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As rumors start to heat up, the NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and All-Star weekend will be here before we know it. Some new names are mixed in.
The Crossover checks the top six award category leaders throughout the NBA season. This is where you will see the races currently standing.
best player
1. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
of nugget They have won 8 of their last 10 games and lead the West by 2.5 games. Jokic has spearheaded his team’s success, averaging 25.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. His impressive performances and Denver’s success only strengthened Jokic’s MVP case.
2. Luka Doncic of the Mavericks: of Mavericks Lately, they’ve lost 7 of their last 10 games. Still, Doncic helped Dallas maintain a tie for the sixth seed in the West, averaging league-best 33.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists.
3. Jayson Tatum, Celtics: The Celtics extend their lead in the East (3.0 games) while having the highest net rating in the league (+5.7). Averaged 31.0 points and 8.6 rebounds on a 46.8% shooting percentage, Tatum’s influence is undeniable.
4. Joel Embiid, 76ers: The 76ers have won 8 of their last 10 games and have quietly improved their standing in the East. Embiid, who missed time with a sore left foot, averaged 33.4 points on 53.2 percent of shots on the court.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks: Antetokounmpo returned to the Bucks Monday night after missing five games with a sore left knee. He picked up where he left off and tallied 29 points and his 12 rebounds to clinch the win. To make the MVP race more interesting, he needs to continue that his production and stay healthy.
Rookie of the Year
1. Paolo Banchero, Magic
The Rookie of the Year race remains the same, with Banchero leading the way. He’s been reliable and consistent with the Magic, averaging 20.8 points and his 6.4 rebounds per game.
2. Benedict Maturin, Indiana Pacers: Maturin still hasn’t forgiven Banchero for missing out on the award. Averaged 17.6 points off the Pacers’ bench, Maturin is also in the talk of Sixth Man of the Year.
3. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons: Ivey has done it all for the Pistons, averaging 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists. It hasn’t been a standout season for Detroit, but Ivy is making the most of the opportunity.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. has continued to change the scope of the Grizzlies’ defense. Memphis currently has the best ERA in the league (110.1) and has seen a significant turnaround after standing in the middle of the pack while Jackson Jr. was sidelined for the first month of the season. He is also averaging 3.2 blocks per game, which is enough to lead the league if he plays enough games to qualify.
2. Brook Lopez, Bucks: Lopez remains the DPOY frontrunner after being the frontrunner throughout the first half of the season. The Bucks still have his fourth-highest fielding percentage in the league (111.1), thanks in part to Lopez’s 2.5 blocks per game, but he now beats his own teammates in Antetokounmpo. Contend for awards beyond.
3. Nick Claxton of the Nets: The time has come for Claxton to be recognized as a legitimate candidate for DPOY. He overtook Lopez as the league’s leader in blocks per game (2.7) and is a big reason why the Nets are the best clutch team in the NBA (he’s 18-6 in clutch situations), and an internal Provide a lockdown presence. Claxton also has the league’s best on-field goal percentage (73.9%), averaging 12.9 points and his 8.7 rebounds.
Sixth Man of the Year
1. Russell Westbrook, Lakers
Westbrook is still a frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists off the bench. Only time will tell if the Lakers can turn corners after the Rui Hachimura trade.
2. Malcolm Brogdon, Celtics: Brogdon has been sidelined recently for personal reasons, but continues to play a major role in the Celtics’ offense off the bench. He is averaging 14.3 points on his 48.0% shooting percentage and would remain a Sixth Man of the Year contender if he can maintain his availability.
3. Warriors’ Jordan Poole: After Stephen Curry returned to the lineup, Poole continued to produce while back on the bench. A career-high 21.2 points average, Poole will need to keep pace if the Warriors hope to move up the table.
Most Improved Player
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder in the recent stretch, dropping winners, while OKC has won seven of their last ten games. SGA has him averaging 30.8 points per game on a 51.1% shooting percentage, and OKC claims his spot on the play-ins.
2. Lauri Markkanen, Jazz: SGA leads the MIP this season, but Markkanen will have stiff competition by the end of the season. Markkanen has improved his points-per-game average by 10 points over the past season to 51.9 percent shooting and 8.7 rebounds, while he has 24.8.
3. Jalen Brunson, Knicks: Branson won the contract and averaged 22.3 points and 6.2 assists in his first season in New York. Both are improvements over their time in Dallas. However, the Knicks’ poor home record keeps New York tied for No. 7 in the East.
Coach of the Year
1. Joe Mazura of the Celtics: As long as the Celtics have the best record in the league, Mazura will be a front-runner for Coach of the Year. However, surprise other coaches on his team challenge him for the prize.
2. Jack Vaughan of the Nets: The Nets have had an adjustment period without Kevin Durant, but Vaughn remains competitive in Brooklyn. Vaughn’s claim to Coach of the Year could be even stronger if the Nets can stay in the East’s Top 4 without Durant.
3. Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins: The Grizzlies are currently on a four-game losing streak, but still maintain their No. 2 spot in the West. Jenkins has the Grizzlies, who currently hold his second highest net his rating (+4.4) in the league, and looks like a title contender.
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