NBA Individual Awards Analysis: Who Stands Out This Season?
As the NBA regular season progresses, with the [Atlanta Hawks](/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks) being the first team to reach 41 games, the league rule requiring 65 games played to be eligible for the most important individual awards is generating debate. In Alofoke Deportes, we bring you a detailed analysis of the main contenders and possible surprises.
Eligibility for All-NBA awards is crucial, as it directly impacts supermax criteria for contract extensions.
Alofoke Deportes
The current situation presents a different landscape for this year’s awards, especially with several key players already out of the running. The All-NBA, in particular, takes on great relevance due to its influence on eligibility for supermax criteria. Players like Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Jalen Williams, are no longer in the fight.
We review the leaders, contenders, and possible surprises for each of the most prestigious individual NBA awards.
All-NBA Team
Third All-NBA Team
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Curry is the only player in this group with an All-NBA selection to his name. The list of first-time participants could grow as more players suffer injuries that take them out of contention.
A player to watch from a financial standpoint is Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, who could be eligible for the 30% maximum criterion if selected for All-NBA.
Second All-NBA Team
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Towns becomes an interesting candidate as injuries affect the NBA’s top centers. Although All-NBA voting now has no position, voters could look to balance their lineups, and Towns is the best big man on track to qualify for the awards.
First Team All-NBA
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
The first team will look very different due to injuries. Of the five selections from last year, Tatum is out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Jokic and Antetokounmpo could struggle to qualify.
Doncic is back in contention after injuries ended his streak on the All-NBA first team last season. He and Gilgeous-Alexander are the easiest picks if they are eligible. Brunson and Cunningham could be rewarded for their wins.
Coach of the Year
The main candidates are J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons, Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs. The historical trend is to reward a combination of exceeding expectations and the team’s overall success.
Most Improved Player
The favorites are Deni Avdija from the Portland Trail Blazers, Keyonte George from the Utah Jazz, and Jalen Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks.
Sixth Man of the Year
Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat is the favorite, followed by Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks, Anthony Black of the Orlando Magic, Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets.
Rookie of the Year
Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks is the favorite, followed by Kon Knueppel from the Charlotte Hornets and Derik Queen from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Defensive Player of the Year
Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the favorite, followed by Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Most Valuable Player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the favorite, followed by Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jokic’s injury changed what seemed to be a two-horse race for the MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear favorite to repeat.
