As the All-Star break comes to a close SRA makes their midseason award predictions.
MVP: Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers
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Joel Embiid has untapped his generational talent this year. He’s top three in the main categories for the Center position. Philadelphia is currently 35-23 and in third place in the Eastern Conference. Embiid is averaging 29.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He’s shooting 49.5% from the field and 36.9% from 3-point range. The center had to carry the load as his co-star Ben Simmons sat out the season.
Rookie of the Year: Evan Mobley Cleveland Cavaliers
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The big man has had a crucial part in the Cavs success. Mobley, alongside All-star Jarrett Allen, has the Cavs in the top 4 in the east. He’s averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Mobley is top 3 in scoring among rookies and first in rebounding (8.1). The Rookie is currently fourth in defensive rating behind Allen, Jokic, and Embiid.
Defensive Player of the Year: Mikal Bridges Phoenix Suns
Bridges play on the best team in the Phoenix Suns and guard the team’s best premier player. His length on the wing has helped him get 70 steals. Teams have crafted their offense to play away from Bridges. He is the Sun’s most important. Phoenix’s net rating with Bridges on the floor is 9.9 points better than off. The Suns rank fourth in defensive rating, yielding 105.4 points per 100 possessions.
Most Improved Player: Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies
Morant is almost a lock to win the award. Memphis Grizzlies has the third-best record in the NBA. After posting 19.1 points, four rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game in 2020-2021, Morant is putting up 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. He made his first All-Star and has become a superstar. Currently, he’s in the MVP race. The third-year guard also owns a career-best 53.2% field goal in the arc. He’s also contributing more on the defensive end with a career-high 1.2 steals per game.
Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro Miami Heat
Herro continues to look like the runaway favorite to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. The young guard continues to be one of the best assets off the bench in the entire NBA. The shooting guard has improved his scoring (20.0) and assists (3.9) per game in his third season while adding 4.8 rebounds for the Southeast Division-leading Miami Heat. He’s putting up a quality starter number off the bench.
Coach of the Year: Monty Williams Phoenix Suns
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Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting last season to the New York Knicks Tom Thibodeau in the smallest margin of victory since the current format started in the 2002-03 season. Suns are currently 48-10 record, which is 6.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors. The defense is top 5 in most major rankings. With point guard Chris Paul, Williams finally has a guard executing his vision.
