MVP: James Harden
This was a tough dec
ision but for me, Harden edges it. His historic scoring run coupled with the fact he has the largest margin between the 2nd placed player (8.1 ppg) shows how dominant he was on the offensive end. Key pieces of his team missed considerable time and he put the team on his back and led them to the 4th seed. Although I think Giannis will win the MVP, I believe Harden deserves it more.
Honourable mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo
ROTY: Luka Doncic
This award was considered locked up after a few weeks into this season as Luka Doncic settled into the NBA remarkable quickly, while Trae Young struggled early on. Since the All Star Break, Trae Young improved and was arguable better than Luka, but over the course of a whole season Luka was the better player. The fact he was in the conversation to be an All Star goes a long way in showing how good he was as an NBA player, not just a rookie.
Honourable Mention: Trae Young
COTY: Mike Budenholzer
This was the toughest award for me as I believe 5 coaches could have won this award, this year. Coach Bud's impact on this Bucks team was undeniable as he led them to 60 wins (+14 from the previous season). I also believe this could possibly take some MVP votes away from Giannis as I can't see COTY and MVP coming from the same team. Overall, Bud has taken his team from a 1st round exit team to one that people believe could compete with the Warriors.
Honourable Mention: Nate McMillan
DPOY: Giannis Antetokounmpo
He may have not won my MVP but I have the Greek Freak as my DPOY, anyone who can defend all 5 positions like he does is in with a chance. The basic stats and eye test support Giannis for this award and the advance stats further prove his impact on the defensive end. If we take into account how much of an offensive load he takes, it makes his defensive efforts seems more impressive.
Honourable Mention: Rudy Gobert
6MOY: Lou Williams
Does anyone else find it crazy that the LA Clippers have 2 guys who could win 6MOY?
Lou Will has been playing this role for a long time and I don't think anyone does it better. He leads his team in ppg and can be counted on in clutch time
Honourable Mention: Domantas Sabonis
MIP: Pascal Siakam
The shock factor played a part in this award for me. Siakam essentially came out of nowhere and solidified himself as a key piece on one of he best team in the NBA. Whereas DLo was a #2 pick and everyone was aware of his potential although he struggled to show it early on in his career. Siakam has improved every season and his leap from a 7ppg scorer to a 17ppg scorer shows how much of a leap he took.
Honourable Mention: D'Angelo Russell