MVP
Stephen Curry, Warriors (29.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.2 SPG)
Curry has clearly been the best offensive player in the league this year. He is the catalyst of the best team in the league, leading the Warriors to a 45-4 record. Curry is in rare territory, as he is on pace to put together a 50/40/90 season (.511/.458/.911). A feat achieved by only 6 players in NBA history. Curry is the clear front-runner for the award and leads the league with a PER of 32.2.
(Preseason Pick: Anthony Davis, Pelicans)
Defensive Player of the Year
Draymond Green, Warriors (9.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG)
There are a bunch of players this year that deserve consideration for this award, but none more than Draymond Green. Green is the linchpin of the 3rd ranked defense in the league. He has the ability to guard nearly every position on the court and when they play the 6'7" forward at center, the defense looks as good as ever. One of the reasons the Warriors defense is so successful is Draymond's ability to switch assignments.
Honorable Mention: Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, Andre Drummond, Jimmy Butler and Hassan Whiteside
(Preseason Pick: Jimmy Butler, Bulls)
Rookie of the Year
Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves (16.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 0.7 SPG)
To this point, Towns is the unquestioned Rookie of the Year. The first overall pick in the draft has not disappointed. Towns is putting up massive numbers, night in and night out. The 20 year-old has picked up 26 double doubles in 51 games (6th in the NBA) and has crisp post moves for a player of his age. Towns is scoring well and doing it efficiently (.538/.391/.849). His field goal percentage of 53.8 ranks 6th in the league.
Honorable mention: Kristaps Porzingis
(Preseason Pick: Emmanuel Mudiay, Nuggets)
Sixth Man of the Year
Enes Kanter, Thunder (20.6 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.5 BPG)
Kanter's numbers might not blow you away, but he is instant offense off the bench. Kanter is one of the most efficient low-post scorers in the NBA, shooting at 55.8% (4th in the league). He is also an insanely good rebounder. His numbers are limited by his minutes, but his per-36 numbers show how valuable Kanter is to the Thunder (20.7 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.3 TO).
Honorable mention: Ryan Anderson, Will Barton
(Preseason Pick: Isaiah Thomas, Celtics)
Most Improved Player
C.J. McCollum, Trailblazers (20.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, .444/.391/.805)
This is probably the most obvious of all the awards. McCollum is nasty, he just needed an opportunity to prove it. With the departure of four Blazers starters, McCollum was called upon to help Damian Lillard burden the scoring load. After being buried on the depth chart behind Wesley Matthews and Arron Afflalo, C.J. has made the most of his chance this year. Portland has won 5 straight and are currently the 8-seed in the West.
(Preseason Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks)
Coach of the Year
Gregg Popovich, Spurs (41-8)
Coach Pop has led San Antonio to the 2nd best record in the league this season. He has done a great job working LaMarcus Aldridge into the starting lineup and has used David West as a spark off the bench. Popovich has a way of getting his players to exceed expectations and continue to grow within the organization. While the Warriors have the best record, the midseason coaching change will prevent both Luke Walton and Steve Kerr from winning the award.
Honorable mention: Dwane Casey, Raptors and Brad Stevens, Celtics
(Preseason Pick: Brad Stevens, Celtics)
Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter, @TheGraygo
Curry Image provided by: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
McCollum Image provided by: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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