Post by Miege22 on Jan 24, 2020 17:05:00 GMT -5
I've got some time, and I noticed I didn't this last year, but I enjoyed doing it the year before. With a little over 2 weeks left, here are my thoughts on the awards races...
MVP
1. James Harden, Seattle Supersonics - 36.6 pts, 7.4 asts, 6.2 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.9 blks, 4.8 threes, 44.1% FG, 85.9% FT (12.5 attempts)
After his explosion last year, many probably thought he would take at least a minor step back with Russ in town (this includes yours truly). Instead, he's been JUST AS GOOD as he was last year, and he's been the catalyst behind Seattle's ascent to the top of the Western Conference. For as deep as their front court is, they will go as far as Harden can take them.
2. Nikola Jokic, Minnesota Timberwolves - 19.4 pts, 10 rebs, 6.4 asts, 1 stl, 0.6 blks, 1.3 threes, 50.9% FG, 78.2% FT (4 attempts)
Other players might have better numbers, and he started slow, but Jokic is THE GUY for a surprising Wolves team. The Wolves only have 6 players that average double-figures in points, and no one that cracks 20 ppg, but they're somehow 9-4 with wins over Seattle and Portland. Much of that success can be attributed to Jokic's ability to do everything at a high level.
3. Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder - 29.1 pts, 9.6 rebs, 9 asts, 1.1 stls, 0.2 blks, 3 threes, 46.6% FG, 77.2% FT (9.2 attempts)
Frankly, this might be unfair to Luka. He had the Thunder firmly in the playoff picture until injuries wrecked their depth, particularly at center. If the Thunder do manage to scrape their way into the playoffs, Luka might just jump to the top of this list. As it stands now, it's hard to argue he should be ahead of Jokic or Harden given where the Wolves and Sonics are in the standings.
4. LeBron James, Brooklyn Nets - 25.2 pts, 10.8 asts, 7.7 rebs, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.4% FG, 69.7% FT (5.4 attempts)
It was hard to decide between Dame and LeBron for the Nets' entry, but, ultimately, LeBron leading the league in assists was too impressive to pass up. LeBron is the best player on the best team in the league and continues to put up eye-popping numbers. He's this low only because of how deep the Nets are.
5. Russell Westbrook, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 25.3 pts, 7.3 asts, 8.1 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.4 blks, 1.1 threes, 44.6% FG, 77% FT (6.5 attempts)
This might be a controversial selection? Russ has been overlooked from a fantasy perspective, and I think it stems largely from the fact that he was so unbelievably good a few years ago. He's obviously not at that level anymore, but he's still pretty darn good! The Bull Sharks lost KAT for 4.5 match-ups and did not miss a beat thanks in large part to Russ. Over the last few weeks, he's been even more impressive. If Tampa Bay is going to make it back to the Finals, they need this Russ to stick around.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Damian Lillard, Andre Drummond, Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1. Ja Morant, Toronto Raptors - 17.5 pts, 7 asts, 3.4 rebs, 1 stl, 0.3 blks, 0.9 threes, 48.7% FG, 80.7% FT (4.2 attempts)
With Zion's absence, Ja ascended to the top almost immediately. He has refused to let go of his grip on this trophy as the season's gone on. In fact, he's gotten even better. The Raptors have been better than expected, even with Fox and Bagley missing significant time. Ja has carried them. He's given this team a fantastic foundation to build from moving forward.
2. Kendrick Nunn, Atlanta Hawks - 16.2 pts, 3.5 asts, 2.8 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.2 blks, 2 threes, 46.1 FG%, 83.1% FT (1.6 attempts)
This might not be the class of 2018, but there are some nice fantasy options in this rookie class. Nunn is one of them. His lack of production beyond points and threes hasn't helped the Hawks, but he went undrafted and was signed for the minimum, surely bumping him up a few spots.
3. PJ Washington, Toronto Raptors - 12.6 pts, 5.5 rebs, 2 asts, 0.9 stls, 0.9 blks, 1.5 threes, 48.3% FG, 68% FT (2.5 attempts)
PJ had a big week to start the season, and while he hasn't matched that as we've moved through the year, he's settled in as a reliable fantasy contributor. The east may be down this year, but between PJ and Ja in Toronto, Ingram leading Orlando, and the Blazers moving to Miami, it's about to get a whole lot tougher next year.
