We are in the New Year and the contenders for each major award are becoming solidified in their positions. While there is still half a season left to play in the regular campaign before the playoffs start, we have a strong idea of which players will separate themselves from the pack.
After seeing Nikola Jokic lead the MVP race in December while the Rookie of the Year features Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren in a two-horse race, there are plenty of talking points when it comes to the major award categories.
MVP Of The Year – Nikola Jokic
2. Joel Embiid
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Luka Doncic
Nikola Jokic has continued his place as the leading candidate for the 2023-24 NBA MVP award with an impressive all-around performance. Averaging 25.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, Jokic is on the verge of a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets find themselves in the third position in the Western Conference, and Jokic’s impact has been undeniable, highlighted by crucial game-winning moments, including a memorable shot against the Warriors.
Jokic’s statistical prowess is evident as he leads the league in win shares with 8.6 and ranks second in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) at 31.3. Additionally, his presence on the boards is notable, securing the fourth spot in the NBA in rebounds with 11.9 per game. It would be a major achievement if the Serbian managed to win his third MVP trophy.
However, Joel Embiid is also making a strong case for the MVP, leading the NBA in scoring with 35.1 points per game, ranking fifth in rebounds (11.6), and holding the top spot in PER at 34.4. A potential third consecutive scoring title run for Embiid, coupled with a winning streak, could pose a challenge to Jokic’s candidacy in the coming weeks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 31.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, places him in the conversation for MVP. Currently leading the Thunder to the second seed in the West as an underdog, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact is noteworthy, ranking third in PER at 30.7 as he looks primed for a second straight All-NBA First Team appearance.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite putting up impressive numbers with 31.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game for the Milwaukee Bucks, faces challenges in the MVP race. The presence of Damian Lillard on his team may affect his voting, as other players are excelling with less talent around them. Still, you can’t count out Giannis in any MVP conversation since he is the best two-way player in the league right now.
Finally, Luka Doncic remains a perennial MVP candidate, showcasing remarkable scoring and playmaking abilities with 33.6 points and 9.1 assists per game. Ranking second in scoring and third in assists, Doncic is likely to maintain a top-5 candidacy throughout the season even if he does not win the award at the end of the year.
Rookie Of The Year – Victor Wembanyama
2. Chet Holmgren
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
4. Scoot Henderson
5. Brandon Miller
Victor Wembanyama has the slight edge for Rookie of the Year, displaying an impressive all-around game with averages of 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game. Despite the San Antonio Spurs’ challenging record (7-33), Wembanyama’s performance stands out, leading the NBA in blocks and showcasing the potential to become a future superstar.
Chet Holmgren, in a closely contested race with Wembanyama, is making a significant impact for the second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Posting 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, Holmgren’s contributions have been notable, benefiting from playing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In third place, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has emerged as a surprising contributor for the Miami Heat, posting 14.0 points per game on 35.5% from three. While playing behind key contributors like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, Jaquez Jr. has established himself as a valuable asset for the team.
Scoot Henderson, despite starting the season in the G-League, has shown improvement and potential, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 assists per game. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Henderson is demonstrating the skills that suggest he could become a talented star in the future.
Brandon Miller has been a consistent rookie contributor, averaging 13.9 points per game and displaying a reliable three-point shot at 37.6%. As the second overall pick in the draft, Miller’s ability to complement LaMelo Ball in Charlotte positions him as a long-term option for the team.
The Rookie of the Year race appears to be a two-horse competition between Wembanyama and Holmgren, with Wembanyama’s standout individual performance giving him the edge. However, the performances of other rookies like Jaquez Jr., Henderson, and Miller add depth to the conversation, making this rookie class one to watch throughout the season.
Defensive Player Of The Year – Rudy Gobert
2. Anthony Davis
3. Bam Adebayo
4. Chet Holmgren
5. Victor Wembanyama
Rudy Gobert stands as the leading candidate for the 2023-2024 Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his defensive prowess with averages of 12.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. Spearheading the number one-ranked defense for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gobert’s impact is evident in the team’s ability to limit opponents to just 107.3 points per game. If he secures the award, Gobert will join the elite company of Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo, each with four DPOY awards.
Bam Adebayo emerges as a strong contender for the award, serving as the defensive anchor for the Miami Heat. Averaging 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, Adebayo’s versatility allows him to defend guards, forwards, and centers effectively. His contributions are crucial to the Heat’s second-ranked defense in the league (110.6 PPG).
Anthony Davis, despite putting up impressive defensive numbers with 12.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, faces challenges as the Los Angeles Lakers rank 16th in team defense. While Davis remains dominant individually, closing the gap between himself and Gobert or Adebayo might prove challenging.
Finally, Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, both vying for Rookie of the Year, are also notable in the DPOY race. Averaging at least 2.5 blocks per game each, they showcase defensive versatility in guarding multiple positions. Wembanyama holds an edge in shot-blocking, while Holmgren’s ability to defend guards adds to his case.
