Top 5 Favorites For Each NBA Award Right Now: Stephen Curry Leads The MVP Race, Ja Morant Is The Most Improved Player So Far
The NBA season is still going strong, and it’s time to celebrate the awards. Five players will be awarded each of these accolades this year The MVP Award goes to Stephen Curry, who has led his team on a miraculous run in their pursuit for an unprecedented third championship consecutive. The Most Improved Player award goes to Ja Morant, he received more votes than any other player by averaging 18 points per game with 5 assists and 4 rebounds so far during his rookie campaign., The Most Valuable Player Award goes the Kawhi Leonard as he continues one of the most dominant seasons ever seen from a player at that position., Teammate of the Year is given up Giannis Antetokounmpo after helping lead Milwaukee Bucks into playoffs where they were swept by Toronto Raptors., Coach Of The Year is given to Mike D’Antoni because no coach deserves success like him even if there are some hiccups along the way.
The “nba mvp ladder 2021” is a website that ranks the top 5 players in each NBA award category. The site also provides rankings for the most improved player and the best rookie.
The season is almost gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start speculating who will win the big honors this year. Fans are clamoring for players to earn MVP after only one game, so why not start discussing now? We have some strong early candidates for the main honors, which include Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and MVP.
Will this show last the whole season? That is an intriguing question to which no one has an answer. As a result, we have some new names, some old names, and some Cinderella underdogs who will undoubtedly be cheered on by some fans as the season unfolds. Right now, here are the top five favorites to win each NBA award.
The Year’s Sixth Man
Jordan Clarkson, No. 5
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15.1 points per game, 2.7 points per game, 1.8 points per game, 0.8 points per game, 0.3 points per game
Clarkson is given the benefit of the doubt since he won the prize the previous year. Clarkson, on the other hand, is a borderline contender since his points, rebounds, assists, shooting %, and three-point field goal percentage are all lower this season than last. His three-point shooting, which is hovering around 24 percent this season, is his worst flaw.
With that said, the Jazz are playing like one of the league’s greatest teams, and Clarkson is still averaging 15 points per game. It would be one thing if the Jazz were playing like a lottery team, but they are in a position to compete for the Western Conference’s top place. Clarkson will get votes only based on the team’s performance if they can secure a top-two seed.
Buddy Hield, No. 4
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17.1 points per game, 4.5 points per game, 2.1 points per game, 2.1 points per game, 0.9 points per game, 0.3 points per game
Hield is having a good season and might be on his way out of Sacramento. For the last two years, Hield has been the target of trade speculations. Hield is having a strong season off the bench, with one of the top three-point shooting percentages among reserve players. Many clubs vying for a playoff place will be watching him shoot 40.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Hield’s statistics are remarkably identical to those from previous season. Hield would most likely be on another club by now if it weren’t for his hefty pay. Hield will get additional support from voters if he can push this number to the 20-point level. For the time being, he should place in the top five in the vote.
Montrezl Harrell is the third player on the list.
Sports Network (CBS)
18.0 points per game, 8.5 points per game, 2.5 points per game, 0.6 points per game, and 1.0 points per game
This is an award that Harrell is familiar with. He did, after all, win the 2020 Sixth Man of the Year award before being mistreated by the Lakers. With the Wizards, Harrell has re-defined himself. Harrell is one of four bench players averaging at least 17.0 points per game. Harrell is the best big man off the bench, as he has the most rebounds per game of any bench player.
Harrell is also shooting over 64% from the field, which puts him in first place among bench players. Harrell seems to be the same person he was when he won the award with the Clippers in 2020. The fact that the Wizards are flirting with the top of the Eastern Conference strengthens his argument. Consider a scenario in which the Wizards are seeded in the top three in the Eastern Conference, and Harrell wins his second MVP award.
Carmelo Anthony is ranked second.
