With a few days left in the NBA 2018-19 regular season, every team from one through eight in the Western Conference has already clinched a playoff berth and currently, we’re just waiting on matchups and seeding and while the 7th and 8th seed are still up for grabs in the Eastern Conference but it’s pretty obvious that who would make the most of those openings. Now we have also seen a great many players perform at high levels in every facet of the game and it’s about time where predictions could be made on who’s going to win the NBA awards in various categories.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award – James Harden
James Harden is having a career year.
Well, there’s no doubt that James Harden has been carrying the load all year long for the Rockets and putting up numbers that are simply outstanding. He has raised the overall level of the league with his performance throughout the season. His big performance came out when his fellow team mates Chris Paul and Clint Capela were out with injuries and he averaged 40+ points for 10 straight games with 42% shooting from the downtown showing that he can be dominant on both sides of the floor and can lead a team single handedly.
This regular season he has averaged 36.1 points leading the NBA, 7.5 assists (5th in the league) and 6.6 rebounds per game with 44.2% field goals made making himself the best preference for the MVP accolade.
Defensive Player of the Year Award – Paul George
Paul George has been dominant for OKC.
Being one of the most explosive players on both sides of the floor, we have Paul George. Well, there were some questions about him fitting into the OKC’s lineup with Russell Westbrook but after two seasons he seems to be well adjusted not only in the lineup but he has also embraced his role of being the leader of the team.
With him averaging 28 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4 assists per game, this season he’s also been leading the charts in steals per game with 2.2 steals being the best player and most valuable for his team all season long. With him guarding other elite players in his position like Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard there’s a pretty good chance of him winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Coach of the Year Award – Doc Rivers
Doc has been undoubtedly the best coach this year.
The Los Angeles Clippers were projected to win 33 games before the season started they were considered a joke in the Western Conference but now the joke’s on the Lakers. Having no All-star nobody would have thought that the Clippers would be a playoff team. Standing strong with a record of 48-32 in the Western Conference and clinching a playoff spot in the conference, only Doc Rivers is responsible for having his guys play hard every single night.
Having no All-stars and having role players like Montrezl Harrell, Patrick Beverly and Lou Williams, they have played even better after trading their best player Tobias Harris. It’s insanely impressive how they have managed to win this many games without having a talented roster and all the credit goes to Doc Rivers and his Coaching.
Sixth Man of the Year Award – Lou Williams
Lou Williams in a game against Warriors.
Averaging more than 20 points a game, Lou Williams provides his team instant offence by dropping buckets and takes over games offensively. He’s looking to tie Jamal Crawford this year by winning his 3rd Sixth Man of the Year Award. Without Lou’s scoring the Clippers wouldn’t have enough offence to win this many games and his efforts has made his team into the playoffs this season. With his unselfish attitude he does not only makes his own shot but also creates opportunities for others to score easily.
Most Improved Player of the Year Award – Pascal Siakam
Siakam’s best year in the NBA so far.
Pascal Siakam is a player who many may have never heard of last season. From putting up 7.3 points in 20 minutes of action last season to averaging 17 points and nearly 7 rebounds with 55% shooting, his energy and efforts have been contagious all year around.
Many nights he has played like the second best player on his team behind Kawhi Leonard and with the Raptors going through Kyle Lowry’s injury and Leonard’s low management the 6’9’’ power forward can do a little bit of everything from playmaking to finishing in transition combined with his responsibilities excelling on the defensive end as well.
Rookie of the Year Award – Luka Doncic
Doncic has made his mark from his rookie season.
Even though Tray Young has been on fire after the All-Star break showing the world what he’s made of, Luka Doncic has been consistent all year long. Although Luka has not been spectacular over the last few weeks but he’s still averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6 assists and has better numbers than LeBron’s rookie season. Doncic has a total 7 triple doubles tying Magic Johnson for having the most before turning the age of 21 where he has just turned 20 in late February and hence making him the best rookie this season.
