The NBA season has been good, to say the least. LeBron in L.A., and they're struggling, and reporting that he wants his coach out. Here we go with this. Again. The rest of the teams are playing like expected, but there are some surprises and there are some disappointments. Rookies shining, and rookies floundering. Head coaches prospering and some not. Let's get to the mid-season NBA awards for 2018-2019.
MVP: James Harden, Rockets
Say what you will about his defense, Harden is carrying the Rockets to the playoffs. His numbers are insane (36.3 ppg, 6.6 reb, 8.2 ast) and Harden is starting to have that cold blooded mentality that separates good players into great players. Even when Chris Paul comes back, Harden is the focal point of the Rockets. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Sorry, Giannis and PG13.
Rookie of the Mid-Year: Luka Doncic, Mavericks
The hype is real, folks. I saw him in a preseason game, and thought, WOW. Doncic has changed the Mavs' culture so much that their second year point guard, Dennis Smith Jr. wanted a trade. Look at Doncic's numbers (20.5 ppg, 6.9 reb, 5.4 ast) and realize he is only a teenager. Mark Cuban is probably grateful that Doncic is the real deal, after giving up this year's first to obtain him.
Coach of the Mid-Year: Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
Speaking of changing the culture, that's exactly what Budenholzer has done in Milwaukee. He turned a middle-of-the-pack Bucks team into one of the top teams in the East. Remember a few years ago, Budenholzer led a totally boring Hawks team to 60 wins and the top seed in the East. The point is, he can flat out coach.
Sixth Man of the Mid-Year: Julius Randle, Pelicans
I did a blog about the winners and losers of the off-season and Randle was one of the losers. Looks like he's doing just fine, thank you very much. Randle is averaging
(19.9 ppg, 9.3 reb) off the bench. That is usually numbers a starter would average. Randle could get a chance to start once the Pels trade AD.
Most Improved Player of the Mid-Year: Montrezl Harrell, Clippers
Talk about coming out of nowhere. Harrell was supposed to be an energy player, but he's turned into one of the Clippers' most important assets. Harrell is averaging 5 points more per game this season than his career average (15.8 to 10.3) and 2 more rebounds per game than his career average (6.7 to 4.2).
Executive of the Mid-Year: Arturas Karnisovas, Nuggets
Karnisovas has continued to build a roster that can counteract with the Warriors in the West. Locking up Nikola Jokic was a huge coo for their future, and drafting Michael Porter Jr., who at one time was the #1 prospect out of high school, could be a wise investment if his back troubles are behind him.
Defensive Player of the Mid-Year: Paul George, Thunder
Sure, George is the second scoring option in OKC behind Westbrook, but he is underrated when it comes to his defense, as evidenced with him leading the NBA in steals. He has become the lockdown defender guarding the opposition's best scoring threat.
Now is time for TRSMAZ's version of the NBA Mid-Season awards.
Comeback Player of the Mid-Year: Derrick Rose, Timberwolves
After years of knee injuries and personal issues, D-Rose is returning to the D-Rose of old. His 50 point game against the Jazz earlier this season served as an inspiration that many NBA players applauded and gave Rose the respect that hopefully can carry on the rest of his career.
Most Surprising Team: Brooklyn Nets
It's finally happening! Many seasons of punishment, because of the sins of former GM Billy King, the Nets have broken out of their slumber and broken through. Give GM Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson credit, the Nets used late draft picks and unproven players and turned this team into a playoff contender.
Most Disappointing Team: New Orleans Pelicans
It's official! AD wants out. The Pelicans, who were a playoff team last season, have fallen from grace. GM Dell Demps and coach Alvin Gentry will probably leave also, but not at their choosing.
Role Player of the Mid-Year: Tim Hardaway Jr., Knicks
Hardaway isn't the superstar that the Knicks want, he's the role player the Knicks need. Averaging 19.1 ppg and 3.5 reb, Hardaway is the Knicks' best player, by default. UPDATE: As of this writing, Hardaway Jr. was traded to the Mavericks.
Least Valuable Franchise: Orlando Magic
The original owner of the team, Rich DeVos, has passed on. I want to give a message to the DeVos family: SAVE THIS FRANCHISE! This organization had Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady and Dwight Howard. It has fallen on hard times, but there is hope. Aaron Gordon looks like the cornerstone of the franchise. Build around him. Just save this team, please.
Well, there you have it. Hopefully, the second half of the season brings more action, excitement and a little drama, if you're into that.
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