With the NBA regular season almost over, we have the 5 leading candidates for each individual award.

The NBA regular season is ending over the next few weeks and we anticipate one of the most exciting playoffs to come. The award races for major awards including Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year are certainly tight, and we have the winners for each major trophy predicted as of March 2024. With only a couple of games left to play, expect to see these players (and coach) lift the important awards at the end of the season.

2023-24 NBA MVP – Nikola Jokic

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2023-24 MVP Leaderboard

1. Nikola Jokic

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

4. Luka Doncic

5. Jayson Tatum

Nikola Jokic has solidified himself as the best player in the world with his exceptional performance this season. With near triple-double averages on a nightly basis (26.1 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.0 APG), his impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. Leading the charge for the Denver Nuggets, Jokic has been instrumental in guiding his team to contention for the first seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. His unique skill set as a center, combined with his incredible passing ability, which rivals that of standout guards like Tyrese Haliburton, sets him apart in today’s NBA landscape.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken significant strides this season, establishing himself as a superstar in the NBA. His scoring ability, coupled with his playmaking skills, has been crucial for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success. The Thunder are battling for the first seed in the West, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring (30.5 PPG) is the main reason why the team is in position for a deep playoff run.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, continues to be a dominant force on the court for the Milwaukee Bucks. His size, athleticism, and skill make him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. The Greek Freak is posting 30.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game this season as he continues to prove that he is the best two-way star in the league right now.

Luka Doncic has once again proven why he is considered one of the most dominant players in the NBA. His exceptional scoring ability, court vision, and basketball IQ have been on full display for the Dallas Mavericks this season (34.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 9.8 APG). Doncic’s ability to take over games and make clutch plays in crucial moments has been instrumental in keeping the Mavericks competitive in a tough Western Conference with the 8th seed and a 41-29 record.

Finally, Jayson Tatum is the best player on the best team, the Boston Celtics. His offensive repertoire, which includes a deadly mid-range game and improved three-point shooting, has made him a constant threat on the court. Playing alongside Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis will hurt his MVP chances and he almost certainly won’t win the award this year, but Tatum still cracks the top-five.

2023-24 Rookie Of The Year – Victor Wembanyama

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2023-24 Rookie of the Year Leaderboard

1. Victor Wembanyama

2. Chet Holmgren

3. Jaime Jaquez Jr.

4. Scoot Henderson

5. Brandon Miller

Victor Wembanyama has been a sensation in his rookie season, showcasing his immense potential and versatility on both ends of the floor. Standing at 7 feet tall with guard-like skills, Wembanyama has the ability to impact the game as a rim protector, rebounder, and playmaker. Averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.4 blocks per game, Wembanyama is a lock for Rookie of the Year (ROY) and also a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Chet Holmgren has lived up to the hype as one of the most highly-touted prospects in his rookie season. Standing at 7 feet tall with guard-like skills, Holmgren’s versatility on both ends of the floor has been a valuable asset for the Thunder. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and handle the ball has made him a dynamic presence on the court and he hopes to find a way to steal the award from Victor Wembanyama.

Brandon Miller has impressed with his poise, maturity, and all-around skill set in his rookie campaign. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or defending, has placed Miller as the third-best rookie in the league. He is posting 16.6 points per game and deserves his praise despite playing on a bad team.

Scoot Henderson is getting better as the months have gone by. His explosive athleticism, combined with his ability to create his own shot and facilitate for his teammates, has made him a standout performer. After a slow start to the season, Scoot manages to post 13.1 points and 4.8 assists per game playing for the rebuilding (and tanking) Trail Blazers.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a consistent performer and key contributor for his team in his rookie season, rather surprisingly. His tenacity on defense, coupled with his scoring ability and basketball IQ, has made him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor and the Miami Heat have found another gem in the draft. Unfortunately, he won’t be close to the ROY award due to the talents ahead of him.

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2023-24 Defensive Player Of The Year – Rudy Gobert

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2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year Leaderboard

1. Rudy Gobert

2. Bam Adebayo

3. Jarrett Allen

4. Victor Wembanyama

5. Anthony Davis

Rudy Gobert continues to be an elite defensive anchor, showcasing his elite rim protection and defensive prowess. His ability to alter shots, control the paint, and anchor the defense has been instrumental in the Timberwolves’ success as the first-ranked defense in the NBA. Gobert’s presence alone forces opposing teams to alter their game plans, highlighting his impact on the defensive end and he will likely win his fourth DPOY trophy.

With the defensive-minded Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo has established himself as one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions, switch on screens, and protect the rim has given the Heat a chance to prepare for another deep playoff run. Averaging 1.1 SPG and 1.0 BPG, the big man is doing his part defensively to be close to Rudy Gobert this season.

Jarrett Allen has emerged as a defensive force in the paint for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. His shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and rim protection have been key factors in the Cavaliers’ defensive improvement. The Cavaliers rank 4th in defensive rating (112.0) and 6th in OPPG (109.5), and Allen is the driving force behind those numbers.

Victor Wembanyama’s defensive instincts, shot-blocking ability, and versatility have made him a standout defender in his rookie season. His exceptional length and athleticism allow him to challenge shots, disrupt passing lanes, and guard multiple positions effectively. The favorite for the Rookie of the Year is posting a league-high 3.4 blocks per game, so he is in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year as well.