4. Brandon Clarke, Kansas City Kings - 12 pts, 5.6 rebs, 1.5 asts, 0.8 blks, 0.4 stls, 0.5 threes, 63% FG, 80.9% FT (1.8 attempts)
I'll be honest, he's getting a bit of a "winning" bump here. However, his numbers aren't all that far off of PJ's, and he CRUSHES the percentages. He's also playing 9 fewer minutes per game than PJ, so while it's dangerous to just extrapolate what he's putting up (he's only playing that many minutes for a reason, after all), there's definitely reason for optimism here.
5. RJ Barrett, Cleveland Cavaliers - 14.1 pts, 5.2 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1 stl, 0.4 blks, 1.1 threes, 39.3% FG, 60.3% FT (4.5 attempts)
It's hard to figure out what RJ Barrett is. He's shown flashes of the bulldozing, free-throw drawing menace that had people comparing him to Harden... but he also can't shoot or pass to save his life. The percentages, especially, are downright ghastly. Then again, he's been stuck in a.... less than ideal situation (which is a polite way of saying the Knicks are a shitshow). Given the performance of the rest of the class, he's up here, but I'm not sure it's saying much.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Tyler Herro, Rui Hachimura, Darius Garland, Jarrett Culver, De'Andre Hunter
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
1. Brandon Ingram, Orlando Magic - 25.5 pts, 6.6 rebs, 4.3 asts, 0.9 stls, 0.8 blks, 2.5 threes, 47.1% FG, 85.3% (6.5 attempts)
Ingram has played himself in to darn near untouchable range. He's a legitimate fantasy star at this point, and the next step is leading a team to the playoffs with this kind of line night in and night out.
2. Bam Adebayo, Seattle Supersonics - 15.8 pts, 10.5 rebs, 4.6 asts, 1.2 stls, 1.2 blks, 58.6% FG, 68.5% FT (5.4 attempts)
We mentioned the depth of Seattle's front court in Harden's MVP blurb, and you can thank this guy's marked improvement for much of that depth. Bam has turned into one of the 5 or 10 best big men in the (fantasy) game. If he starts shooting threes, which wouldn't shock anyone given his decent looking stroke, he'll jump into the MVP conversation.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kansas City Kings - 19.8 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 1.2 threes, 47.4% FG, 82.3% FT (5 attempts)
There are a lot of people that would say 2nd year players that flashed immense upside in their first year shouldn't be eligible for their award. Typically, I would agree. However, there are some players that transcend that designation with such force, and impact winning on such an important level, that they force you to consider them. SGA is one of those players. MIP always has one of the deeper candidate pools, so it's possible he wins with the votes split. If he does, he'll be a deserving winner.
4. Jaylen Brown, Brooklyn Nets - 20 pts, 6.8 rebs, 2.4 asts, 1.2 stls, 0.3 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.1% FG, 75.2% FT (4.6 attempts)
I'm not sure how many people saw Brown's rise to all-star status this year, but he's there. It's not every day you see a player actually improve his percentages with increased usage, but that's exactly what's happened with Jaylen. He's been a key cog for a Brooklyn team that has missed several weeks of Paul George.
5. Jonathan Isaac, Seattle Supersonics - 12 pts, 6.9 rebs, 1.4 asts, 1.6 stls, 2.4 blks, 0.9 threes, 46.3% FG, 76.7% FT (2.3 attempts)
It's such a shame that Isaac got injured as he was one of the few guys in the league that had a real shot at winning multiple awards (we'll definitely see him pop up again in a moment). Unfortunately, it's hard to see him winning either award since he'll end up missing so much of the fantasy season. Still, he was good enough to warrant a spot here for this week.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Spencer Dinwiddie, Marcus Morris, Kelly Oubre
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls - 15.7 rebs, 2.1 stls, 1.8 blks
First in rebounds, second in steals (by 0.1 per game), tied for 8th in blocks. He's the only player in the top-10 in all three categories. Andre Drummond is your front runner for this award, and it's hard to see him losing it.
2. Giannis Antetokoumpo, Washington Wizards (12.9 rebs, 1.1 stls, 1 blk)
If the Wizards were better, Giannis would be a stone cold lock for MVP. He literally does everything. Problem is, the Wizards aren't good, and his defensive numbers are just slightly worse than Drummond's. There's no shame in seconds.
