hurt Jokic still, this is not normal for an NBA player to play like this. 

3 - Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Working for him:

Antetokounmpo is in the midst of his best season yet. The former MVP is averaging a career-high 31.8 points per game, 12.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He’s shooting 60.8% 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. After the shaky start for the Bucks this season, it feels like Giannis’s MVP argument reached its height after the NBA Cup finals win against the Thunders. Giannis has been awesome. The on/off numbers aren’t as glaring as the top 2 candidates; however, it’s no secret the Bucks need Giannis on the floor.

Working against him:

As great a season Giannis has had, it seems the MVP is a long shot, even with the gaudy numbers he’s averaging. The Bucks are still 5th in the East, where they were in the last awards update, and Giannis has been injured more as well. He’s only allowed to miss six more games before he’s ineligible for regular season awards either way. It’s hard to see him making up ground unless the Bucks and Giannis pick up the pace. 

4 - Jayson Tatum

Working for him:

Tatum has been the best player on a top 2 team in the Eastern Conference. He’s averaging 27.0 points per game, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He’s shooting 45.5% from the field and 35.8% 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). Tatum has been a little inefficient at times, but the constant production and his play always have him in the hunt for the award. He always plays and is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. The Celtics have a 118.1 offensive rating with him on the floor and have a net rating of +9.2. 

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 Kristaps Porzingis (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 top 3. 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 +8.2, the best mark for anyone on the list. The Celtics also have stumbled a little bit since the last time this list was released. 

5 - Donovan Mitchell

Working for Him: 

Mitchell has the classic best player on the best team argument. The Cavaliers are tied for the best record in the NBA and have been in that spot for quite some time so far this season. Mitchell's counting numbers are 23.9 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s doing this on 45.4% from the floor and 39.4% from 3. The Cavaliers are 1st in the East, which is the main argument Mitchell is leaning on currently. The Cavs have the best offensive rating in the NBA as well, at 121.9, with Mitchell being a large reason why. The Cavs clutched numbers as a team also give Mitchell a good case; however, I don’t think it will matter, given the ground, Mitchell would need to make up. 

Working against him: 

Mitchell feels like the de facto shoo-in player for the 5th spot on this list. Typically, there are a lot more arguments to be made for a player like this on the best team, but the counting numbers aren’t spectacular, and the Cavs are a very deep team. They had All-Stars in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, who are large parts of the team, playing so well throughout the season. Cabs would probably need to win every game and Mitchell to go ballistic for him to gather some MVP attention. 

Just missed

6 - Karl Anthony-Towns

7 - Victor Wembanyama

8 - Jalen Brunson

9 - Cade Cunningham

10 - Jaren Jackson Jr

ROTY

The Rookie of the Year award is always a fun award to look at this point in the season. Many rookies are either getting some minutes due to injury or improved play, while some fall into the G-league but get called up and show what they’ve learned. This list usually has a ton of movement week-to-week and month-to-month, given the volatile play of younger players. Nonetheless, here’s my ⅔ list so far. I will only do what’s working for them. 

1 - Stephon Castle

Working for him:

Castle has been moved into the starting lineup since the last list was released, and he’s been awesome. Castle is driving the ball at an aggressive rate and putting everyone in the basket. He’s been awesome on defense as well. Oftentimes, he’s taken on the best perimeter player on the opposing team and done well. His size, instincts, and overall skill are special at his age. He’s been a bright spot so far for the Spurs this season. He’s averaging 12.9 points per game on an improved 42.9% shooting from the field. 

2 - 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 37% from 3 and has not looked back since taking over Marcus Smart’s starting spot in the rotation. The Grizzlies have signaled their trust in the rookie, similar to Castle, in that he is guarding the opposing team's best perimeter players. He’s been great overall and bumps up one spot from the last time this list was made. 

3 - Zach Edey

Working for him: 

Edey, after having some issues with an ankle early in the season, has played much more of late for Memphis and has been doing some good things. The finishing around the basket is good, as expected, and the defense overall has been better than I think some people expected for him. The production overall has seen an uptick. He’s averaging over three offensive rebounds a game and playing just 20 minutes a game. 

4 - Kel’el Ware

Working for him:

Ware has been one of the best rookies over the last 2 months and recently has become a fantastic player for the Heat as well. He’s been collecting rebounds at an absurd clip for Miami as well. He’s averaging 12.6 points over his last 15 games before the All-Star break and has offered the Heat some versatility at the center position as well. 

5 - Isaiah Collier

Working for him:

Colliers finds himself on this list after having one of the best passing segments of the season from any rookie or player, for that matter. He’s averaging almost 9 assists a game since being moved into the starting lineup for the Jazz. The pick-and-roll is the best of any player in this year's rookie class, and the shooting has started to set in as well. Will Hardy put the ball in his hands in late-game situations before the All-Star break, too. After experiencing some struggle early on, he’s been dynamic of late for Utah. 

Just missed

6 - Alex Sarr

7 - Bub Carrington

8 - Dalton Knecht

9 - Yves Missi

10 - Tristan Da Silva. 

MIP

Most improved player is one of the most fascinating awards in the NBA, and ⅔ of the way through the season, and it feels like there are two favorites right now for the award. 