Anthony Davis is back to his best defensively for the Los Angeles Lakers. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and alter shots has been crucial for the Lakers’ defensive schemes. Despite playing for the 9th seed in the West, Davis is averaging 1.2 steals and 2.4 blocks per game this season which are elite defensive numbers for a player also chipping in 24.6 points per game.

2023-24 Sixth Man Of The Year – Malik Monk

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203-24 Sixth Man of the Year Leaderboard

1. Malik Monk

2. Naz Reid

3. Norman Powell

4. Bobby Portis

5. Caris LeVert

Malik Monk has been a spark off the bench for the Sacramento Kings, providing scoring punch and energy in his sixth-man role. His ability to heat up quickly and make timely shots has been crucial for the Kings’ second unit. The energetic guard is posting 15.8 points per game on 44.5% from the field and 35.7% from three.

Naz Reid has been a key contributor off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves, providing scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking in a reserve role. His ability to stretch the floor, attack the basket, and protect the rim has made him a versatile and impactful player for the Timberwolves second unit and his improvement has been quite impressive by posting 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Norman Powell has embraced his role as a sixth man for the Clippers, providing scoring, perimeter shooting, and defensive intensity off the bench. His ability to create his own shot, attack the basket, and defend multiple positions has made him a valuable asset behind a star-powered squad. Averaging 14.0 points per game, Powell has been an important player this season.

Bobby Portis has been a reliable and productive sixth man for the Milwaukee Bucks, providing scoring, rebounding, and energy off the bench. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, crash the boards, and defend multiple positions place him in a top-five spot for 6th Man of the Year as he averages 13.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Caris LeVert has been a dynamic playmaker and scorer off the bench for the Cavaliers, providing versatility and offensive firepower in a reserve role. LeVert’s scoring ability, playmaking skills, and clutch performances have been crucial in providing a spark off the bench and keeping the Cavaliers competitive as he holds an average of 13.8 points per game.

2023-24 Most Improved Player – Tyrese Maxey

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Most Improved Player of the Year Leaderboard

1. Tyrese Maxey

2. Coby White

3. Jalen Williams

4. Jonathan Kuminga

5. Scottie Barnes

Tyrese Maxey has taken a significant leap in his development this season, emerging as a key contributor and rising star for the Philadelphia 76ers. His improved scoring ability, playmaking skills, and overall confidence have been evident in his performance on the court. Averaging 25.7 points per game after posting 20.3 last year, Maxey has blossomed into one of the brightest players in the world.

Coby White has shown marked improvement in his game this season, solidifying his role as a key playmaker and scorer for the Chicago Bulls. Despite playing for a team that is built for the play-in tournament, White has chipped in 19.3 points and 5.3 assists per game on 38.7% shooting from deep when his future in Chicago was previously in doubt.

Jalen Williams has made significant strides in his game this season, establishing himself as a rising star for the Thunder. His improved scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive intensity have been key factors in his development. Williams is averaging 19.2 points per game on 44.1% from three, after only posting 14.1 points per game last season.

Jonathan Kuminga has impressed with his rapid development and contributions in his third season for the Golden State Warriors. His improved scoring efficiency, defensive versatility, and overall impact on the court have been evident in his performance. After posting 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds last year, Kuminga is blossoming into a solid player averaging 16.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes’ athleticism, length, and basketball IQ have allowed him to make an impact on both ends of the floor and contribute in various ways. As he continues to refine his game and adapt to the NBA’s pace and physicality, Barnes’ candidacy for Most Improved Player is strong, highlighting his growth and potential as a future star in the league because he is posting career-highs across the board (19.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 6.1 APG).

2023-24 Coach Of The Year – Mark Daigneault

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Coach of the Year Leaderboard

1. Mark Daigneault

2. Chris Finch

3. Jamahl Mosley

4. Joe Mazzulla

5. JB Bickerstaff

Mark Daigneault has done an exceptional job guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder (49-21) through a rebuilding phase, fostering player development, and instilling a competitive spirit in his team. Despite facing challenges with a young roster, Daigneault has implemented a cohesive system that emphasizes player growth, teamwork, and defensive intensity and the group has managed to grow faster than we have expected. The Thunder rank 4th in PPG and 13th in OPPG as they look towards a deep playoff run, to which Daigneault deserves to win Coach of the Year.

Chris Finch has led the Minnesota Timberwolves (49-22) to significant improvement and success this season, instilling a winning culture and cohesive playing style as they sit third in the West with one game away from the top seed. Under Finch’s guidance, the Timberwolves have the best defense in the NBA and are hoping to keep the first seed in the Western Conference after being a play-in team last year.

Jamahl Mosley has made a positive impact in his first season as head coach of the Orlando Magic (42-29), emphasizing player development, defensive intensity, and team unity as the fifth seed in the East. Despite facing challenges with a young and rebuilding roster, Mosley has instilled a competitive spirit that made the Magic a top-three defense in the league. Mosley has also helped Poalo Banchero earn his first All-Star selection.

The coach of the best team in the league (57-15) per record, Joe Mazzulla has impressed in his second season as an NBA head coach. Mazzulla had to endure growing pains last season, guiding the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals but making a few rotations and game-calling mistakes along the way. This season, Mazzulla has cleaned that up and the Celtics players are all buying into his guidance with an NBA championship in their sights.

JB Bickerstaff has continued to make strides in his coaching career, guiding the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-28) to impressive growth and competitiveness this season. The Cavaliers are not getting the respect they deserve, holding the third seed in the East, but Bickerstaff will finish among the top five candidates for Coach of the Year.