3. Clint Capela, Brooklyn Nets (14.1 rebs, 0.9 stls, 1.8 blks)
Another victim of the Nets being so deep, Capela has actually been the linchpin for this team on defense. They're also not nearly as deep in the front court as they are in the back court, so his rebounding has been absolutely crucial to the team's dominance on the glass.
4. Anthony Davis, Colorado Swannies (9.2 rebs, 1.5 stls, 2.5 blks)
There's an alternate universe where Anthony Davis is doing for the Swannies what Jokic is doing for Minnesota. Unfortunately, while the Wolves' supporting cast has been solid, Colorado's has completely collapsed. The good news is Davis is still an MVP-level player at 26, and it's always easier to get better when you have a guy like that already on board.
5. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trailblazers (14 rebs, 0.4 stls, 3 blks)
Whiteside has been such a strong rebounder and shotblocker, and the Blazers have so clearly taken off because of his presence, that you could make the case that Whiteside is the DPOY given how valuable he has been. It comes down to whether you believe making a good team great, as Whiteside has done, is more important than making an average team good, as Drummond has done. Thinking about it, I might just vote for him. I regret placing him 5th, but I've already typed this all out and don't want to adjust anything until next week.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Jimmy Butler, Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Ben Simmons
THE "WOAH, WHERE'D HE COME FROM" AWARD - this award is for any player that burst onto the scene as a fantasy contributor
1. DeVonte Graham, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 18.6 pts, 7.7 asts, 3.6 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.3 blks, 3.6 threes, 37.6% FG, 82.6% FT (4 attempts)
I know his shooting has fallen off a cliff as of late, but the man was so unexpectedly good and important to Tampa's success that I had to go and create a whole new category to properly recognize him and others like him. The fact that I can go ahead and wrap it up right here is a testament to how surprising we all found this.
2. Davis Bertans, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 15.3 pts, 4.6 rebs, 1.7 asts, 0.7 stls, 0.6 blks, 3.7 threes, 43.8% FG, 87.7% FT (1.9 attempts)
We mentioned the Bull Sharks didn't miss a beat despite losing KAT, well, they also lost Bertans at the same time. Now that he's back, this team is as dangerous as they've been all season. The man throws FLAMES from beyond the arc the moment he crosses half court, and without a care for defenders. He's capable of exploding for 8+ threes on any given night, which is downright terrifying.
3. Duncan Robinson, Portland Trailblazers - 11.8 pts, 3.2 rebs, 1 ast, .5 stls, 0.3 blks, 3.3 threes, 45.7% FG, 90.3% FT (0.7 attempts)
You want to talk about flamethrowers? Look no further than the man with two last names. Speaking of which, why is no one talking about the fact that the kid who should be a Spurs folk hero is actually a skinny white kid that chucks threes? There's a joke in there somewhere, and I can't seem to fish it out. Robinson, though, is no joke, and it's no coincidence Portland has moved to another level after signing him.
4. Kendrick Nunn, Atlanta Hawks - 16.2 pts, 3.5 asts, 2.8 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.2 blks, 2 threes, 46.1 FG%, 83.1% FT (1.6 attempts)
Given that he was undrafted then signed to the minimum in our league, I think it's safe to include him on this list. Just a fascinating season for the real life Heat.
5. Jordan McRae, Chicago Bulls - 12.8 pts, 3.5 rebs, 2.9 asts, 0.6 stls, 0.5 blks, 1.4 threes, 42% FG, 75.9% FT (2.8 attempts)
Look, sometimes you take the league by storm for a few weeks before settling into a solid role as merely a contributor. That doesn't mean you don't get a "WOAH." McRae had a solid two week stretch where he was doing literally everything. Since then, he's been mostly fine. Given that he hadn't done hardly anything prior to this year, and this isn't the deepest well in the league, he gets a mention.
THE "HEY, I'M NOT RETIRED YET, YOUNGBLOOD" AWARD
1. Chris Paul, Portland Trailblazers - 17 pts, 6.4 asts, 5 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.1 blks, 1.6 threes, 47.9% FG, 89.4% FT (4 attempts)
OK, you got me. I just wanted to talk about Chris Paul. He's been SO GOOD that he has to be talked about in some capacity. He was beat up almost all of last year, and he looked like he might be done. The Rockets literally moved picks just to get off his contract and take on a player that's a worse fit. All he's done in OKC (in real life, and Portland here) is lead this team to the playoffs. The Blazers took a chance on him knowing they could just decline his option if it didn't work out. Now? They might HAVE to pick it up. Shout out to the Point God.
2. Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trailblazers - 16.2 pts, 6.4 rebs, 1.5 asts, 1 stl, 0.6 blks, 1.5 threes, 43.6% FG, 82.6% FT (2.8 attempts)
Melo made his triumphant return to the NBA, and all it took was one aggressively average game for someone to jump on him. Some probably thought it was a bit premature (I know I did), but Portland has had the last laugh (both here and in real life) as Melo has been legitimately good. He's not a star anymore, and that's ok! The Blazers just need him to be competent, and he's been all that and (slightly) more.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge, Kansas City Kings - 19.4 pts, 7.5 rebs, 2.4 asts, 0.6 stls, 1.8 blks, 1.2 threes, 50.9% FG, 84.5% FT (3.6 attempts)
There are 6 players averaging at least 1.5 blocks and 1 three per game. Brook Lopez, Anthony Davis, Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner, Jaren Jackson Jr. and LaMarcus Aldridge. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE. Honestly, I don't know what's crazier: that he's shooting threes or that he's blocking that many shots. This guy turns 35 in July. Where did it come from?!? Must be something in the water in Kansas City.
4. LeBron James, Brooklyn Nets - 25.2 pts, 10.8 asts, 7.7 rebs, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.4% FG, 69.7% FT (5.4 attempts)
I guess he has to be on this list. He is 35 years old, after all. He's also, as we mentioned, leading the whole darn league in assists while leading an unbeaten Nets team.
5. Dwight Howard, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 7.8 pts, 7.8 rebs, 0.7 asts, 0.5 stls, 1.5 blks, 0.1 threes, 72.2 FG%, 48.4% FT (2.8 attempts)
If we had a comeback player of the year award, Dwight just might win it. While his numbers aren't especially eye-popping, he's settled into his role and been a valuable contributor for a title contender. Kudos to Dwight.
ALSO CONSIDERED: DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, JJ Redick
MVP
1. James Harden, Seattle Supersonics - 36.6 pts, 7.4 asts, 6.2 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.9 blks, 4.8 threes, 44.1% FG, 85.9% FT (12.5 attempts)
After his explosion last year, many probably thought he would take at least a minor step back with Russ in town (this includes yours truly). Instead, he's been JUST AS GOOD as he was last year, and he's been the catalyst behind Seattle's ascent to the top of the Western Conference. For as deep as their front court is, they will go as far as Harden can take them.
2. Nikola Jokic, Minnesota Timberwolves - 19.4 pts, 10 rebs, 6.4 asts, 1 stl, 0.6 blks, 1.3 threes, 50.9% FG, 78.2% FT (4 attempts)
Other players might have better numbers, and he started slow, but Jokic is THE GUY for a surprising Wolves team. The Wolves only have 6 players that average double-figures in points, and no one that cracks 20 ppg, but they're somehow 9-4 with wins over Seattle and Portland. Much of that success can be attributed to Jokic's ability to do everything at a high level.
3. Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder - 29.1 pts, 9.6 rebs, 9 asts, 1.1 stls, 0.2 blks, 3 threes, 46.6% FG, 77.2% FT (9.2 attempts)
Frankly, this might be unfair to Luka. He had the Thunder firmly in the playoff picture until injuries wrecked their depth, particularly at center. If the Thunder do manage to scrape their way into the playoffs, Luka might just jump to the top of this list. As it stands now, it's hard to argue he should be ahead of Jokic or Harden given where the Wolves and Sonics are in the standings.
4. LeBron James, Brooklyn Nets - 25.2 pts, 10.8 asts, 7.7 rebs, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.4% FG, 69.7% FT (5.4 attempts)
It was hard to decide between Dame and LeBron for the Nets' entry, but, ultimately, LeBron leading the league in assists was too impressive to pass up. LeBron is the best player on the best team in the league and continues to put up eye-popping numbers. He's this low only because of how deep the Nets are.
