I haven't done a mid-season award post in a long while, well, it's time to do one then.....

MVP: SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, OKC

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. SGA (32.5 PPG, 5.1 REB, 6.1 AST) is leading a Thunder team that is cruising on top of the NBA as he and the franchise hope this season ends in a lot of hardware. If that happens, a lot of Seattle and Clippers fans will be shedding the waterworks.

ROOKIE OF THE MID-YEAR: STEPHON CASTLE, SPURS

As Wemby and DeAaron Fox getting all of the attention in San Antonio, Stephon Castle will be another building block for a team that can reach championship status a year from now. Castle has proved to be a valuable piece for the Spurs in the future.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: CADE CUNNINGHAM, PISTONS

We knew that he was going to be good, but this half-season, Cade Cunningham has jumped to the upper echelon of the NBA (25.4 ppg, 45.5 fg%, 6.3 reb, 9.4 ast). He has a chance to help the Pistons reach the playoffs this season, that is not a joke.

SIXTH MAN: PAYTON PRITCHARD, CELTICS

The NBA Champs did not have a lot of depth, but they have a guy who can keep the engine running when the starters need a spell. Pritchard can be the one who can take over for a mid-30's Jrue Holiday when he decides to step down.

COACH OF THE MID-YEAR: KENNY ATKINSON, CAVS

Cleveland decided to bring in Atkinson to help them reach the summit. Well, he is doing that and then some. The Cavaliers are the class of the Eastern Conference and haven't looked back.

EXECUTIVE OF THE MID-YEAR: ROB PELINKA, LAKERS

You know why, I shouldn't have to explain it to you.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER: VICTOR WEMBANYAMA, SPURS

Me thinks that this won't be the last one he will get this award.

NOW THE RSMAJ EDITION:

MOST IMPROVED TEAM: HOUSTON ROCKETS

Now, coach Ime Udoka is starting to see the improvement that was expected for the Rockets.

LEAST IMPROVED TEAM: PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Injuries, inconsistency and zero chemistry have sent the Sixers into a nosedive.

LEAST IMPROVED PLAYER: PAUL GEORGE, SIXERS

Really, two points in 37 minutes? Not good for $211 million.

TJ WARREN AWARD (BEST ROLE PLAYER): BENNEDICT MATHURIN, PACERS

He will be a star eventually.

RICK ADELMAN AWARD (MOST IMPROVED HEAD COACH): TAYLOR JENKINS, GRIZZLIES

He is getting the Grizz back to playoff status.

WEIRDEST TRADE.....EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE: BRANDON INGRAM, RAPTORS

So, Toronto decided to stop the rebuild by adding Ingram and extending him. Why the change of heart then?

MOST UPSETTING TACTIC: CHARLOTTE HORNETS

How do you take away a PS5 from a child just for a photo op?

AND FINALLY........THE ASCENT TO MADNESS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO

Commissioner Adam Silver!

Just look at the state of the game, the declining ratings and the bricks laid by players. Yep, commish, you definitely deserve this honor.

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