Bleacher Report/Bleacher Report/Bleacher Report/Ble
15.5 points per game, 4.0 points per game, 0.9 points per game, 0.9 points per game, 0.8 points per game
What kind of impact would it have on Carmelo Anthony’s legacy if he went from leading scorer to Sixth Man of the Year? A few years back, he was written off the league, but now he’s a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. All of the experts thought he could pull it off, but it came down to ego. Anthony is battling like the best option off the bench as he pushes the Lakers to contend for a championship as a top option off the bench.
Anthony is second only to Buddy Hield in terms of three-pointers made per game. He’s one percent behind Eric Gordan in three-point field goal percentage, and he’s one of just two players in the league shooting around 50% from beyond the arc. In some respects, this is a reimagined player, and it’s a lot of fun to watch.
Tyler Herro, No. 1
The Associated Press (AP)
21.9 points per game, 5.7 points per game, 3.9 points per game, 0.5 points per game, 0.0 points per game
It’s difficult to beat a guy that leads all players in scoring and points. Herro is the only player on the bench who averages more than 20.0 points per game. Herro was seen as a distraction last year. Now, he’s focused on putting on a show and assisting the Heat in their quest for the Eastern Conference’s top slot.
Herro is now leading Anthony in overall points, but it seems that this will be a year-long war. Anthony hasn’t participated in a “scoring race” in a long time. The only difference is the number of bench points. It’s a case of new against old. Herro has the advantage for now, but this might be an entertaining duel all season.
Player Of The Year (Most Improved)
5. Anunoby, OG
20.1 points per game, 5.4 points per game, 2.7 points per game, 1.5 points per game, and 0.6 points per game
This is an example of a player who has been troubled by injuries concluding healthy. Anunoby only appeared in 43 games last season, but he showed promise of becoming a productive player in the league, averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Anunoby is averaging 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and a high steal rate this season.
While some may not see this as a significant improvement, consider the team. The Raptors haven’t played with Pascal Siakam for the most of the season as they battle for a postseason place. The Raptors were seen as a rebuilding club this season when Kyle Lowry departed. Instead, guys like Anunoby have developed, and Toronto might return to being the gritty club that tormented opponents last season, but without the superstars.
Tyler Herro, No. 4
(Image courtesy of Complex)
21.9 points per game, 5.7 points per game, 3.9 points per game, 0.5 points per game, 0.0 points per game
Herro is a contender for Most Improved Player of the Year for the same reasons he won Sixth Man of the Year. Herro was supposed to receive this honor last year, but he merely went through the motions. He now resembles the player that led the Heat in scoring in the NBA Finals. Herro is hitting 49% from the field and 39% from three-point range. He has made significant progress.
Herro has never had a season when he scored more than 20 points per game. His previous career best was 15.1 points, with 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists, set last season. He’ll win Sixth Man of the Year without a double if he can keep it up. As a result, he has a chance to win Most Improved Player of the Year as well.
Jordan Poole (#3)
17.2 points per game, 2.6 points per game, 3.2 points per game, 1.5 points per game, 0.2 points per game
Telling me you have a Klay Thompson without telling me you have a Klay Thompson is like telling me you have a Klay Thompson without telling me you have a Klay Thompson. The Golden State Warriors have the genuine Klay Thompson on the roster, but they’ve also discovered a way to get a light version while he recovers from ailments. Poole lacks the shooting range of Thompson in his prime, shooting 30.8 percent from three-point range, but he has the potential to do so in the future.
Poole, who is just 22 years old, leads the team in scoring with 17.2 points per game. When Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were the splash brothers, the Warriors were a force to be reckoned with. Poole isn’t officially a splash brother, but he’s making a strong case to be adopted into the family. Poole averaged 12.0 points last season, so this is a significant jump, particularly considering the Warriors’ league-best record.
Bridges of Miles
21.5 points per game, 7.3 points per game, 3.5 points per game, 3.5 points per game, 1.7 points per game, 0.9 points per game
Because of his improvement from last year, Bridges is now one of the main candidates. When you compare his team to Morant, the Hornets are just below.500, which strengthens his argument. Bridges averaged 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season. These numbers are 21.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season. This includes a 0.7 to 1.7 increase in thefts.