5. Russell Westbrook, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 25.3 pts, 7.3 asts, 8.1 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.4 blks, 1.1 threes, 44.6% FG, 77% FT (6.5 attempts)
This might be a controversial selection? Russ has been overlooked from a fantasy perspective, and I think it stems largely from the fact that he was so unbelievably good a few years ago. He's obviously not at that level anymore, but he's still pretty darn good! The Bull Sharks lost KAT for 4.5 match-ups and did not miss a beat thanks in large part to Russ. Over the last few weeks, he's been even more impressive. If Tampa Bay is going to make it back to the Finals, they need this Russ to stick around.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Damian Lillard, Andre Drummond, Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1. Ja Morant, Toronto Raptors - 17.5 pts, 7 asts, 3.4 rebs, 1 stl, 0.3 blks, 0.9 threes, 48.7% FG, 80.7% FT (4.2 attempts)
With Zion's absence, Ja ascended to the top almost immediately. He has refused to let go of his grip on this trophy as the season's gone on. In fact, he's gotten even better. The Raptors have been better than expected, even with Fox and Bagley missing significant time. Ja has carried them. He's given this team a fantastic foundation to build from moving forward.
2. Kendrick Nunn, Atlanta Hawks - 16.2 pts, 3.5 asts, 2.8 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.2 blks, 2 threes, 46.1 FG%, 83.1% FT (1.6 attempts)
This might not be the class of 2018, but there are some nice fantasy options in this rookie class. Nunn is one of them. His lack of production beyond points and threes hasn't helped the Hawks, but he went undrafted and was signed for the minimum, surely bumping him up a few spots.
3. PJ Washington, Toronto Raptors - 12.6 pts, 5.5 rebs, 2 asts, 0.9 stls, 0.9 blks, 1.5 threes, 48.3% FG, 68% FT (2.5 attempts)
PJ had a big week to start the season, and while he hasn't matched that as we've moved through the year, he's settled in as a reliable fantasy contributor. The east may be down this year, but between PJ and Ja in Toronto, Ingram leading Orlando, and the Blazers moving to Miami, it's about to get a whole lot tougher next year.
4. Brandon Clarke, Kansas City Kings - 12 pts, 5.6 rebs, 1.5 asts, 0.8 blks, 0.4 stls, 0.5 threes, 63% FG, 80.9% FT (1.8 attempts)
I'll be honest, he's getting a bit of a "winning" bump here. However, his numbers aren't all that far off of PJ's, and he CRUSHES the percentages. He's also playing 9 fewer minutes per game than PJ, so while it's dangerous to just extrapolate what he's putting up (he's only playing that many minutes for a reason, after all), there's definitely reason for optimism here.
5. RJ Barrett, Cleveland Cavaliers - 14.1 pts, 5.2 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1 stl, 0.4 blks, 1.1 threes, 39.3% FG, 60.3% FT (4.5 attempts)
It's hard to figure out what RJ Barrett is. He's shown flashes of the bulldozing, free-throw drawing menace that had people comparing him to Harden... but he also can't shoot or pass to save his life. The percentages, especially, are downright ghastly. Then again, he's been stuck in a.... less than ideal situation (which is a polite way of saying the Knicks are a shitshow). Given the performance of the rest of the class, he's up here, but I'm not sure it's saying much.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Tyler Herro, Rui Hachimura, Darius Garland, Jarrett Culver, De'Andre Hunter
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
1. Brandon Ingram, Orlando Magic - 25.5 pts, 6.6 rebs, 4.3 asts, 0.9 stls, 0.8 blks, 2.5 threes, 47.1% FG, 85.3% (6.5 attempts)
Ingram has played himself in to darn near untouchable range. He's a legitimate fantasy star at this point, and the next step is leading a team to the playoffs with this kind of line night in and night out.
2. Bam Adebayo, Seattle Supersonics - 15.8 pts, 10.5 rebs, 4.6 asts, 1.2 stls, 1.2 blks, 58.6% FG, 68.5% FT (5.4 attempts)
We mentioned the depth of Seattle's front court in Harden's MVP blurb, and you can thank this guy's marked improvement for much of that depth. Bam has turned into one of the 5 or 10 best big men in the (fantasy) game. If he starts shooting threes, which wouldn't shock anyone given his decent looking stroke, he'll jump into the MVP conversation.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kansas City Kings - 19.8 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 1.2 threes, 47.4% FG, 82.3% FT (5 attempts)
There are a lot of people that would say 2nd year players that flashed immense upside in their first year shouldn't be eligible for their award. Typically, I would agree. However, there are some players that transcend that designation with such force, and impact winning on such an important level, that they force you to consider them. SGA is one of those players. MIP always has one of the deeper candidate pools, so it's possible he wins with the votes split. If he does, he'll be a deserving winner.