1 - Cade Cunningham

Working for him:

Cunningham looks like one of the best point guards in the NBA right now, and he’s been awesome so far this season for the Pistons. He makes a massive jump in this list for him, given the Piston's recent success and Cunningham’s efficiency since this list was last done. Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points per game, 9.4 assists, and 6.3 rebounds. His shooting numbers are awesome for a high-volume usage player (45.5% and 35.1% from the field and 3). 

2 - Norman Powell

Working for him:

Powell, like the rest of the guys on the list, is having a career year. He was an All-Star snub this year in a lot of people’s eyes, and his production says so. He’s averaging 24.2 points per game on 49.6% shooting from the field and 42.6% from 3. Powell, after cooling down slightly from there,e has still discovered ways to score efficiently from the field. 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 finds himself third on this list again at the ⅔ mark in the season. 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 23.9 points per game, 46.5% from the field, and 38% from 3 have been a large part of why he earned his first career All-Star nod this season. 

4 - Amen Thompson

Working for him:

Thompson has been one of the most exciting players so far this season, and his freakish athleticism showcased on both ends of the floor is a large reason why. He’s averaging 13.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He’s been so fun to watch so far this season and had a 5-week stretch where he was one of the most impactful players so far in this season. He’s been so fun to watch this year for the Rockets. 

5 - Dyson Daniels

Working for him:

Daniels hasn’t been quite as crazy on the defensive end of the floor as he was early in the season, but I’m going to ignore what he did in the first 25 games of the season. He was the most impactful defender and possibly the sole reason why the Hawks were able to get stops on that end of the floor. The overall growth of his defensive game is impressive to see in just 1 year. The offense is still a little shaky, especially the shooting percentages, but overall, I’ll get him the 5th spot for now. 

Just Missed

6 - Evan Mobley

7 - Jalen Williams 

8 - Max Christie

9 - Austin Reaves

10 -  Christian Braun

6MOTY

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

1 - Amen Thompson

Working for him:

I’m not sure if Thompson will be eligible for the award at the end of the season with him playing in the starting lineup with Jabari Smith Jr.'s injury. Nonetheless, if he’s eligible, he’s been better than Pritchard so far of late. The numbers with him on the floor are so clear that he is the most important player for them and, overall, the reason why the Rockets haven’t missed a beat since the injury of Jabari Smith Jr. 

2 - 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 13.9 points per game and shooting 46.8% from the field and 41.1% from 3. He’s having an excellent season so far for the Celtics. He’ll probably end up winning the war,d given Thompson’s ineligibility. 

3 - Deandre Hunter

Working for him:

Hunter has been awesome so far this year. He’s a top 3 scorer on their team and is overall their best shooter. His spacing and shooting prowess will help give the Cavaliers shooting and size on the defensive end of the floor. Overall, I’m not sure if he’ll start and remain eligible at the end of the season. If he does, the 3rd spot is all his after Thompson and Pritchard. 

Just missed

 4 - Malik Beasley

 5 -Ty Jerome

DOTY

Defensive Player of the Year is always a fun award to look at. It’s been dominated by big men in the past years, and this season is no different. 

1 - Victor Wembanyama 

Working for him:

It feels like Wembanyama won this award already, given how impactful he’s been at the defensive end of the floor. He’s averaging a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game to go along with 1.1 steals and 9.2 defensive rebounds per game. He’s been unbelievable in protecting the paint for the Spurs. He allows only 41% of the field goals taken with him as the primary defender to go in, all while disrupting even more field goal attempts in that process as well. 

2 - Evan Mobley

Working for him:

Mobley is having a resurging year on this end of the floor, with him switching the most of anyone on the Cavaliers at the center position. He’s averaging 1.5 blocks per game and 1 steal as well. The versatility while leading the Cavaliers in defensive rating with more than 400 minutes played on the season has been very impressive. He’s coming into his own on this end of the floor, just like everyone believed when he was drafted in 2021. 

3 - Jaren Jackson Jr

Working for him:

After winning Defensive Player of the Year 3 seasons ago, Jackson hadn’t even made an All-Defensive team, but that’ll change this season. He’s the only player in the NBA averaging 1.5 steals and blocks a game. The versatility and switching on the perimeter have shown to be effective for the Grizzlies and fit a common theme amongst mobile big men in the modern NBA. While he’s not grabbing a ton of defensive rebounds so far this season, 4.6 per game, his fouling has come down, given where it was at prior. Jackson has had a nice resurgence on this end of the floor. 

Just missed

4 - Dyson Daniels

5 - Anthony Davis

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 postseason last year. He’s created an awesome culture for his team, and they've taken on the coach's identity as well. He’s gotten the best from Sengun, who was named an All-Star this season, and he created a monster in Amen Thompson.  

3 - Ty Lue 

Working for him:

Many believed Ty Lue wouldn’t be able to keep this team out of the lottery this year, but that’s been the exact opposite so far this season. The Clippers are a top-6 team in the Western Conference and have only improved. They also will have the entire second half of the season with Kawhi Leonard, have turned Harden back into an All-Star, and have given Powell the tools to put together the season of his career. 

Just missed

4 - JJ Redick

5 - Taylor Jenkins

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