MVP: Nikola Jokic… This has seemed to change every month. It was Lebron then it was Joel Embiid then it was Damian Lillard, but now it seems as though Nikola Jokic is the clear favorite. Jokic is averaging 26 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists on incredible shooting splits of 56/41//86. Jokic has lost his second star in Jamal Murray, but it hasn’t stopped him. Since losing Jamal Murray, Jokic has propelled the Nuggets to a 9-1 record at the time I’m writing this. Jokic should become the first center to win the MVP since Shaq in the 1999-00 season.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau...Thibs has done a fantastic job with this knicks team, who was the butt of most NBA fans jokes before the season began. The Knicks are sitting at the fourth seed in the East at 36-28, boast number one defense in points allowed, and number three in overall defensive rating. The Knicks are looking at their first playoff berth since 2013, and even though there is solid competition for this award from Monty Williams and Quin Snyder, my vote would go to Thibs.
Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Simmons… This could just as easily go to his teammate, Joel Embiid, but with Embiid missing many games this season, that takes him out of the race, not just for MVP, but DPOY as well. Ben Simmons is an elite defender and that gets lost in the social media jokes made about his ability to shoot or lack thereof. What Ben is able to do in terms of his versatility on defense, gives him the nod in my book.
Most Improved Player: Julius Randle… Randle last season averaged 19.5 points per game, 9.7 rebounds and 3.5 assist. He has improved each of those stats, as this season he averages 24.2 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assist. Randle has been the Knicks best player this season and a major part of the success they’ve had. He’s improved his three-point shooting and his defense to become a well-rounded player.
Rookie of the Year: Lamelo Ball… Anthony Edwards has made a strong push during the second half of the season, but Lamelo and what he’s done, even with missing some time due to a broken wrist, I would still have to go Melo. Melo is averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assist on the season, and has been one of the key factors in what may be the most relevant seasons Charlotte has had in years. Ball has come in and been even better than expected, and that should allow him to win the Rookie of the Year award.
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