Who will take home MVP, DPOY, ROTY and more?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cleveland Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The conclusion of NBA All-Star Weekend means one thing: the homestretch of the season is upon us. As we race down the final weeks, let’s check in on who is emerging as the favorite to win each major award.
Everyone loves a breakout season. So it should come as no surprise that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is running away with the MVP award on FanDuel, even while Nikola Jokic is putting up gaudy numbers. SGA’s league-high 32.2 points per game has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the Western Conference — and likely their first MVP-winner since Kevin Durant in 2014.
The rookie of the year race has been harder to predict. This draft class has taken a while to find its groove but San Antonio Spurs’ forward Stephon Castle has been gaining momentum just as the finish line is in sight. Castle is averaging 17.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists since mid-January and will have even more opportunities now that Victor Wembanyama is out for the season.
Speaking of Wembanyama, this survey was dealt before news broke of his season-ending blood clot. Wemby will no longer reach the games required to qualify for the award — meaning this race has been completely flipped on its head.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is now the favorite on FanDuel (+125) with Evan Mobely right behind as the runner-up (+130). You know who we’ll be rooting for in this two-man race.
SGA garnered 6% of the survey votes but it’s historically difficult for a non-big to win the award. He’s fallen to a distant fourth now at +2000 to actually win the award. His Thunder teammate, Lu Dort, is ahead of him in third place in terms of betting odds (+1,500).
The Most Improved Award is our closest race yet with Cade Cunningham leading at 34%. His All-Star season has catapulted the Detroit Pistons out of the lottery but I tend to think rewarding a young player for reaching his potential is against the spirit of the award. Someone like Norman Powell, who has made a totally unexpected leap in his 10th NBA season is more deserving. Nonetheless, Cunningham leads the pack.
Boston Celtics’ guard Payton Pritchard has been the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year most of the season while the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, De’Andre Hunter, is a distant fourth. Amen Thompson might end up ineligible for the award if he continues to be in the starting lineup — clearing the way for Pritchard to take this home. (I do have to ask, where is Ty Jerome?)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kenny Atkinson is rolling to a Coach of the Year victory. He’s spearheaded the developmental leaps of numerous Cavs players all while pushing them to the best record in basketball. If that isn’t enough to win, I don’t know what is.
Finally, this last question is just sad. If the Phoenix Suns are debating who should start between Bradley Beal, Monte Morris or Tyus Jones, then something tells me all hope is already lost. The Suns have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season — but fans still believe Beal is the best available option next to Devin Booker.
What are your thoughts on award season? Are there any surprises or players who have been excluded?
Be sure to head over to FanDuel to see the full odds for NBA futures bets.