Predicting NBA awards

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA Today Sports

Most Valuable Player

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Season stats: 

31.2 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 6.6 assists per game, 2.1 steals per game

Thunder are the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. 

Two-way force who is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA. 

He is the main reason for the Thunders success.

Shai is carrying one of the youngest teams in the NBA with no veteran leadership around him.  

Photo Credit: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/nba-midseason-awards-rudy-gobert-for-defensive-player-of-the-year

Defensive Player Of The Year
Rudy Gobert

Season averages:

13.7 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.1 BPG 

Number 1 in defensive win shares.

Number 3 in total rebound percentage. 

Timberwolves are the first seed in the Westen Conference. 

Photo Credit: Eric Gay/ AP

Rookie Of The Year

Victor Wemembanyana

Season stats: 

20.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 3.3 BPG

Youngest player to record a 5x5 game (only 15 players have ever had a 5x5 game).

Fastest player to reach 1K+ PTS, 500+ REB, and 150+ BLK in their career (1423 minutes).

ONLY player in NBA history to have these numbers in a season 150+ BLK, 150+ AST, and 75+ threes.

Leads NBA in blocks with 3.3

Lead NBA in stocks (stls + blocks) with 4.6

Blocks in February:

33 - Victor Wembanyama

32 - Knicks

30 - Pistons

26 - Trail Blazers

23 - Heat

Photo Credit: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/report-high-probability-tyrese-maxey-is-part-of-any-ben-simmons-trade

Most Improved Player

Tyrese Maxey 

2023 stats:

In 60 games, Maxey averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.

2024 stats: 

This season, Maxey is averaging 25.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.  

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron- USA Today Sports

6th Man Of The Year

Tim Hardaway Jr. 

In 43 games, Tim Haradway Jr averages 15.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists off the bench. 

Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/ Getty Images

Clutch Player of the Year 

Stephen Curry 

In the Clutch statistics: 

18-15 record 

Averages 5 points in the clutch 

50.5 FG%, 47.5 3P%, 94.6 FT%

Photo Credit: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/timberwolves-give-coach-chris-finch-contract-extension

Coach of the Year 

Chris Finch

Number 1 seed in the Western Conference. 

Out of 57 games, the Timberwolves have 25 wins against teams with a .500 or greater record.