As the NBA regular season nears its end, playoff spots and lottery picks aren`t the only things at stake. It`s also the season for advocating for the league`s most prestigious individual awards: Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
While the MVP race has been closely followed, the contests for Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year remain intensely competitive. League insiders are offering their perspectives on who should take home the hardware.
Defensive Player of the Year Candidates
Initially, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was favored for Defensive Player of the Year. However, his injury in February opened up the race. Now, several players are in contention, including Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, along with perimeter defenders like Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks and Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For Mobley and Jackson, winning this award could significantly impact their contracts. Winning DPOY or making an All-NBA team could lead to substantial raises. Executives acknowledge both as strong candidates. Jackson, the 2023 winner, is arguably having his best season, while Mobley has shown significant growth in his defense.
One Eastern Conference GM highlighted Mobley`s defensive impact, stating, “When we play Cleveland, our top priority is to move Mobley out of the paint because he causes us major problems. He’s a beast.” Another executive described Mobley as “a driving force for their entire defense” and “the definition of a defensive MVP.”
Draymond Green`s candidacy has gained momentum recently, coinciding with the Golden State Warriors` improved performance. Dyson Daniels is recognized for his exceptional steals and disruptive defensive play. Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder is lauded as a shutdown defender, consistently neutralizing top opposing scorers, much like a top cornerback in football.
A veteran scout noted, “Dort is like a shutdown cornerback… He can take top scorers out of their game.” Another scout emphasized Dort`s impact, even if it`s not always visible to casual fans: “I`ve seen him get in the head of some All-Stars.”
Rookie of the Year Race
This rookie class isn`t considered exceptionally strong, but the Rookie of the Year award is still fiercely contested. Experts suggest it`s primarily a battle between Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks.
Castle became a frontrunner, especially with increased playing time due to De`Aaron Fox`s injury. He`s posted impressive stats since the All-Star break, averaging 17.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. However, his shooting efficiency has declined.
One scout drew a parallel to the 2014 Rookie of the Year race, suggesting that Castle might be winning based on high counting stats, similar to Michael Carter-Williams` win. Castle also boosted his profile with an All-Star weekend Rising Stars MVP award and a dunk contest runner-up finish.
Zaccharie Risacher has quietly improved for the Hawks over recent months. While his season averages are modest (12.4 points), his post-January 1st stats are more compelling: 13.7 points with improved shooting percentages (48.8% FG, 39.2% 3PT). An executive pointed out Risacher`s contribution to a playoff-bound team, stating, “Risacher has contributed to a team that’s going to make the postseason. He should get credit for that.”
Other rookies mentioned include Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards and Kel`el Ware of the Miami Heat. Jamal Shead of the Toronto Raptors was also highlighted for his strong on-ball defense, though not as a Rookie of the Year contender.
Another potential frontrunner, Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers, suffered a season-ending injury in December, impacting his chances. Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets was also mentioned as a player who could have been a strong contender on a different team, showcasing his potential in limited appearances due to Houston`s depth.
Coach of the Year Candidates
The Coach of the Year award is always a crowded field. This year, the intrigue is heightened by Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who replaced J.B. Bickerstaff (now with the Detroit Pistons) last summer.
Atkinson has led the Cavaliers to a strong season, holding a top spot in the Eastern Conference, making him a favorite for the award. However, there`s growing support within the league for J.B. Bickerstaff, given the Pistons` remarkable turnaround from a 14-win season to playoff contention.
One general manager questioned, “I mean, how can you not give it to J.B.?” highlighting the Pistons` dramatic improvement and Bickerstaff`s role in it. Another coach praised Atkinson for maximizing the Cavaliers` roster through strategy and system, calling it “the definition of great coaching.”
Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder is also gaining consideration. With the Thunder on track for a potentially historic 70-win season, some within the league wonder why he isn`t receiving more Coach of the Year buzz. One team president questioned, “How is no one considering giving it to Mark Daigneault? They’re going to win 69 or 70 games.”
