This week I felt like changing it up, so I'm gonna break down who I have winning each award at the end of the year. Here is who I chose:
MVP: Nikola Jokic
This is a tough choice, as this year there hasn't been a clear leader like prior awards. There are several options I could have given this to, including Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. I ended up going with Nikola Jokic due to a couple different reasons. The first is that he has been very consistent this whole year. Steph, Luka and Embiid all had spurts where they weren't putting up the insane numbers they are. The other reason is the team success, as even with losing Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have still been playing great and show no signs of falling. Steph Curry is putting up crazy numbers, but I think that the fact that his team is fighting for a spot for the play-in tourney will hold him back. Voter fatigue will kick in when they analyze Giannis, Embiid has been injured, and Dame has not played as consistently as Nikola Jokic. I feel that Luka is the one that could give him the most issues, but I think the fact that the Mavericks were lower for a majority of the season will hold Luka back. Jokic is transforming the game, being a 7 foot center that can pass like a guard, shoot 3s, and have the finesse to dribble past a defender. This season, he averages 26.2 points, 11 rebounds and 8.7 assists a game. Jokic deserves to have this year's crown.
DPOY: Ben Simmons
Simmons has vastly improved his defense, which is a large reason why the 76ers have played so well. Being a point guard the size of a power forward helps, but he has improved his steals and blocks and his ability to stay in front of whoever he gets matched up on. With the rising success of the Jazz, Rudy Gobert does make a good argument, but I think that voter fatigue will kick in. Ben Simmons has taken that next step in his defense that makes his offense less of an issue. I don't think there is an obvious choice like prior awards, but I'm giving the trophy to Ben Simmons.
6MOY: Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson has transformed his game from a streaky bench scorer to a walking bucket off the pine for the Jazz. This year, Clarkson has improved to up to 17.4 ppg and has given the Jazz the boost they need to help grab the top record. Clarkson has improved his ability to iso and get his own points rather than wait on the wing to hit a shot. He has been able to lead the offense and even comes in late in a game when the team needs another scorer with Mitchell. Clarkson has become a top bench scorer in the league and is very deserving of the trophy.
MIP: Jerami Grant
While the argument can be made that Jerami Grant plays on one of the worst teams, something that can't be denied is his major leap from an average player to borderline All-Star. Last year, Jerami Grant averaged 12 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists. This year, he averages 22.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Grant has taken on a new role, coming from a Nuggets team that used him as an off-ball bucket to now being the top option on a young Detroit Pistons lineup. Grant has embraced the opportunity to show that he can be a top option for a team, and I think there are many more great seasons left for him. I'm handing over this trophy to Jerami Grant.
COY: Monty Williams
While some people may give it to Quin Snyder for his work with Utah, I think it is hard to overlook the job that Monty Williams has done over in Phoenix. The Suns went 34-39 last season and are currently 43-18, moving from the 9 spot with last year's group all the way up to second. Bringing in Chris Paul was a fantastic trade, and the job Monty has done to blend the mix of youth with veterans has worked fantastic. The offense runs solid with Paul and Booker, the defense is anchored with Ayton, and Monty has done a great job building this team into a top squad. I give the nod for this trophy over to Monty Williams of the Suns.
Standings:
East:
1. Nets
2. 76ers
3. Bucks
4. Knicks
5. Hawks
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hornets
9. Pacers
10. Wizards
11. Bulls
12. Raptors
13. Cavaliers
14. Pistons
15. Magic
West:
1. Jazz
2. Suns
3. Clippers
4. Nuggets
5. Lakers
6. Mavericks
7. Trail Blazers
8. Grizzlies
9. Spurs
10. Warriors
11. Pelicans
12. Kings
13. Thunder
14. Timberwolves
15. Rockets
Hope you enjoyed, and I will be back once again next week!
I agree with your picks here Eric. Jordan Clarkson has really stepped his game up this year for the Utah Jazz and is one of the main reasons they are the top seed in the West. The job that Monty Williams has done this year turning around the Phoenix Suns has to warrant him Coach of the Year, they were picking in the lottery last year and now they are the #2 seed in a very competitive Western Conference. Nikola Jokic probably doesn't win MVP if Harden, Durant, Lebron, and Embiid don't all get hurt this season, but nonetheless the Joker has had an outstanding year and deserves to take home the hardware.
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