4. Jaylen Brown, Brooklyn Nets - 20 pts, 6.8 rebs, 2.4 asts, 1.2 stls, 0.3 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.1% FG, 75.2% FT (4.6 attempts)
I'm not sure how many people saw Brown's rise to all-star status this year, but he's there. It's not every day you see a player actually improve his percentages with increased usage, but that's exactly what's happened with Jaylen. He's been a key cog for a Brooklyn team that has missed several weeks of Paul George.
5. Jonathan Isaac, Seattle Supersonics - 12 pts, 6.9 rebs, 1.4 asts, 1.6 stls, 2.4 blks, 0.9 threes, 46.3% FG, 76.7% FT (2.3 attempts)
It's such a shame that Isaac got injured as he was one of the few guys in the league that had a real shot at winning multiple awards (we'll definitely see him pop up again in a moment). Unfortunately, it's hard to see him winning either award since he'll end up missing so much of the fantasy season. Still, he was good enough to warrant a spot here for this week.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Spencer Dinwiddie, Marcus Morris, Kelly Oubre
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls - 15.7 rebs, 2.1 stls, 1.8 blks
First in rebounds, second in steals (by 0.1 per game), tied for 8th in blocks. He's the only player in the top-10 in all three categories. Andre Drummond is your front runner for this award, and it's hard to see him losing it.
2. Giannis Antetokoumpo, Washington Wizards (12.9 rebs, 1.1 stls, 1 blk)
If the Wizards were better, Giannis would be a stone cold lock for MVP. He literally does everything. Problem is, the Wizards aren't good, and his defensive numbers are just slightly worse than Drummond's. There's no shame in seconds.
3. Clint Capela, Brooklyn Nets (14.1 rebs, 0.9 stls, 1.8 blks)
Another victim of the Nets being so deep, Capela has actually been the linchpin for this team on defense. They're also not nearly as deep in the front court as they are in the back court, so his rebounding has been absolutely crucial to the team's dominance on the glass.
4. Anthony Davis, Colorado Swannies (9.2 rebs, 1.5 stls, 2.5 blks)
There's an alternate universe where Anthony Davis is doing for the Swannies what Jokic is doing for Minnesota. Unfortunately, while the Wolves' supporting cast has been solid, Colorado's has completely collapsed. The good news is Davis is still an MVP-level player at 26, and it's always easier to get better when you have a guy like that already on board.
5. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trailblazers (14 rebs, 0.4 stls, 3 blks)
Whiteside has been such a strong rebounder and shotblocker, and the Blazers have so clearly taken off because of his presence, that you could make the case that Whiteside is the DPOY given how valuable he has been. It comes down to whether you believe making a good team great, as Whiteside has done, is more important than making an average team good, as Drummond has done. Thinking about it, I might just vote for him. I regret placing him 5th, but I've already typed this all out and don't want to adjust anything until next week.
ALSO CONSIDERED: Jimmy Butler, Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Ben Simmons
THE "WOAH, WHERE'D HE COME FROM" AWARD - this award is for any player that burst onto the scene as a fantasy contributor
1. DeVonte Graham, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 18.6 pts, 7.7 asts, 3.6 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.3 blks, 3.6 threes, 37.6% FG, 82.6% FT (4 attempts)
I know his shooting has fallen off a cliff as of late, but the man was so unexpectedly good and important to Tampa's success that I had to go and create a whole new category to properly recognize him and others like him. The fact that I can go ahead and wrap it up right here is a testament to how surprising we all found this.
2. Davis Bertans, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 15.3 pts, 4.6 rebs, 1.7 asts, 0.7 stls, 0.6 blks, 3.7 threes, 43.8% FG, 87.7% FT (1.9 attempts)
We mentioned the Bull Sharks didn't miss a beat despite losing KAT, well, they also lost Bertans at the same time. Now that he's back, this team is as dangerous as they've been all season. The man throws FLAMES from beyond the arc the moment he crosses half court, and without a care for defenders. He's capable of exploding for 8+ threes on any given night, which is downright terrifying.
