We’re only one month into the NBA season. Solely 18.6% of the video games have been performed. That’s nothing within the grand scheme of an 82-game grind. Groups are nonetheless discovering their id, rookies are adjusting to the league’s velocity, and we haven’t even hit the commerce rumor frenzy but.
However early impressions matter. The primary month units the tone, establishes frontrunners, and offers us a glimpse into who’s primed to dominate the dialog all yr. So, whereas it’s means too early to attract any definitive conclusions, it’s the proper time to set a baseline with my one-month award poll. Consider it as a snapshot of the league proper now earlier than chaos inevitably takes over.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Stats: 29.7 factors, 13.7 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1 block
Jokić is selecting up proper the place he left off: He’s one of the best participant within the NBA, an unstoppable scoring pressure who’s the symphony conductor of Denver’s offense, and the linchpin of the crew’s protection. The Nuggets are nothing with out him.
With three MVPs and a Finals MVP already on his résumé, this would possibly by some means be peak Jokić. He’s setting career-highs in factors, assists, steals, and blocks per recreation whereas capturing a ridiculous 56.4% from 3. In a yr the place Denver wants extra capturing, in fact Jokić steps up and delivers — as a result of that’s what he does. He offers the Nuggets precisely what they should win, and he dominates whereas doing it. No marvel he’s the MVP frontrunner once more.
2. Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Stats: 29.9 factors, 8.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals
Tatum is placing collectively his most full season but. He’s diversifying his recreation in ways in which make Boston’s offense hum. Tatum’s passing out of double groups is crisp, his shot choice is smarter, and he’s embracing a management position that’s seen in each possession. And it reveals within the numbers since he’s scoring at career-high ranges each in quantity and in effectivity.
Oh, and the protection? Nonetheless elite. Tatum’s versatility on each ends is a large purpose the Celtics appear like the league’s most balanced crew as soon as once more.
3. Anthony Davis, Lakers
Stats: 31.3 factors, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 blocks
This model of AD is the one Lakers followers have dreamed about. Dominating on protection and averaging a career-high in factors on offense.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick spent years within the media questioning how the Lakers utilized Davis, and now we’re seeing why with probably the most expansive position of his profession. Davis is the centerpiece, operating extra pick-and-rolls, taking jumpers once more, and scoring at will from all over the place on the ground. This isn’t only a return to kind. That is one of the best Davis has ever been.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Stats: 28.7 factors, 6.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks
SGA completed second in MVP voting final season, and he’s practically matching his manufacturing as soon as once more regardless of less-than-ideal circumstances with each of his bigs (Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein) lacking intensive time.
OKC followers want to see Gilgeous-Alexander obtain extra whistles; he logs solely 4.3 free throws on a league-high 22.7 drives per recreation. I’d slightly the referees name even much less fouls league broad, however their level is truthful given how he finds himself on the line at a decrease fee than many different high-volume attackers.
5. Stephen Curry, Warriors
Stats: 23 factors, 6.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals
How is Steph nonetheless doing this? At 36, he’s out right here torching defenses prefer it’s 2016 once more with a scoring effectivity close to his all-time highs. The Warriors are on the prime of the West and stand as the one NBA crew with each a top-five offensive ranking and defensive ranking. Steph stays the engine that makes all of it go.
It’s doable Curry received’t maintain on to this spot as different candidates find yourself enhancing on their gradual begins to the season. However maybe he’ll see his scoring enhance too. Backside line? Steph isn’t slowing down.
First GroupNikola Jokić, NuggetsAnthony Davis, LakersJayson Tatum, CelticsShai Gilgeous-Alexander, ThunderStephen Curry, Warriors
Second GroupAnthony Edwards, Timberwolves De’Aaron Fox, KingsLuka Dončić, MavericksDonovan Mitchell, CavaliersLeBron James, Lakers
Third GroupGiannis Antetokounmpo, BucksKevin Durant, SunsVictor Wembanyama, SpursFranz Wagner, MagicKyrie Irving, Mavericks
On the radar: Jalen Brunson, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Trae Younger, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, Derrick White, Devin Booker, Tyler Herro, Jaylen Brown, Alperen Şengün, Karl-Anthony Cities, Damian Lillard, Jalen Williams, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Jarrett Allen, Draymond Inexperienced, Pascal Siakam, Paolo Banchero
The NBA is loaded with particular person expertise. You might argue for lots of gamers to signify these groups on the finish of each season, nevermind now at solely the start. So the “on the radar” record for All-NBA would possibly even be lacking a couple of names.
