- Notable candidates include Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum for the MVP award
- In the Rookie of the Year race, Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, and Cam Whitmore are the frontrunners
- These awards recognize outstanding performances and contributions in various aspects of the game, setting the stage for an exciting NBA season
The 2023-24 NBA season is about to kick off, and as the action on the hardwood heats up, so does the anticipation surrounding the league’s annual end-of-season awards. With each game, the contenders for the NBA’s most prestigious individual honors are presenting their cases, captivating basketball enthusiasts around the world. From the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) to the quest for Rookie of the Year, the 2023-24 season promises to deliver riveting storylines and unforgettable moments.
As the brightest stars in the NBA shine under the spotlight, fans and pundits eagerly analyze player statistics, team dynamics, and standout performances to gauge who will emerge as the true gems in this year’s awards showcase.
Coach Of The Year
1. Michael Malone – 25% chance
2. Frank Vogel – 20% chance
3. Erik Spoelstra – 20% chance
4. Mark Daigneault – 20% chance
5. Adrian Griffin – 15% chance
Michael Malone has demonstrated his ability to lead a championship-winning team. After several seasons of collective struggle for the Denver Nuggets, they finally reached the pinnacle of the NBA in the 2022-23 season by defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals. Malone enters the new campaign as the defending champion, having secured the best record in the Western Conference last season. If Denver finishes atop the conference again, he could be a deserving recipient of the award.
Frank Vogel did an impressive job with the Lakers, even as the team underwent significant changes following their 2020 championship win. Now, the former Orlando Bubble champion coach takes the helm of the Phoenix Suns, the favorites in the Western Conference with their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. A high ranking in the conference standings in his first year with the team would put him in contention for the award.
Erik Spoelstra consistently maximizes his Miami Heat teams’ performance despite not having the same firepower as the Bucks or Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Spoelstra’s coaching prowess is evident, and he knows how to elevate his squad to achieve better-than-expected results. With the Heat having made recent Finals appearances, Spoelstra could win the award after a strong regular season.
Mark Daigneault could have a pivotal year with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023-24. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have shown they are ready to compete, and with the anticipated return of Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City could surprise many and secure a playoff spot after the regular season. This would make Daigneault a strong contender for the award.
Adrian Griffin took the reins of a Bucks team featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Milwaukee is accustomed to being the top team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, but if they achieve that feat again with the addition of Lillard, the rookie coach will undoubtedly receive praise and become a candidate for the award.
Most Improved Player (George Mikan Trophy)
1. Jordan Poole – 30% chance
2. Josh Giddey – 25% chance
3. Tyrese Maxey – 20% chance
4. Alperen Sengun – 15% chance
5. Austin Reaves – 10% chance
Jordan Poole, known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court, has been on a steady rise in the NBA. With an increasingly prominent role with the Washington Wizards, Poole has the opportunity to make a significant leap in his production and efficiency in this new phase of his career. He averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in the 2022-23 season and will have an even more prominent role in D.C.
Josh Giddey, the young Australian sensation for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has impressed everyone with his playmaking ability and versatility as a point guard. If he continues to develop his game and increases his impact in multiple areas, Giddey could be a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award in 2023-24. Giddey averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists last season and demonstrated that he is ready to elevate his game to the next level.
Tyrese Maxey has shown flashes of his potential in previous seasons. If he takes on a larger role with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023-24, further improving his three-point shooting, Maxey could experience a significant jump in his production and be a serious candidate for the Most Improved Player award. In 2022-23, he averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, and all signs point to him having an even more impactful season.
Alperen Sengun has displayed promising skills on the court with the Houston Rockets. If he becomes a key part of Houston’s rotation after being a revelation in the 2022-23 season, he could surprise many and be in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award. Last season, he averaged 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, and now with a team where he can find a more natural fit, he can continue to showcase his outstanding abilities.
Austin Reaves continued his meteoric rise last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His standout performance in the FIBA World Cup with Team USA showcased his potential, and it’s expected that he will carry that momentum into the 2023-24 season, where his role with the franchise will expand. In 2022-23, Reaves averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds, but with a new campaign where he will be given more responsibilities, he is likely to see a significant jump in his numbers.
