This 2023-2024 NBA season has gone by amazingly quickly. On average, teams have already played around 46 games, and that means we are well past the midseason mark. With this, we have a much better understanding of the dominance of certain teams and players, which allows us to make our predictions of the NBA Awards so far. Here they are:
Most Improved Player: Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Since James Harden left for the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a lot of uncertainty in terms of his replacement within the 76ers franchise, not knowing if Maxey was the most suitable option to start games. Fortunately, Maxey is destroying everyone’s expectations of him, setting a new bar for himself and excelling as the leading guard.
23-24 Stats: 25.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.6 APG, 44.8 FG%, PER 20.1
Sixth Man Of the Year: Tim Hardaway Jr. – Dallas Mavericks
As the leader of the Mavericks’ second unit, Hardaway Jr. is doing a tremendous job in terms of performance. He has helped his team with great playmaking, offensive drives, and production. But most importantly, he has stepped up when they need him the most, as he is the team’s undeniable best player whenever Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving both need to be sidelined or when they step out of the court. So far, the Mavs’ success in the West is also thanks to Hardaway Jr.
23-24 Stats: 18.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 42.5 FG%
Defensive Player Of the Year: Rudy Gobert – Minnesota Timberwolves
The 3x winner of this award is very likely to win it once again. As we know, his playstyle is almost entirely focused on defensive techniques and rebounding, and his impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves is undeniable. Currently the starting Center of the best in the Western Conference, Gobert is of prime importance for the success of the team in the defensive department.
23-24 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 2.1 BLK
Rookie Of The Year: Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
This is a difficult one to predict. The race between Chet and Wemby has been truly enjoyable up to this point in time. Nevertheless, Chet has a slight upper hand in these midseason predictions. Even though Wembanyama is having an unprecedented season in terms of efficiency and production, his minute restriction and the lack of chemistry on his team give Holmgren the advantage. Chet is already a central piece of one of the best teams in the entire NBA, and a clear candidate for a championship run.
23-24 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 53.3 FG%, 2.6 BLK
Most Valuable Player: Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets
With the unfortunate news around Joel Embiid, who was the frontrunner in the MVP race, recently suffered a torn meniscus that leaves him OUT of contention for this award. Therefore, Nikola Jokic is currently the favorite to take the MVP home, with outstanding performances thus far, particularly on the offensive side of the court, being extremely efficient overall.
Despite not having the best season in his career, his performances can still clinch him the title as the best player in the NBA for the third time in his career. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic could get closer in the race.
23-24 Stats: 26.3 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.1 APG, 58.7 FG%, PER 32.1
text sources: nba.com, basketball-reference.com