The MVP race is a little more separated. The highest 4 (Jokić, Tatum, AD, SGA) appear primed to stay within the race. It’s only a matter of who else joins it: Will Ant and Luka begin main their groups to extra wins? May Fox preserve surging? Will Giannis flip the Bucks round? Does Victor stage up on offense? We’ve obtained an extended method to go to get some solutions to those questions.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Stats: 3.7 blocks, 1.3 steals, 10.5 rebounds
Wembanyama’s protection has reached one other stage in his sophomore season, making him the frontrunner for Defensive Participant of the 12 months. Opponents are capturing 38.8% inside six toes of the rim when defended by Victor, which is a fully ridiculous 23.1% worse than their norm. Gamers typically received’t even check him as a result of once they do it clearly goes poorly.
The Spurs have Wemby close to the rim as a lot as doable, however he strikes his toes nicely on the perimeter to discourage drives together with his lengthy limbs and he’s already blocked 5 triples this season, most within the NBA. The Spurs now have the ninth-ranked defensive ranking this season, largely because of Wemby, who’s dominating video games by bending your entire defensive geometry in San Antonio’s favor.
2. Draymond Inexperienced, Warriors
Stats: 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals
Draymond stays the linchpin of Golden State’s protection, orchestrating chaos together with his unmatched basketball IQ and flexibility. Watch him on any given possession and he’s a step forward, barking out coverages, sniffing out passes, and rotating with precision.
For all of the speak about Inexperienced declining as he aged into his mid-30s, that seems it received’t be the case contemplating the anchor he continues to be for the NBA’s fourth-ranked protection.
3. Dyson Daniels, Hawks
Stats: 6.9 deflections, 3.1 steals, 1 block
Daniels has been an absolute defensive menace to start out the season, racking up 96 deflections—96 in 14 video games! That’s nearly double the subsequent guys, De’Aaron Fox and Jalen Williams, who’ve 57. We’ve obtained an extended method to go, however the report because the NBA began counting deflections was set by Robert Covington 4.2 in 2016-17. Daniels can be logging 3.1 steals per recreation—the report of three.7 was set by Alvin Robertson in 1985-86.
And this isn’t just a few off-ball gimmick. His mixture of size, consciousness, and fixed hustle is insane. It’s like he’s all over the place directly. The Hawks are additionally utilizing him as their go-to on-ball stopper, throwing him on the league’s finest scorers and daring them to get by him. They normally can’t. The difficulty is the remainder of the Hawks protection, however Daniels has been so great individually that he deserves a spot on this record proper now.
ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMS
First GroupVictor WembanyamaDraymond GreenDyson DanielsEvan MobleyJaren Jackson Jr.
Second GroupAnthony DavisRudy GobertBam AdebayoLu DortJalen Suggs
On the radar: Jrue Vacation, Derrick White, Jonathan Isaac, Dillon Brooks, Bam Adebayo, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Franz Wagner, Keon Ellis, OG Anunoby, Jayson Tatum, Jarrett Allen, Christian Braun
I’ve argued for a couple of years now that the NBA ought to add a 3rd crew for All-Protection. There are such a lot of gamers that you might argue deserve considered one of these spots. I’ve leaned on gamers who seem extra on the ground, so meaning Dort over Alex Caruso, or Suggs over Jonathan Isaac. However that is powerful. There are a variety of nice defenders within the NBA.
ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Stats: 15.6 factors, 2.7 assists, 41 3PT%, 22.6 minutes
McCain is the early chief for ROTY after averaging 25.2 factors on 63.8% true capturing within the video games Tyrese Maxey was sidelined by a hamstring damage. He appears like Steph Lite, relocating for 3s, pulling up, and facilitating throughout the circulate of the offense.
However will McCain proceed to play large minutes and put up large numbers now that Maxey has returned? Up to now, he’s. McCain dropped 20 factors on a season-high 40 minutes in Maxey’s return, however Maxey was on a minutes restriction.
McCain might want to preserve producing — as a result of the ugly 2-12 Sixers want it, at the start — and since different contenders for Rookie of the 12 months already are approaching sturdy.
2. Dalton Knecht, Lakers
Stats: 11.7 factors, 2.6 rebounds, 46.1 3PT%, 22.7 minute
Knecht already appears like the identical flamethrower he was at Tennessee, the place he dropped 25-plus factors 12 instances final season. Now with the Lakers, he’s already finished it twice — and there’s no purpose to assume he received’t do it once more.
He’s an skilled scorer who’s earned the belief of LeBron and AD, and having JJ Redick in his nook doesn’t damage both. Don’t be shocked if he’s the consensus chief subsequent time I replace these rankings.
3. Bub Carrington, Wizards
Stats: 10.1 factors, 5 assists, 38.9 3PT%, 30.3 minutes
Carrington leads all rookies in assists, and he is solely turning the ball over 1.8 instances per recreation. Plus he is scoring pretty effectively at 38.9% from 3, 80% from the road, and 52% from midrange. After monitoring Carrington all season at Pittsburgh, it’s been fascinating to see the best way he’s already made enhancements:
Carrington was a midrange heavy participant as a school freshman who not often obtained to the rim and didn’t shoot nicely from 3 off the dribble. Up to now this season, he’s attending to the basket extra typically and capturing higher on pull-up 3s whereas additionally making a far better defensive influence.
At 2-11 on the season, the Wizards stink once more. However they’re not an eyesore to observe, largely due to younger guys like Carrington. The longer term is vibrant in Washington in additional methods than one.
ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS
First GroupJared McCainDalton KnechtBub CarringtonZach EdeyJaylen Wells
Second GroupRyan DunnZaccharie RisacherYves MissiDonovan ClinganStephon Fortress
Two Grizzlies land on the primary crew for now, and it received’t be a shocker if my to win Rookie of the 12 months — Zach Edey — finally ends up again within the prime 3. However his missed video games and inconsistent minutes knock him down a spot for now.
Within the months to come back I totally count on Fortress and Clingan to additionally make a push for ROTY. Risacher might too since he will get common minutes and already checks a variety of bins, however will probably be depending on the consistency of his jumper.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Stats: 16.2 factors, 60 2P%, 42.5 3P%, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 shares
The Nuggets let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stroll and that opened a beginning spot for Braun, who’s taking part in one of the best basketball of his life. Averaging 35.3 minutes, Braun is taking part in heavy minutes and scoring the hell out of the ball for Denver whereas additionally taking part in versatile protection each on the perimeter and on the rim.
Braun epitomizes the which means of the award within the sense that he was already good at a few of these issues, and he is nonetheless doing it whereas taking part in far more minutes. However his ability has additionally improved as a shooter from 3 and as a driver with the ball.
2. Bilal Coulibaly, Wizards
Stats: 14.8 factors, 63.9 TS%, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists
I don’t discriminate towards second-year gamers like some voters do. Certain, they’re “supposed to get better,” however they typically don’t. Some worsen. And few enhance as a lot as Coulibaly has for the Wizards, practically doubling his manufacturing and whereas enhancing his effectivity from final season.
Final yr, he was brutal within the pick-and-roll, capturing 29.3% (12-for-41). This yr? He’s at 58.3% (14-for-24). He’s far more assured and taking part in a managed model, hitting pull-ups and turnarounds from midrange. Plus he’s throwing down some highlight-reel finishes on the rim. It’s like he wakened and realized, “Oh yeah, I’m allowed to be awesome.”
3. Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers
Stats: 18.8 factors, 47.4 3P%, 82.1% on 5.6 FTA, 6.6 rebounds
Mathurin was a quantity scorer affected by inconsistency, however he seems to be turning a nook this season. He’s nonetheless relentlessly attacking the rim however ending at the next clip and capturing career-best numbers from deep.
There’s a maturity to his recreation now — Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle credit his improved shot choice, and Mathurin appears noticeably extra locked in on protection as nicely.
On the radar: Norm Powell, Guerschon Yabusele, Dyson Daniels, Gradey Dick, Jalen Johnson, Franz Wagner, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Jaden Ivey
SIXTH MAN OF THE MONTH
Stats: 15.3 factors, 42.3% on 8.7 3PA, 2.8 assists
Pritchard turns into what the Celtics want from him. Want a sharpshooter to fly across the arc? He can have 28-point scoring outings on 8-for-12 capturing from 3 like he did towards the Bucks. Want playmaking? He can log 8 assists to just one turnover like he did towards the Nets.
Each evening, Pritchard gives one thing constructive to the Celtics. Along with his capturing, together with his midrange fadeaways, together with his paint penetration, together with his gritty protection. He’s one of the best backup level guard within the NBA, and thus far, one of the best Sixth Man.
2. Tari Eason, Rockets
Stats: 11.7 factors, 6.4 boards, 2.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 assists
Eason is First Group All-Protection caliber. Houston has caught him on gamers of various sizes and shapes like Giannis Antetokounmo, Pascal Siakam, and Jalen Williams. However extra importantly, away from the ball he’s a harmful defender who will get his palms within the combine with 2.2 steals and three deflections per recreation. He’s all over the place, like a sentry focusing on the ball on passes into the paint, a vacuum inhaling boards. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka in contrast Eason to Kawhi Leonard for good purpose.
However Eason isn’t only a one-way participant. He is capturing 37% from 3, hustling in transition, slicing within the halfcourt, and doing soiled work on offense.
BetMGM has Eason listed as +4000 for Sixth Man of the 12 months, as of this publishing, which suggests hitting a $1 wager would win you $41. There may be not a greater worth wager proper now. As his minutes proceed to tick up after lacking 60 video games final season, it received’t shock me one bit if he’s quickly the favourite to win it.
3. Buddy Hield, Warriors
Stats: 16.5 factors, 45.1% on 8.1 3PA
Hield matches completely in Golden State’s system, sprinting to a spot in transition, thriving off screens and handoffs to unleash 3s or slingshot towards the rim.
The Warriors have a +32 internet ranking with Hield sharing the ground with Steph Curry, and he’s wanting each bit like an adopted Splash Brother.
On the radar: Naz Reid, Jonathan Kuminga, Tre Mann, Amen Thompson, Caris LeVert, Dereck Energetic, Malik Monk, Devin Vassell, Dalano Banton
COACH OF THE MONTH
Stats: 16-1 report, +11.7 internet ranking
Even placing apart the 15-0 undefeated report to start the season, Atkinson had the Cavaliers merely wanting extra cohesive than they ever did below their former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
There was a clunkiness to the top-four of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However now, regardless of the lineup mixture, Atkinson is pushing the correct buttons to get all of them to supply.
2. Ty Lue, Clippers
Stats: 9-7 report, +1.3 internet ranking
The NBA is stuffed with groups lacking stars who’re dropping video games evening after evening. After which there’s the Clippers: 9-7 with out Kawhi Leonard.
Lue has put in a system that has the Clippers taking part in elite protection, whereas surviving sufficient on offense with out their celebrity. Simply think about in the event that they get Kawhi again wholesome.
3. Steve Kerr, Warriors
Stats: 11-3 report, +10.2 internet ranking
Gotta love how Kerr has by some means made it work with a rotation that always goes past 10 guys since this season. The Warriors gave him depth and he is aware of how one can use it. New gamers have efficiently been built-in too.
On the radar: Joe Mazzulla, Jamahl Mosley, JJ Redick, Mark Daignault, Mike Budenholzer, Ime Udoka
