If we lived in a world without Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James, Luka Doncic would be an incredible runaway MVP winner—in just his second professional season. There will be close award races across the board, except in the Rookie of the Year category. Here’s the potential (and probable) winners:
Most Valuable Player:
Favorite: Giannis Antetokounmpo
This award is going to the Greek Freak, and it’s not even close. If LeBron didn’t have Anthony Davis as his teammate, this might be a different choice. However, Giannis is the best player in the NBA right now and doesn’t have a superstar suiting up with him in Milwaukee. On the best team in the league. After winning the award last year, Giannis is having an even better this year. It’ll be a repeat win for him.
Who Could Spoil It: LeBron James
In his 17th season, LeBron is still the most impactful player on the floor. He’s guiding the Lakers to the top record in the West, and, after Kobe Bryant’s passing, is leading a motivated Lakers team after a tragedy. Voters might see his ability to continue such incredible, consistent league-wide dominance admirable and MVP-worthy. 2020 LeBron is one of the best versions we have seen—and he has a more flawless all-around game than Giannis.
Rookie of the Year:
Favorite: Ja Morant
In August, the consensus was this award was Zion Williamson’s to lose—even though none of the rookies had even touched the court. Yet, Williamson’s injury—and the fact he missed nearly the entire first half of the season—has opened the door for Ja Morant, and it’s his award to lose. There have been few other rookies who have even come remotely close to Ja’s numbers. His near-18 points per game stands higher than anyone else.
Who Could Spoil It: No One
The only other rookies who could have a slight chance at winning this award are Tyler Herro and R.J. Barrett. Barrett is unlikely, but Herro could get some votes in response to how well the Heat are playing this year. I would be shocked if Morant loses it, though.
Defensive Player of the Year
Favorite: Anthony Davis
This race is tight, but Anthony Davis deserves this award. As a primary defender, he’s giving up nearly a half a point per possession, miles better than the next guy in line. The Lakers have a top-five defense because of Davis.
Who Could Spoil It: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The race is neck-and-neck between Anthony Davis and Giannis. Giannis, however, has a defensive presence that isn’t illustrated in statistics. He’s the anchor of an all-around shutdown defense. If Giannis wins the award, it will be well-deserved. It is honestly a toss-up at this point, but it seems like Anthony Davis will snag it. Though, it is not unfathomable that the same player could win MVP and DPOY in the same season. Both Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon did it.
Sixth Man of the Year
Favorite: Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams are both averaging 19 points per game this year, but Harrell has the edge because he is such a lockdown defender. Compared to Williams, he is a much better two-way player and more impactful in the paint. Lou Williams might be the longtime anchor of the bench, but Harrell has been more important to the Clippers in 2019-2020.
Who Could Spoil It: Lou Williams
Lou Williams and the Sixth Man of the Year Award go hand-in-hand—and if Williams wins it this year, I’m sure no one will have any qualms with it. He is the third scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and he has carried the load of the bench for a long time. Even with Harrell outpacing him this season, the voters could give Lou Will the award because he has won it so many times already. It will be a close vote, though.
Most Improved Player:
Favorite: Brandon Ingram
Labeled, at one point, as a bust, Ingram has completely rejuvenated his game in New Orleans. He is an All-Star this year, and putting up nearly 25 points a game. He is arguably the most important player on the court at all times for the Pelicans, even when Zion is on the floor. He is blossoming into the player everyone hoped he could be in the league. Devonte Graham and Bam Adebayo could somehow spoil the party, but it’s unlikely.
Who Could Spoil It: Luka Doncic
This might seem like a stretch, but Luka Doncic could take home this award—just like Giannis did in 2017. He is having an incredible second season and has claimed leadership on the Mavericks. If he wins, no one will second guess it. But it is Ingram’s to lose.
Coach of the Year
Favorite: Erik Spoelstra
Spoelstra’s squad, in an unlikely turn of events, might finish the season as the 2-seed in the East—which was originally reserved for the Celtics, Raptors, or 76ers. With Gordon Dragic and Jimmy Butler serving as flourishing veteran mentors for younger players like Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson, Spoelstra has gotten the most out of the talent he has worked with this season. Not to mention a breakout year from All-Star center Bam Adebayo, the Heat are good and they could make a deep run in the playoffs.
Who Could Spoil It: Frank Vogel
In a similar fashion to LeBron’s possible MVP spoiler campaign, Frank Vogel is leading the Lakers to the 1-seed and a probable deep playoff run. Despite the incredible first-half the Lakers had, Vogel has two top-5 superstars in his starting lineup. Spoelstra barely has one top-20 player. This award will come down to who is utilizing talent the best. Nick Nurse could be a dark horse choice, as well.
