The Midseason MVP Race
Dan Devine: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder remains the top candidate for MVP. His all-around performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, contributing to the Thunder’s dominant season with a 5.5-game lead in the Western Conference. With elite stats and a strong clutch performance, SGA continues to assert his case for the award, playing a crucial role in one of the best teams in NBA history.
Tom Haberstroh: Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP bid looks increasingly secure. While other contenders like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić have dealt with injuries, SGA has been a consistent force for the Thunder. His clutch performances, including leading the league with 122 points in the final five minutes of close games, make him a deserving frontrunner.
Steve Jones: With Jokić’s injury and other contenders faltering, SGA stands as the clear MVP leader. His offensive consistency has been the driving force behind the Thunder’s success. However, other players like Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, and Jaylen Brown may still make a late-season push.
Morten Stig Jensen: While SGA has been phenomenal, Nikola Jokić remains a strong contender. Jokić’s remarkable all-around play could still edge him out if he stays healthy and maintains his high level of performance. If Jokić misses significant time, though, SGA’s case becomes even stronger.
Kelly Iko: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the MVP favorite. Despite a challenge from players like Jokić, the consistency and impact SGA brings to the Thunder make it hard to overlook him. His contributions go beyond just scoring, as his leadership has been pivotal to the team’s success.
Midseason Rookie of the Year Contenders
Iko: Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks has been a standout rookie, posting solid numbers despite the Mavericks’ middling performance. Flagg’s versatility, especially his ability to defend multiple positions and contribute offensively, has been key to his team’s success. While his 3-point shooting needs improvement, he has more than earned the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Haberstroh: Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets has been a revelation. His shooting efficiency and all-around play make him an early favorite for ROY. Knueppel’s ability to step up and perform in the absence of LaMelo Ball has been crucial to the Hornets’ success this season.
Devine: Knueppel continues to impress with his elite shooting and scoring ability. His efficiency is remarkable, leading all rookies in scoring with high percentages from the field, 3-point range, and the free-throw line. Despite the challenges Charlotte has faced, Knueppel’s consistency has helped keep them in the playoff hunt.
Jones: Flagg has been instrumental for the Mavericks, leading the team in several key statistical categories. Despite a tough start, he has taken on significant responsibility and continues to improve, making him a deserving candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Jensen: The Rookie of the Year race is tight, with both Flagg and Knueppel putting together strong campaigns. Knueppel has impressed with his efficiency, while Flagg’s all-around contributions have made him a standout. This competition is expected to heat up as the season progresses.
Coach of the Year Candidates
Jones: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons has done an outstanding job maximizing the potential of his roster. Despite not having the star power of other teams, Bickerstaff has guided the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference, with players like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren showing significant improvement.
Jensen: Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs has had a fantastic first season as head coach. Despite Victor Wembanyama’s inconsistent availability, Johnson has led the Spurs to a strong start, and his ability to keep the team competitive with a deep, team-oriented approach has been impressive.
Devine: Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns deserves recognition for his coaching. The Suns’ defense has been elite, and Ott has implemented a system that emphasizes competitiveness, accountability, and intensity. The team’s impressive performance has placed them among the top teams in the league.
Iko: Mitch Johnson’s leadership in San Antonio has been outstanding, guiding the team to a top spot in the Western Conference. Despite missing key players, Johnson has developed a cohesive unit and shown remarkable adaptability, making him a strong contender for Coach of the Year.
Haberstroh: Mitch Johnson’s success in San Antonio, especially with the absence of several key players, has been nothing short of remarkable. His coaching has been a major factor in the Spurs’ rise to the second-best record in the Western Conference.
The Midseason Defensive Player of the Year Race
Jensen: Victor Wembanyama is the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. His size, athleticism, and basketball IQ make him an impossible player to score against. Wembanyama’s ability to affect shots both at the rim and in the midrange has been a game-changer for the Spurs’ defense.
Jones: Wembanyama’s impact on defense has been a key reason for the Spurs’ success this season. His ability to alter shots, protect the rim, and communicate effectively on defense sets him apart from other candidates. He has been a consistent presence and a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Haberstroh: Wembanyama continues to impress with his defensive prowess. His ability to control the paint and force offenses into difficult shots makes him the clear favorite for DPOY. His defensive contributions have been pivotal to the Spurs’ success this season.
Iko: Wembanyama has been a game-changer defensively, altering shots and making it difficult for teams to score inside. His impact has been especially significant in the Spurs’ defensive success, and there’s no question he’s the most dominant defensive player in the league.
Devine: Wembanyama’s presence on defense is unmatched. The Spurs’ defensive efficiency with him on the floor is exceptional, and his ability to limit opponents’ shot attempts in the paint has been a key factor in their success. He remains the top choice for Defensive Player of the Year.
Midseason Sixth Man of the Year Candidates
Haberstroh: Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat has been exceptional as a bench player. His contributions in the paint and overall improvement make him a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. Jaquez has played a key role in Miami’s offensive success.
Iko: Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs has been outstanding in his new role off the bench. Johnson is shooting career-best percentages and providing strong rebounding and defensive contributions. His transformation into a reliable role player has been crucial to the Spurs’ success.
Devine: Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons has earned Sixth Man of the Year consideration with his all-around contributions. His physicality and defensive presence have been key to Detroit’s rise in defensive efficiency and their strong performance in the Eastern Conference.
Jensen: Keldon Johnson continues to impress with his all-around game, rebounding, and offensive efficiency. His ability to impact games despite coming off the bench has been key to the Spurs’ success this season, making him a top contender for Sixth Man of the Year.
Jones: Jaquez Jr. has been a standout bench player for the Heat. His ability to get into the paint, finish strong, and make smart decisions has been vital to Miami’s success. Jaquez’s playmaking and scoring off the bench make him a strong contender for the award.