This is a significant improvement when it comes to prize winners. Bridges improved in every element of his game. These aren’t bogus numbers, though, since the Hornets are considered a postseason contender. However, the discussion between Bridges and Ja Morant may come down to who has the better team finish in the end.
Ja Morant is number one.
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25.9 points per game, 6.4 points per game, 7.3 points per game, 1.6 points per game, 0.3 points per game
It’s a coin flip right now, but Morant has the advantage for now. Morant had a 19.1 point, 4.0 rebound, 7.4 assist, and 0.9 steals per game average. Those are some impressive stats coming from your starting point guard. Morant, on the other hand, has found a way to improve, averaging 25.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
The Grizzlies are now sitting around.500, so we’ll see where they go from here. If the Grizzlies reach the playoffs, it may come down to who has the better seed. In any case, Morant is on track to play in his first of many All-Star games.
Defensive Player Of The Year is a title awarded to a player who excels on the
Giannis Antetokounmpo (#5)
26.5 points per game, 11.3 points per game, 6.0 points per game, 1.1 points per game, 1.7 points per game
When you look at the numbers, Giannis is doing the same things he did in 2020 when he won the prize. To begin with, his overall rebounding average has returned to approximately twelve per game. His block total is approaching a career high. He has such a large frame that he alters how teams prepare.
He’s still one of the finest in the game when it comes to one-on-one scenarios. Despite the fact that the Bucks’ defense doesn’t reflect it, Giannis remains one of the best defenders in the NBA. His statistics bear witness to this.
Myles Turner is number four.
Headlines That Hook’em –
13.9 points per game, 7.7 points per game, 1.1 points per game, 0.7 points per game, 3.3 points per game
It’s difficult to keep the current leader off the list. Turner is now leading the league, but he is also rebounding. Turner used to be mostly a rim protector who didn’t do much in the way of rebounding. He is currently averaging a career best in rebounds. Turner will have over 3.0 blocks per game for the second time if he maintains his current shot-blocking output.
By February, the Pacers may have a trade deal for Turner, but for now, they’ll take use of his length. Turner isn’t very noteworthy, but he is fast to respond. Turner has had at least five or more blocks three times this season.
Bam Adebayo is number three on the list.
MediumPlayer
19.7 points per game, 11.2 points per rebound, 2.7 points per rebound, 1.4 points per rebound, and 0.5 points per rebound
Bam Adebayo can handle whatever task you throw at him. This year, we’re witnessing a breakthrough contender for the award, as he’s averaging a career-high in rebounds while trailing teammate Jimmy Butler by by 0.3 steals per game. Adebayo must be doing something right if he is intercepting as many passes as Butler.
With Adebyao leading the way, the Heat have a good defensive rebounding unit. In terms of defensive rebounding and total rebounding percentage, the squad is placed fourth. The Heat are third in the league in limiting opponents to just over 41.0 points per game in the paint. The Knicks and Warriors are the only teams above them.
Anthony Davis, No. 2
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24.2 points per game, 10.9 points per game, 2.9 points per game, 1.3 points per game, 2.1 points per game
We haven’t seen the Anthony Davis version since it premiered in New Orleans a few years ago. Davis seems to be the player the club acquired before he assumed a new position. Davis is back to averaging double-doubles now that he is forced to play center for the smaller Lakers. His block total has risen to near the top. Those are classic Anthony Davis New Orleans tunes.
Davis’ significant characteristic that puts him in contention for this ward is that he had to transition from power forward to center this year. Davis has to protect the five because the Lakers are so tiny, and he does it well. Davis has an edge over other players since he is thriving in a position that isn’t his natural one. After all, the Lakers are the league’s leading blockers.
Rudy Gobert, No. 1
14.9 points per game, 15.3 points per game, 0.8 points per game, 1.2 points per game, 1.7 points per game
Gobert is on track to become the first player in NBA history to earn four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Gobert is the anchor of a Jazz defense that is seventh in points allowed, first in rebounds allowed, and first in total rebounding. He also leads the league with 1.8 blocks per game. Gobert also leads the league in defensive rebounding % and totals.
