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For numerous years now—whether it’s been 10, 15, or more—I’m privileged to serve as a voter for the NBA’s annual postseason awards. This role allows me to cast my votes for prestigious titles such as the (Kia) Most Valuable Player, the (Kia) Coach of the Year, and the (Kia) Most Improved Player. Sometimes, it feels like the NBA is nudging me towards buying a Kia.
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The choices on this year’s ballot were definitely challenging. The MVP race was tight (more on that later), the Most Improved Player award was contentious regarding eligibility, and honestly, I wouldn’t be opposed if the league decided to eliminate the Clutch Award. My selections were submitted by the 6 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, without needing any reminder from NBA PR representative Mark Broussard.
MVP
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
The competition for the NBA’s most prestigious individual award was mainly between two players for months. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been phenomenal, leading the NBA with an impressive 32.7 points per game, and his team, the Thunder, has been equally remarkable. On the other hand, Nikola Jokic has posted statistics that are on par with, if not superior to, his three MVP-winning seasons. Notably, Jokic averaged a triple-double, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook, and he is the first center to achieve this feat. While the excitement might have dwindled since Westbrook’s achievements, averaging a triple-double is still a rare and significant accomplishment. Jokic’s command of the Nuggets’ offense has been likened to a maestro conducting an orchestra.
So, why choose Gilgeous-Alexander? There are several reasons. While Jokic’s stats are undeniably impressive, SGA’s numbers are also exceptional. He nearly averaged 33 points, shot 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three, dished out 6.4 assists, and grabbed five rebounds per game. He led the league in win shares—a metric not seen since Steph Curry’s 2015-16 MVP season—and boasts the lowest turnover percentage for a player with such high usage in the last two decades. Additionally, even if you discount free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander would still top the scoring charts.
Defensively, SGA shines as well. With quick feet and a wingspan of 6’11”, he uses his physical attributes effectively across multiple positions. He led the league in defensive win shares, was among the top five in steals, and was in the top 25 for blocks. Among players who average at least 24 minutes per game, he ranks fifth in defensive rating. While it’s not my intention to diminish Jokic’s contributions, it’s clear he doesn’t match up to Gilgeous-Alexander defensively.
If a tiebreaker is needed, it’s the team’s performance. The term ‘Most Valuable Player’ can be ambiguous, and there’s a growing debate about whether the NBA should adopt a similar format to football, recognizing offensive and defensive players separately along with an MVP. However, winning has always been a significant factor in MVP considerations—most MVPs come from the top-performing teams.
SGA’s Thunder won an impressive 68 games this season, setting a new record not just for the franchise but also surpassing any achievements back when the team was known as the Sonics. Oklahoma City was outstanding, reaching 50 wins faster than any other team in their conference and securing the top seed by mid-March. While arguments can be made for Jokic’s significant role in taking Denver to a 50-win season, the 18-win difference is too substantial to overlook.
Respect is also due to the runners-up. Antetokounmpo continues to dominate even without a three-point shot. Tatum is nearing his first MVP title, and James just edged out Donovan Mitchell in my rankings due to his all-around performance, which helped his team recover from a midseason roster overhaul to finish third in the West. Remarkably, at 40 years old, James remains a top-five MVP contender on my ballot.
Rookie of the Year
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
It wasn’t a standout year for rookies overall, but Castle’s rise as a strong two-way player has certainly excited the Spurs. He led all rookies in points, field goals attempted and made, free throws attempted and made, and total steals while also ranking second in total minutes and fourth in assists per game. His performance notably improved in the second half of the season, taking advantage of the opportunity that arose due to Victor Wembanyama’s injury.
Risacher also showed significant improvement in the latter half of the season and might turn out to be the top player from this draft class. Sarr, meanwhile, posted excellent numbers for a struggling Wizards team. Achieving 100 three-pointers and 100 blocks is a notable feat. I’m keen to see how his game develops, especially if he can increase his three-point shooting percentage to the mid-30s.
Coach of the Year
- Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers
- J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons
- Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
If this vote had occurred midseason, it probably would have been unanimous. However, the remarkable turnaround of the Pistons—from 14 wins last season to 44 this year—has brought Bickerstaff into contention, while Udoka’s efforts in Houston have lifted the Rockets from lottery status last year to the No. 2 seed in the West this season.
Yet, Atkinson is likely to take home the award. Hired with the specific goal of developing Evan Mobley, Atkinson has succeeded in transforming Mobley into a more complete offensive threat. This development has catapulted the Cavs from 16th to first in offensive rating while maintaining a top-10 defensive standing. Atkinson’s decisions throughout the season have consistently proven effective.
Most Improved Player
- Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
- Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
- Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets
Firstly, I opted not to vote for Cade Cunningham for the same reason I didn’t vote for Ja Morant in 2022 or Brandon Ingram in 2020: I don’t believe high draft picks should qualify for this award. In my view, Most Improved Player should honor someone who has made unexpected progress or taken a surprising leap. Cunningham has indeed been impressive this season, but as a former No. 1 pick who averaged 22.7 points and 7.5 assists last season, his performance is expected.
After eight seasons, I thought I had seen the best of Zubac: a dependable center who could deliver a double-double, shoot over 60% from the field, and block some shots. However, this season has been a breakout for him. His scoring has increased by five points from last year (16.8 per game), and he’s pulling in massive rebounding numbers (12.5). He’s been dominant in the post, averaging 1.06 points per possession according to NBA.com, which puts
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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.