Sixth Man Of The Year (John Havlicek Trophy)
1. Immanuel Quickley – 30% chance
2. Derrick White – 25% chance
3. Bobby Portis – 20% chance
4. Bogdan Bogdanovic – 15% chance
5. Malik Monk – 10% chance
Immanuel Quickley has proven to be an impactful sixth man for the New York Knicks. His scoring ability and ball-handling skills have earned him a prominent role in the rotation. If Quickley continues to be an offensive force and provides energy off the bench, he has a solid chance of winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, an accolade he narrowly missed last year to Malcolm Brogdon. In 2022-23, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists off the bench.
Derrick White is a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the court. His ability to score, create opportunities for teammates, and play high-level defense makes him a strong candidate for the award. If White becomes the leader of the Boston Celtics’ second unit, he could be a formidable contender, as he demonstrated with his energy and contributions in the postseason last year, averaging 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Bobby Portis has been a force off the bench for several seasons, and his energy and scoring ability have been crucial for his teams. If Portis maintains his level of production and remains a factor on both ends of the court, he could be in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award, a recognition he has deserved for multiple campaigns, as he averaged 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 2022-23.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is a deadly shooter who can change the course of a game coming off the bench. His three-point shooting and ability to create offensive opportunities for his team make him a valid candidate. If Bogdanovic continues to be a standout sixth man for the Atlanta Hawks, he could be in contention for the award. The Serbian averaged 14.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 2022-23.
Malik Monk is an explosive scorer who can generate points in bursts. If Monk finds consistency in his game and contributes significantly as the sixth man for the Sacramento Kings, as he did last season, he could be a surprise candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. His scoring ability can change the course of games, and he showed that he knows how to help the Kings with averages of 13.5 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 2022-23.
Defensive Player Of The Year (Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy)
1. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 25% chance
2. Bam Adebayo – 25% chance
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 20% chance
4. Nic Claxton – 20% chance
5. Evan Mobley – 10% chance
Jaren Jackson Jr., the current Defensive Player of the Year, has proven to be a defensive anchor for the Memphis Grizzlies. His shot-blocking ability, paint protection, and game-changing defensive plays make him a strong candidate to retain his title. He averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in the 2022-23 season.
Bam Adebayo is one of the most versatile defenders in the league. His ability to defend both on the perimeter and in the paint, block shots, and steal the ball makes him a constant threat to opponents. Adebayo could be a strong contender for the award, as he consistently enters the discussion. In 2022-23, the Miami Heat big man averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his versatility, also excels on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and be a phenomenal help defender makes him a dominant force on the defensive side of the court. If he continues to provide a high level of defense, he could be in the conversation for the Defensive Player of the Year award, an accolade he previously won in 2019/20 along with an MVP award.
Nic Claxton has emerged as an outstanding interior defender for the Brooklyn Nets. His shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities have been a significant factor for his team, even when they were missing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, at which point Claxton was leading the DPOY race. If Claxton continues to progress defensively, he could be a clear candidate for the award after averaging 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 2022-23.
Evan Mobley, one of the league’s young promising stars, has shown great defensive potential. His versatility to defend both in the paint and on the perimeter, along with his shot-blocking ability, makes him an intriguing candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award with the Cleveland Cavaliers. If he continues to develop his defensive skills, he could be in contention after a season where he averaged 16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 2022-23.
Rookie Of The Year (Wilt Chamberlain Trophy)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 30% chance
2. Scoot Henderson – 25% chance
3. Chet Holmgren – 20% chance
4. Brandon Miller – 15% chance
5. Cam Whitmore – 10% chance
Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated European prospect, joins the San Antonio Spurs with lofty expectations after being the first overall pick in the Draft. His shot-blocking ability, agility on the court, and the impact he can make on both ends of the floor give him an early advantage in the race for Rookie of the Year. If he quickly adapts to the NBA and becomes a key part of the Spurs’ rotation, he has a solid chance of winning the award.
