NBA Midseason Awards

Kahlil Calloway, In Our School/In Our Town Editor|February 21, 2019

The NBA is getting close to the mid-way point with all-star weekend slowly approaching, it is time to do mid-season awards on the year. The awards are done at the end of the year, but mid-season is fun to do, even though they do not count. The awards that are given are Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player of the Year. These Awards represent 4 players that have overachieved in every category.

Most Improved Player of the Year : De’Aaron Fox

Other Candidates:

Zach Lavine(CHI)

Jamal Murray(DEN)

Pascal Siakam(TOR)

The Most Improved Player was a hard choice, but De’Aaron has won this one. De’Aaron has played well on both sides of the ball and has made his team close to a playoff team. The Kings have been a surprise team this season and part of it is with his production. According to BasketballReference.com, Fox last season averaged 11.9 ppg and 4.4 apg. Fox is now averaging 17.9 ppg and 7.2apg. This production has brought the Kings to a 22-21 record ,which is over .500. This record does not seem great, but in a difficult Western Conference it is very impressive. They are 10th in the West and 1 game behind 8th place. If the Kings make the Playoffs, De’Aaron Fox will definitely win the Most Improved Player of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year: Paul George

Candiates:

Giannis Antetokounmpo(MIL)

Kawhi Leonard(TOR)

Anthony Davis(NOP)

This Award was very tough, but it is Paul George. George has been an amazing defender by leading his team as the lowest team allowed points per game. George has the toughest matchup every night and has met the challenge. Oklahoma City leads the league in steals and Paul George is part of that with his 2.2 steals per game. George has always been a good defender, but has stepped up to the plate ever since he signed his deal this year.

Rookie of the Year: Luka Doncic

Candiates:

Trae Young(ATL)

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)

Wendell Carter Jr (CHI)

This was not a difficult choice, Doncic has been spectacular and is a debatable all-star this season. Doncic is leading the Mavs in scoring with 20 points per game. Doncic is also averaging 6.7 rpg and 5.0 apg. These stats are unreal for a rookie and is really showing that he is going to be something special to watch. His athleticism is the only weakness on him, but there is always room for improvement and does not change his standing as Rookie of the Year.

Most Valuable Player: James Harden

Candiates:

Giannis Antetokounmpo(MIL)

Stephen Curry(GSW)

Anthony Davis(NOP)

There is a debate between Giannis and Harden, but Harden as of late has done things unimaginable. Harden in the past month has had four 40 point triple doubles. Michael Jordan,Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have not even gotten that in any their entire careers. James Harden is averaging 34.2 ppg, 8.8 apg, 2.1 spg, and 6.4rpg. This is unreal and gives him the edge over Antetokounmpo. Giannis and the Bucks do have the best record in the NBA, but that is not enough considering the Rockets started off 1-5 and are now 24-18. Harden’s leadership and improvement on defensive has given him the edge. If Harden keeps up his performance, he will be this year’s MVP.