Four months of NBA basketball have been played this season, and the All-Star break has finally arrived. Several marquee names have had masterful seasons thus far and have put themselves in prime position to win a major award. While teams still have about twenty regular season games remaining, we have a strong idea by now of who the contenders are for each award. Anything can happen in the NBA, and one major injury to a top award contender could change everything. However, these are our picks for the NBA Awards if the season ended today.
Note: All Statistics are updated as of 2/16/23
MVP: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Somehow, the reigning back-to-back NBA MVP has reached a new level this season. The Serbian center is averaging career highs in several major statistical categories. The Joker’s assists per game, field-goal percentage, and effective field-goal percentage all represent new career highs. Arguably even more important is the fact that Jokić’sNuggets are currently the top seed in the Western Conference. This year’s MVP race is stacked, and there is a handful of players with legitimate cases to win the award. Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all deserving candidates. However, the Joker would likely win the award if the season ended today, given his statistical brilliance and Denver’s success.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. has had an outstanding season for the Memphis Grizzlies. The former top-five pick leads the league in blocks, as the big man averages 3.3 rejections per game. Jackson’s shot-blocking prowess, agility, and versatility are major reasons for the Grizzlies’ success this season. The Grizzlies’ defense ranks third in defensive rating, and Jackson is undoubtedly the anchor of Memphis’ attack. An All-Star for the first time this season, Jackson is a top candidate for DPOY should he stay healthy. Brook Lopez, Nic Claxton, and Bam Adebayo are a few other names to keep an eye on for DPOY.
Most Improved Player: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
When Utah acquired Lauri Markkanen in the Donovan Mitchell blockbuster trade, few expected this level of play from him. The seven-footer flashed plenty of promise with the Cavaliers and the Bulls but was never a true star player. However, Markkanen has put it all together this season, averaging a robust 24.9 points per game with remarkable efficiency. The Finnish big man has a great shot at becoming the first Jazz player to win Most Improved Player. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson are other names to watch, as these guards have also made major leaps this season.
Sixth Man of the Year: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics’ trade for Malcolm Brogdon this offseason was an underrated move that has paid off handsomely thus far. The 6’5” guard is a perfect fit for the Celtics’ style of play. Brogdon can defend well, is unselfish, and is an excellent shooter. His stats may not be as gaudy as some other candidates, but he is having an extremely efficient season. Brogdon is shooting 45.5% from three-point range, good for third in the NBA. The 2016-17 rookie of the year is good enough to start on almost any team in the league. His outstanding performance off the bench in Boston puts him in a great position to take home 6MOY honors this season. Norman Powell and Tyrese Maxey are two other strong candidates for the award.
Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Out of all the awards, ROY is the one that stands out with one clear frontrunner: Paolo Banchero. The 2022 first-overall pick has lived up to that billing this season, averaging an impressive 19.9 points per game. The former Duke star looks the part of a future perennial All-Star and is already the face of the Magic. Banchero’s blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him stand out as this season’s clear-cut top rookie. Bennedict Mathurin has been great for the Indiana Pacers, but Banchero would take home the honors if the season ended today.
Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
Joe Mazzulla deserves a ton of credit for how well he has led the Boston Celtics this season. After the Ime Udoka drama before the season started, many people wondered how the Celtics would be affected. The answer? Not much. Boston currently has the best record in the NBA at 42-17. The C’s have been dominant all season, led by elite wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If the Celtics can hold onto the first seed, Mazzula has an excellent chance to earn COTY. Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is also a top candidate for the award with Denver leading the Western Conference.