Scoot Henderson is an explosive and talented point guard who joins the Portland Trail Blazers. His scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership at the point guard position make him a standout candidate. With Henderson expected to have a significant role with the Blazers following Damian Lillard’s departure, he could be a top contender for Rookie of the Year.
Chet Holmgren, one of the most versatile prospects in recent drafts, will play for the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing his first year due to injury, aiming to make an immediate impact. His ability to shoot from the outside, block shots, and contribute to various aspects of the game makes him an intriguing candidate for the award. If Holmgren has a significant impact on his team and rapidly develops his game, he could be a strong contender.
Brandon Miller, the second pick of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, will have an immediate playing opportunity. His ability to control the game, score, and distribute the ball could be a significant asset for the Hornets. If Miller assumes a prominent role in the rotation and displays leadership on the court, he could be in the running for Rookie of the Year, especially with a Charlotte team that will give him ample opportunities to shine.
Cam Whitmore, an athletic forward, brings youth and energy to the Houston Rockets. His ability to attack the rim and contribute on defense makes him an interesting prospect. If Whitmore finds his niche in the Rockets’ rotation and shows consistent growth in his game, he could be a surprise candidate for Rookie of the Year, given the team’s multiple acquisitions and abundance of young talent.
Most Valuable Player (Michael Jordan Trophy)
1. Nikola Jokic – 30% chance
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 25% chance
3. Luka Doncic – 20% chance
4. Joel Embiid – 15% chance
5. Jayson Tatum – 10% chance
Nikola Jokic, the two-time MVP of the Denver Nuggets, displayed his remarkable skills throughout the 2022-23 season. In 69 games, he averaged an impressive 24.5 points per game, highlighting his scoring ability. However, Jokic’s impact extended beyond scoring, as he also contributed significantly in other facets of the game. He pulled down 11.8 rebounds per game, demonstrating his prowess on the boards, and distributed the ball precisely, averaging 9.8 assists per game. These remarkable all-around statistics emphasize his candidacy for the MVP award, showcasing his ability to dominate in multiple aspects of the game after winning the championship and becoming the Finals MVP last season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, another two-time MVP and star of the Milwaukee Bucks continued to be a force to be reckoned with during the 2022-23 season. In 63 games, he showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 31.1 points per game. His ability to attack the rim in half-court sets and transition made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Alongside his scoring, Giannis contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 11.8 rebounds per game, and displayed his playmaking skills with 5.7 assists per game. Giannis’ exceptional stats and impact on both ends of the floor make him a perennial MVP candidate.
Luka Doncic, the young superstar of the Dallas Mavericks, had another amazing season in 2022-23. He demonstrated his scoring ability by averaging a remarkable 32.4 points per game, making him one of the league’s top scorers. Beyond scoring, Doncic showcased his versatility with 8.6 rebounds per game and an impressive 8.0 assists per game. His ability to control the game and contribute across various statistical categories solidifies his status as an MVP candidate. With his scoring, playmaking, and rebounding, Doncic is poised to make a strong case for the MVP award for another year.
Joel Embiid, the dominant center of the Philadelphia 76ers, had a remarkable 2022-23 season. He showcased his scoring ability by averaging an incredible 33.1 points per game, making him one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Alongside his scoring, Embiid was a force on the boards, averaging 10.2 rebounds per game, and contributed with 4.2 assists per game. His imposing presence on both ends of the floor, along with his exceptional stats, make him a formidable MVP candidate after becoming the reigning MVP of the league in 2022-23. Embiid’s ability to impact the game in various ways positions him as a top contender for the award.
Jayson Tatum, the dynamic forward for the Boston Celtics, had an outstanding 2022-23 season. He showcased his scoring ability by averaging an impressive 30.1 points per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier scorers. Tatum’s versatility extended beyond scoring, as he contributed with 8.8 rebounds per game, highlighting his ability to impact the boards. Additionally, he displayed playmaking skills with 4.6 assists per game. Tatum’s well-rounded game and scoring prowess make him a legitimate candidate for the MVP award, as he continues to lead the Celtics with his exceptional statistical performance.