Sixth Man Of The Year – Tim Hardaway Jr.
2. Malik Monk
3. Bogdan Bogdanovic
4. Austin Reaves
5. Jordan Clarkson
Tim Hardaway Jr. has played a crucial role as an unsung hero for the Dallas Mavericks. Averaging 18.3 points per game with a reliable 37.0% shooting from beyond the arc, Hardaway Jr. has been instrumental in supporting the Mavericks’ playoff aspirations. Despite sharing the spotlight with stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Hardaway Jr. stands out as a vital contributor to the team’s 24-18 record.
In second place, Malik Monk showcases his dynamic scoring ability off the bench for the Sacramento Kings, posting 15.3 points per game with a commendable 39.4% shooting from three. His energy and athleticism have made him a pivotal force behind the Kings’ eighth-ranked offense, adding valuable scoring off the bench.
Bogdan Bogdanovic emerges as a notable mention for the Sixth Man of the Year, serving as one of the bright spots for the Atlanta Hawks. Averaging 16.9 points per game on 36.6% shooting from three, Bogdanovic’s confident shooting and defensive contributions make him a reliable asset, particularly behind Trae Young.
Despite being criticized for not taking a significant step up in his play from last season, Austin Reaves has still been impactful off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. Averaging 15.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, Reaves provides valuable playmaking, although his three-point shooting efficiency is under 35%.
Jordan Clarkson, a previous Sixth Man of the Year winner in the 2020-21 season, continues to be a top-tier bench player. This season, he contributes 17.9 points and 5.2 assists per game for the Utah Jazz, showcasing scoring prowess despite lower shooting efficiency (41.9% FG, 30.6% 3-PT FG).
Most Improved Player – Tyrese Maxey
2. Alperen Sengun
3. Tyrese Haliburton
4. Coby White
5. Scottie Barnes
Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the leading candidate for the 2023-2024 Most Improved Player award, showcasing a remarkable improvement in his performance. Following James Harden’s departure, Maxey has stepped up as a key contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers, posting impressive averages of 26.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. The 23-year-old guard’s stellar play is set to earn him a first-time All-Star nod and a likely place on the All-NBA Team, signaling significant strides in reaching his full potential.
Alperen Sengun has rapidly improved, demonstrating a “mini Jokic” impact for the Houston Rockets. Averaging 21.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, Sengun has become the focal point of the Rockets’ offense and is a strong contender for a first-time All-Star appearance.
Tyrese Haliburton, while already an All-Star last season, has elevated his game to superstar status in the current campaign. Posting impressive numbers of 23.6 points and 12.5 assists per game on 40.3% shooting, Haliburton has been the driving force behind the NBA’s top-ranked offense, making a compelling case for Most Improved Player.
Coby White has nearly doubled his scoring output from the previous season, averaging 18.5 points per game while shooting an efficient 40.2% from three. White’s exceptional play for the Chicago Bulls adds a dynamic element to their roster, and his improved performance could potentially increase his trade value.
Finally, Scottie Barnes is showing major improvements since winning the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year. Posting 20.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game (all career-highs), Barnes is having an excellent all-around campaign. Barnes’ growth is probably why the Raptors have just traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers to make room for the youngster to continue his development.
Coach Of The Year – Mark Daigneault
2. Chris Finch
3. Jamahl Mosley
4. Joe Mazzulla
5. Rick Carlisle
Mark Daigneault is the leading candidate for the Coach of the Year award, steering the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive regular-season record of 27-13. Despite having a young roster, Daigneault has maximized the potential of his team, with standout performances from superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rookie of the Year favorite Chet Holmgren, and the unexpected emergence of Jalen Williams (18.6 PPG). The Thunder’s second seed in the competitive Western Conference reflects Daigneault’s coaching prowess in developing and leading a youthful squad.
Chris Finch follows closely behind, guiding the Minnesota Timberwolves to the top seed in the West (and 1st ranked defense) with a roster boasting three All-Stars in Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. The difference in having multiple All-Stars may impact the final decision, potentially giving Daigneault the edge.
Jamahl Mosley has achieved remarkable success with the Orlando Magic, a team in a rebuilding phase since the 2019-20 season. The Magic’s fourth-ranked defense and the potential for a playoff appearance underscore Mosley’s impact in overachieving with a developing roster that only has Paolo Banchero as a star player.
Joe Mazzulla has propelled the Boston Celtics to the best record in the NBA, instilling focus and determination in a team hungry for a championship after two seasons of disappointment. Mazzulla’s ability to guide the Celtics to the forefront of the league adds weight to his Coach of the Year candidacy even if he has a team full of All-Stars.
Finally, Rick Carlisle continues to showcase his coaching expertise, leading the Indiana Pacers to the number-one-ranked offense. Tyrese Haliburton’s transformation into a modern version of Steve Nash is a testament to Carlisle’s influence, reaffirming his status as an elite coach.