3. Duncan Robinson, Portland Trailblazers - 11.8 pts, 3.2 rebs, 1 ast, .5 stls, 0.3 blks, 3.3 threes, 45.7% FG, 90.3% FT (0.7 attempts)
You want to talk about flamethrowers? Look no further than the man with two last names. Speaking of which, why is no one talking about the fact that the kid who should be a Spurs folk hero is actually a skinny white kid that chucks threes? There's a joke in there somewhere, and I can't seem to fish it out. Robinson, though, is no joke, and it's no coincidence Portland has moved to another level after signing him.
4. Kendrick Nunn, Atlanta Hawks - 16.2 pts, 3.5 asts, 2.8 rebs, 0.9 stls, 0.2 blks, 2 threes, 46.1 FG%, 83.1% FT (1.6 attempts)
Given that he was undrafted then signed to the minimum in our league, I think it's safe to include him on this list. Just a fascinating season for the real life Heat.
5. Jordan McRae, Chicago Bulls - 12.8 pts, 3.5 rebs, 2.9 asts, 0.6 stls, 0.5 blks, 1.4 threes, 42% FG, 75.9% FT (2.8 attempts)
Look, sometimes you take the league by storm for a few weeks before settling into a solid role as merely a contributor. That doesn't mean you don't get a "WOAH." McRae had a solid two week stretch where he was doing literally everything. Since then, he's been mostly fine. Given that he hadn't done hardly anything prior to this year, and this isn't the deepest well in the league, he gets a mention.
THE "HEY, I'M NOT RETIRED YET, YOUNGBLOOD" AWARD
1. Chris Paul, Portland Trailblazers - 17 pts, 6.4 asts, 5 rebs, 1.6 stls, 0.1 blks, 1.6 threes, 47.9% FG, 89.4% FT (4 attempts)
OK, you got me. I just wanted to talk about Chris Paul. He's been SO GOOD that he has to be talked about in some capacity. He was beat up almost all of last year, and he looked like he might be done. The Rockets literally moved picks just to get off his contract and take on a player that's a worse fit. All he's done in OKC (in real life, and Portland here) is lead this team to the playoffs. The Blazers took a chance on him knowing they could just decline his option if it didn't work out. Now? They might HAVE to pick it up. Shout out to the Point God.
2. Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trailblazers - 16.2 pts, 6.4 rebs, 1.5 asts, 1 stl, 0.6 blks, 1.5 threes, 43.6% FG, 82.6% FT (2.8 attempts)
Melo made his triumphant return to the NBA, and all it took was one aggressively average game for someone to jump on him. Some probably thought it was a bit premature (I know I did), but Portland has had the last laugh (both here and in real life) as Melo has been legitimately good. He's not a star anymore, and that's ok! The Blazers just need him to be competent, and he's been all that and (slightly) more.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge, Kansas City Kings - 19.4 pts, 7.5 rebs, 2.4 asts, 0.6 stls, 1.8 blks, 1.2 threes, 50.9% FG, 84.5% FT (3.6 attempts)
There are 6 players averaging at least 1.5 blocks and 1 three per game. Brook Lopez, Anthony Davis, Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner, Jaren Jackson Jr. and LaMarcus Aldridge. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE. Honestly, I don't know what's crazier: that he's shooting threes or that he's blocking that many shots. This guy turns 35 in July. Where did it come from?!? Must be something in the water in Kansas City.
4. LeBron James, Brooklyn Nets - 25.2 pts, 10.8 asts, 7.7 rebs, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 2.1 threes, 49.4% FG, 69.7% FT (5.4 attempts)
I guess he has to be on this list. He is 35 years old, after all. He's also, as we mentioned, leading the whole darn league in assists while leading an unbeaten Nets team.
5. Dwight Howard, Tampa Bay Bull Sharks - 7.8 pts, 7.8 rebs, 0.7 asts, 0.5 stls, 1.5 blks, 0.1 threes, 72.2 FG%, 48.4% FT (2.8 attempts)
If we had a comeback player of the year award, Dwight just might win it. While his numbers aren't especially eye-popping, he's settled into his role and been a valuable contributor for a title contender. Kudos to Dwight.
ALSO CONSIDERED: DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, JJ Redick