On RealGM Radio, I went through my NBA awards ballot and the reasoning for my picks. But here’s the TL;DL version. I won’t bore you with my explanations (slash I will make you listen to the pod).
MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jayson Tatum
Donovan Mitchell
Rookie of the Year
Stephon Castle
Zaccharie Risacher
Jaylen Wells
Most Improved
Tyler Herro
Ivica Zubac
Ty Jerome
Coach of the Year
Kenny Atkinson
JB Bickerstaff
Ime Udoka
Sixth Man of the Year
Malik Beasley
Payton Pritchard
Ty Jerome
Defensive Player of the Year
Amen Thompson
Lu Dort
Dyson Daniels
All-NBA
First Team:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jayson Tatum
Donovan Mitchell
Second Team:
Steph Curry
Jalen Brunson
Cade Cunningham
LeBron James
Evan Mobley
Third Team:
Anthony Edwards
Tyrese Haliburton
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Ivica Zubac
All-Defense
First Team
Lu Dort
Dyson Daniels
Amen Thompson
Draymond Green
Evan Mobley
Second Team
Toumani Camara
Jalen Williams
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Bam Adebayo
Ivica Zubac
All-Rookie
First Team
Zaccharie Rissachier
Stephon Castle
Jaylen Wells
Kel’el Ware
Matas Buzelis
Second Team
Zach Edey
Donovan Clingan
Bub Carrington
Alex Sarr
Yves Missi
Clutch Player
Nobody cares