Every year, when the NBA season concludes, the selection of the NBA end-of-season awards becomes a challenging task. Among these, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award often keeps me up at night, but this year proved to be particularly tough. Below is my official MVP ballot, showcasing the players I believe deserve recognition for their outstanding performances.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
2. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
4. Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
5. LeBron James (Lakers)
Choosing the MVP this year felt like an insurmountable task, especially with the arguments that could be made for both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Additionally, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a campaign that would have won him the award in other seasons. Ultimately, my decision came down to two significant factors: the value each player brings to their respective teams and their individual contributions to winning.
While many argue for Jokic's value to the Nuggets, I believe that Gilgeous-Alexander has demonstrated even greater impact. This year, he not only excelled offensively but was also a better defender, contributing to overall team success. Furthermore, Gilgeous-Alexander became the 11th player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring on a 60+ win team, a significant accomplishment that historically correlates with winning the MVP award.
Another challenging decision came when filling the fifth spot on my ballot. I ultimately chose LeBron James because he was the essential glue that held the Lakers together this season. His leadership and performance were pivotal in securing numerous wins for the team, regardless of the presence of stars like Anthony Davis or Luka Doncic.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
2. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
4. Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
5. LeBron James (Lakers)
1. Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
2. Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
3. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
4. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
5. Stephen Curry (Warriors)
1. Jalen Williams (Thunder)
2. Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
3. Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
4. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
5. Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
Leaving players like Alperen Sengun off this list was tough, as he was a strong candidate for my 16th spot. While I don't subscribe to the notion that every team needs a representative, the absence of a Rockets player felt like a notable oversight. Similarly, I felt regretful for not including Ivica Zubac or James Harden, both of whom had impressive seasons that helped their teams exceed expectations.
1. Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
2. Luguentz Dort (Thunder)
3. Draymond Green (Warriors)
The competition for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was fierce this year. Victor Wembanyama was leading the charge before an injury cut his season short. Despite playing only 46 games, he still finished with the most blocked shots in the league. However, I believe Evan Mobley stood out as the most valuable defender for his team, consistently defending both the perimeter and the paint.
1. Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
2. Draymond Green (Warriors)
3. Luguentz Dort (Thunder)
4. Dyson Daniels (Hawks)
5. Amen Thompson (Rockets)
1. Ivica Zubac (Clippers)
2. Jalen Williams (Thunder)
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
4. OG Anunoby (Knicks)
5. Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves)
1. Kenny Atkinson (Cavaliers)
2. J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons)
3. Ime Udoka (Rockets)
The competition for NBA Coach of the Year was also quite deep this season. While leaving out coaches like Tyronn Lue and Jamahl Mosley was painful, I gave the edge to Kenny Atkinson for maximizing the potential of the Cavaliers roster and improving their offensive output significantly.
1. Payton Pritchard (Celtics)
2. Malik Beasley (Pistons)
3. Ty Jerome (Cavaliers)
Payton Pritchard’s performance as a Sixth Man this season was impressive. At just 6'1", he managed to shoot an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc while also showcasing unexpected skills as an elite offensive rebounder. Despite considering Malik Beasley for his contributions to the Pistons, this was truly Pritchard’s year to shine.
1. Stephon Castle (Spurs)
2. Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies)
3. Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks)
This year marked a downturn for rookies, particularly after Jared McCain's injury before the season started. However, Stephon Castle emerged as a standout, earning my vote for NBA Rookie of the Year.
1. Dyson Daniels (Hawks)
2. Christian Braun (Nuggets)
3. Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
My choice for Most Improved Player is Dyson Daniels. His development this season was significant, surpassing expectations and showcasing the most year-over-year improvement. Although Cade Cunningham had a standout season, Daniels demonstrated a more remarkable leap in his performance.
In conclusion, this year's NBA awards highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of players across the league. Each selection was made with careful consideration of their contributions to their teams and their overall impact on the game.
