SGA or Jokic for MVP? (or LeBron?)
On this week’s edition of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into the current front-runners for each of the major NBA Awards: MVP, Most Improved Player, 6th Man of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. The MVP race is particularly intriguing, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leading the pack. SGA has been a revelation for the Oklahoma City Thunder, consistently delivering stellar performances and keeping his team competitive in a challenging Western Conference. However, the question remains: can he hold onto the MVP title for the next month, or will Nikola Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, or even LeBron James, make a strong push? LeBron, despite his advanced age, continues to dazzle on the court and has a real shot at chasing down the younger players. Tom and Dan analyze SGA’s game, his impact on the Thunder, and whether his current form is sustainable. They also discuss LeBron’s unique ability to elevate his game when it matters most and Jokic’s consistent excellence, weighing the pros and cons of each player’s candidacy.
Defensive Player of the Year
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers is currently the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. Tom, however, expresses frustration with this development, explaining why he "hates" Mobley’s leading position. Mobley has been dominant on the defensive end, showcasing his shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities. However, Tom argues that the award should recognize a player who not only excels individually but also significantly improves the defensive performance of their team. While Mobley has been solid, the Cavaliers’ overall defense hasn’t reached the heights expected, and Tom believes there are other candidates who have made a more profound impact. Names like Brooklyn Nets’ Jarrett Allen and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo are mentioned as potential contenders who could overtake Mobley in the coming weeks.
Coach of the Year
The Coach of the Year race is heating up, with Kenny Atkinson of the Miami Heat currently in the lead. Atkinson has transformed the Heat into a formidable contender, despite a tumultuous start to the season. However, Tom and Dan explore whether John Beilein, the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, could catch up. Beilein has been praised for his ability to mold a young roster into a cohesive unit, with players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley stepping up under his guidance. The podcast delves into the factors that make a coach deserving of the award, including team improvement, adaptability, and overcoming adversity. They also discuss the strong seasons of other coaches like Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Mike D’Antoni of the Houston Rockets, who have all shown remarkable leadership and strategic acumen.
6th Man of the Year
For the 6th Man of the Year award, Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics is the early favorite. Pritchard has been a reliable and dynamic bench player, providing crucial scoring and playmaking off the pine. However, the podcast explores other contenders who could make a strong case for the award. Names like Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz and Bojan Bogdanovic of the Miami Heat are highlighted. Jordan Clarkson has been a clutch performer for the Jazz, often carrying the team during key stretches. Bojan Bogdanovic, on the other hand, has been a steady presence for the Heat, adding depth and experience to their bench. Tom and Dan weigh the contributions and impact of these players, discussing whether Pritchard’s current lead is secure.
Most Improved Player
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons is the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award. Despite being the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham has faced criticism and skepticism throughout his career. However, this season, he has taken a significant leap forward, improving his scoring, playmaking, and overall efficiency. The Pistons’ resurgence this season, led by Cunningham’s growth, has been a pleasant surprise for many. Tom and Dan ponder whether former first overall picks should even be eligible for the MIP award, given the high expectations placed on them from the start. They also discuss other players who have shown substantial improvement, such as Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers and De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings.
Kyrie Irving’s Injury and Its Impact
The discussion doesn’t end with the award front-runners. Tom and Dan also address the devastating news of Kyrie Irving’s injury, which could have far-reaching implications for the Dallas Mavericks. Irving, who has been crucial for the Mavericks’ playoff push, is now sidelined, leaving a significant void in their lineup. The podcast delves into how this injury might affect Irving’s contract situation, especially given the looming free agency. They also criticize the management decisions of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, questioning the depth and preparedness of the team to handle such setbacks. Tom ties the score with Dan, and the two wrap up the episode by reflecting on the current standings and the intense competition for these prestigious awards.