Because he is an exceptional rim defender, Gobert challenges players to mix up their shots. Gobert is doing the same things that Ben Wallace used to do, but he’s scoring more points. Gobert will most likely win for the fourth time if the Jazz stay around the top of the rankings.
The Rookie Of The Year Award
Cade Cunningham, No. 5
courtesy of NBA.com
13.4 points per game, 5.5 points per game, 3.6 points per game, 1.0 points per game, 0.4 points per game
Due to injuries, Cunningham missed the first half of the season. His numbers don’t seem to be those of a real Rookie of the Year, but there are a few things to consider. Cunningham has only appeared in seven games this season. This is a fairly tiny sample size, and by the end of the year, his stats should be much better. Others’ definitions of better will differ from yours.
That’s because Cunningham is a member of the club that selected him as the No. 1 overall choice. Cunningham is a 20-year-old rookie playing in the pros with little talent around him. There will be growing pains, and voters will take that into account. Before you pass judgment on Cunningham, give him some time.
Jalen Green, No. 4
13.9 points per game, 3.4 points per game, 2.6 points per game, 0.7 points per game, 0.3 points per game
Jalen Green’s stats should be approached with care for similar reasons as Cunningham’s. Green, like Cunningham, was a lottery choice who ended up on an awful club. Green is a 19-year-old former second-round selection. Green has a high potential in the future, but he also doesn’t have a lot of quality around him.
Eric Gordon and Daniel Thies are stronger components for the Rockets, but Gordon might be moved before the deadline. Green will be the team’s go-to scorer once the firesale starts. Green will do the best he can with the hand he’s been given, and voters will take that into account as well.
Chris Duarte is number three.
14.3 points per game, 4.4 points per game, 2.1 points per game, 0.9 points per game, 0.1 points per game
You probably didn’t expect to hear this name. You’d think Green and Cunningham would be slugging it out right now, but instead you’re reading about the 13th overall choice from 2021, who hails from Oregon. Durate has gone unnoticed until now, when he might be a contender for Rookie of the Year.
Duarte is third among rookies in scoring (14.8 points per game), leads all rookies with 2.3 three-point field goals, and shoots a solid 75% from the free-throw line. While the Pacers toy with the idea of rebuilding, they’ve unearthed a key component in case they decide to do so before the trade deadline.
Evan Mobley is number two.
courtesy of Getty Images
14.6 points per game, 8.0 points per game, 2.5 points per game, 1.0 points per game, 1.5 points per game
Before slipping to the third overall selection, the No. 3 overall pick was a strong candidate for the first overall pick. Because the Cavaliers already had Jarrett Allen on the roster, Mobley was considered as a surprise pick. Having said that, the club looks to have established a strong power forward/center combination. The Cavaliers have a 9-6 record, which is a big surprise. Mobley has made a significant contribution to this.
Mobley has a field-goal percentage of 49.4% and a 3-point percentage of 30.8 percent. Analysts predicted that Allen and Mobley would need time to get along, but Allen has his own set of figures. The Cavaliers would be the No. 5 seed in the playoffs if they began today. This is something you have to give the youngster credit for.
Scottie Barnes is number one.
Sportsnet
16.3 points per game, 8.3 points per game, 2.8 points per game, 1.0 points per game, 0.6 points per game
We were all taken aback when the Raptors selected Scottie Barnes with the No. 4 overall selection. What we’ve learned is that we should never dispute Masai Ujiri’s decisions. Barnes leads all rookies in scoring and rebounding with 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Coming out of Florida State, Barnes was lauded for his defense, but now he’s doing all he can to help the Raptors compete.
Vince Carter was Toronto’s final Rookie of the Year in 1999. Barnes is shooting over 50% from the floor and has 1.0 steals a game, which puts him in third place in the league. For the time being, this is his prize to lose. With that considered, if the Cavaliers reach the playoffs but the Raptors don’t, Mobley may wind up ahead of Barnes.
