It has been an up and down season so far in the NBA.....You know what, the NBA could be doing better, especially with the NFL's ratings sagging this season. With a flux of disappointing big threes, fighting between players, players trying to reach the locker room to fight other players (reportedly), someone's dad, and players complaining about officials. It can be a lot better.
The action has been great, though, and now since we are headed towards the All-Star break, here are my mid-season awards.
MVP- James Harden, Rockets
I mean Kevin Durant has the numbers for the award (26.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists) and when Stephen Curry missed time, Durant became the leader of the Warriors. Unfortunately, Harden's numbers are slightly better (31.7 points, 9.0 assists, 4.9 rebounds) and despite the addition of Chris Paul, Harden is the focal point of the Rockets' offense. We will not mention his defense.
Rookie Of The Year- Ben Simmons, 76ers
This rookie class is stacked with Simmons leading the way. Donovan Mitchell has become an instant legend in Utah (18.3 points, 3.4 assists). Kyle Kuzma (17.5 points, 6.4 rebounds) has become the best rookie for the Lakers. Lauri Markkanen is a lethal three point threat for Chicago. Jayson Tatum has played like a 6 year veteran. Simmons, though, stands at the top of the heap with astounding numbers (16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists).
Coach Of The Year- Dwayne Casey, Raptors
Thibs in Minnesota, obviously will win the actual award in many people's eyes. I went outside the box on this one. Casey has put the Raptors in the Eastern Conference elite over the past few years and they continue to play well this season. This is a "we should have given the award to him years ago" type of deal.
Most Improved Player- Victor Oladipo, Pacers
Aaron Gordon should get the nod here, but I'm going with his former teammate in Orlando. Oladipo (24.3 points, 4.0 assists) is becoming the superstar everyone had predicted when he was drafted in 2013. Spencer Dinwiddie of Brooklyn has made some noise as of late.
Sixth Man Of The Year- Lou Williams, Clippers
Remember the Pistons championship teams? They had a spark plug come off the bench named Vinnie Johnson whose nickname was "Microwave". Lou Williams is the 2017-2018 version of "Microwave".
(Note: This selection could be disqualified at the time of this writing due to the number of games Lou Williams has started).
Defensive Player Of The Year- Anthony Davis, Pelicans
He might have help because of DeMarcus Cousins, but Davis has become a shutdown player on the defensive side. I would also recommend Andre Drummond for this, but it seems that he can up his block total to be in consideration.
Executive Of The Year- Danny Ainge, Celtics
The drafting of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum has helped with this (Thank you, Billy King). But the trade for Kyrie Irving has changed the culture in Boston. Ainge did this with the Garnett trade and turned the Celtics into champions. History could repeat itself.
Awards That Don't Exist, But Should
Comeback Player Of The Year- Tyreke Evans, Grizzlies
After having his play regressing, Evans (19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists) is having a comeback season with the Grizzlies. In fact if Lou Williams is not eligible for the Sixth Man award, Evans would be the winner.
Most Surprising Team- Indiana Pacers
This was supposed to a rebuilding year for the Pacers, but Nate McMillian is doing an excellent job at steering the Pacers in the right direction. Oladipo is showing that the Paul George trade is paying dividends.......for Indiana.
Most Disappointing Team- Memphis Grizzlies
And I understand injuries are taking a toll on this team, that's not the issue. It's the front office tomfoolery that has made this team disappointing. It's comical at times.
(Note: More on this at a later time.)
Least Valuable Player- Chandler Parsons, Grizzlies
Again, injuries are something that is hard. Parsons is here because when he is healthy, he does very little for a player with a max contract.
Role Player Of The Year- T.J. Warren, Suns
He doesn't get the attention as Devin Booker or Josh Jackson, but T.J. Warren is quietly averaging 19.8 points a game. If you live outside of the Phoenix area, you probably have no clue who he is.
Least Valuable Executive- Rob Hennigan, Former GM Orlando Magic
Folks, we found the NBA version of Ryan Grigson. Horrible draft picks (except Oladipo and Gordon), terrible trades, god awful free agent signings (Bismack Biyombo at $17 mil per season). Coaches couldn't stand him (Scott Skiles quit after one season). Now it's up to Jeff Weltman and John Hammond to clean up this mess that Hennigan left behind.
So there you go for the first half of the NBA season. Hopefully, the second half will steer us into a much more clear picture of who's a contender and who isn't.
And, hopefully LaVar Ball can be quiet during the second half.......Hey, it could happen.