Top Player: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
While far from a complete disaster, the Nuggets have had far greater than anticipated struggles after their gritty run to the Western Conference Finals in the Bubble last season. The biggest reason they're currently sitting in 5th place with a 22-15 record in the hypercompetitive Western Conference despite facing some very real adversity on the floor is the play of Jokic. The Joker has guided the Nuggets through injuries, Jamal Murray's up-and-down play and Michael Porter Jr jacking up about a dozen shots per game that he has no business taking by posting career high numbers nearly across the board (27.1 points, 8.6 assists, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 56.6 FG%, 41.1 3P%) without upping his turnover rate (its currently at 3.1 for the 3rd straight season-despite touching the ball significantly more this year) and routinely getting them out of sticky situations with his versatile playmaking-particularly in crunch time.
Honorable Mentions: Steph Curry (Warriors), James Harden (Rockets/Nets), Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers)
Top Defensive Player: Myles Turner (Pacers)
Turner must've heard the Celtics didn't want him in a potential trade for Gordon Hayward last offseason because Danny Ainge reportedly didn't feel like he could make a big enough impact on the defensive end of floor to justify taking on his salary for multiple seasons. The Pacers big man has been by far the best rim protector in the league this year- averaging a ridiculous 3.3 swats her game while also adding a career-high 1.0 steals.
Honorable Mentions: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Rudy Gobert (Jazz), Dejounte Murray (Spurs)
Top Rookie: LaMelo Ball (Hornets)
Don't look now, but LaMelo Ball might be really fucking good. Ball has brought a lot of juice to a Hornets second unit that had been one of the most lifeless in the league in recent years-regularly showcasing the terrific passing/on-ball defense that made him a top prospect (6.4 APG, 1.6 SPG-which is currently tied for 4th most in the league) while also displaying a better than expected shooting touch (15.8 PPG, 44.9 FG%, 38.7 3P%).
Honorable Mentions: Tyrese Haliburton (Kings), Immanuel Quickley (Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
Top Coach: Doc Rivers (76ers)
Bringing in Rivers has had the intended effect on this long underachieving 76ers team. The deeply respected tactician has this team playing the most disciplined, high-effort basketball of the Embiid/Simmons-era and taken them to top of the pack in the Eastern Conference (they're currently sitting in 1st with an excellent 27-12 record) for the first time since Allen Iverson left town.
Honorable Mentions: Quin Snyder (Jazz), Tom Tibodeau (Knicks), Billy Donovan (Bulls)
Top 6th Man: Jordan Clarkson (Jazz)
The early returns on the 4 year/$51 million contract Clarkson signed to remain with the Jazz in free agency have been nothing short of sensational. Clarkson has played a huge part in the Jazz' greatly improved offense this season- averaging a career high 17.9 points, shooting a league-high 96.7% from the free throw line and remaining efficient from beyond the arc (37.0%) despite upping his 3 attempts per game from 6 a year ago to 8.5 this season.
Honorable Mentions: Terrence Ross (Magic), Chris Boucher (Raptors), Montrezl Harrell (Lakers)
Most Improved: Zach LaVine (Bulls)
Even as a longtime believer in his scoring ability, I've been blown away by what LaVine has done this year. The 25-year old has thrived in new coach Billy Donovan's system that has completely handed him the keys to the offense. Not only is LaVine scoring more (he's averaging a career high 28.1 PPG), but he's shooting much more efficiently from all over the floor (52.3 FG% and 43.5 3P%-a staggering 5.6% and 4.6% respective improvement from his previous top totals) and making notable strides as a passer (5.1 APG-up from his previous career best of 4.5 in 2018-19). If the Bulls can make it to the playoffs and he can keep this level of play in the 2nd half of the season, he should enter the MVP conversation as well.
Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Terry Rozier (Hornets), Chris Boucher (Raptors)
No comments:
Post a Comment