MVP Rankings in the NBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo (#5)
26.5 points per game, 11.3 points per game, 6.0 points per game, 1.1 points per game, 1.7 points per game
The Bucks would be on the outside looking in if the playoffs began today. Even yet, Giannis would be a strong candidate for the MVP, since his stats are similar to those of previous years in which he won the award. Is it likely that the Bucks will miss the playoffs this season? No way, which is why Giannis is committed to the long term. He’ll be a top-5 vote-getter in the award if he maintains up this level of performance, playoffs or not.
When you look at it carefully, Giannis is on the verge of setting a new career high in assists, while his blocks are at their best level since 2016-2017. Regardless of the team’s record, he is improving. With patience, the Bucks will reclaim their place in the standings, and Giannis will reclaim his place in the MVP debate.
DeMar DeRozan (#4)
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26.9 points per game, 5.4 points per game, 4.1 points per game, 0.9 points per game, and 0.4 points per game
DeRozan’s signing with the Chicago Bulls was dubbed “the worst move of the summer” by executives. It seems to be the greatest right now, as DeMar DeRozan continues to quiet his detractors. Last season, DeRozan was forced to play point guard, which explains why he set a career high in assists. He now has Lonzo Ball in charge of the show. He just needs to score and concentrate on the offensive.
DeRozan is averaging 26.9 points per game, which is near the league’s lead. His mid-range jumper is silky smooth, but his 37.1 percent from beyond the arc is close to a career high. DeRozan has already closed out many games this season, and the Bulls are pushing for a one-seed early in the playoffs. We expected the Bulls to improve, but not to this level.
Nikola Jokic is number three.
courtesy of USA Today Sports
26.1 points per game, 13.8 points per game, 6.3 points per game, 1.3 points per game, 0.9 points per game
While the Nuggets are doing well with Jokic, he is now ranked fourth. Before the NBA considers him for a second consecutive MVP, the Nuggets must improve their rankings. With being stated, Jokic is by and away the best player in the league in terms of player efficiency rating. He’s also averaging 26.1 points per game and 13.8 rebounds per game.
Jokic also has a high rate of passing, and his 1.3 steals are quite high for a center. Jokic has statistically redefined the position, but we always knew that. This honor might come down to the Nuggets’ fourth-place team ranking. The West is a vast expanse of land. We might see Jokic win his second consecutive championship if the Nuggets go on a run to reach near the top.
Kevin Durant, No. 2
The New York Post is a newspaper based in New York
29.6 points per game, 8.4 points per game, 5.1 points per game, 0.6 points per game, 0.6 points per game
Durant is leading the NBA in scoring for the first time since 2014, which was also the last time he earned the MVP award. Sometimes history repeats itself, and a scoring championship combined with a strong team finish by the Nets might be enough for Durant to win his second career MVP award. You must also consider Kyrie Irving’s absence this season and James Harden’s struggles.
The Irving factor is most likely the most important factor in Durant earning MVP. Durant is also averaging almost 30 points per game, which helps. In any case, the Nets are in a good position to compete for the East’s top slot. Durant would almost certainly win this award if he were to become the conference’s top seed, particularly if Irving did not participate.
Stephen Curry is number one.
28.1 points per game, 6.2 points per game, 6.7 points per game, 1.7 points per game, 0.7 points per game
Stephen Curry is the league’s unquestioned MVP right now. Last year, just when you thought he was going to calm down, he wins the scoring championship. We haven’t seen anything like that since Kobe Bryant. Despite turning 34 in March, Curry has no intention of slowing down. His three 40-point performances this season, including a 50-point performance against the Hawks on November 8th, demonstrate this.
The Golden State Warriors hold the greatest record in the NBA and have done so in the past. Curry has hit 50 of 51 free throws at one point. He isn’t missing any of the shots he takes. Furthermore, he will very certainly shatter the all-time three-point mark this season. With 5.0 3-point attempts per game, he leads the league, but that mark may be broken at any time. Another major component is that the Warriors still without Klay Thompson. Curry wants to resurrect the dynasty, and he’s channeling Michael Jordan around 1995-1996.
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The “when is nba mvp announced 2021” is a question that has been asked multiple times. The NBA MVP Award will be awarded on June 20th, 2020.
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