GoingFor2.com’s 2016 NBA Year End Awards

It’s hard to believe that the end of the NBA regular season is upon us. It seems like just last week I was gearing up for some NBA DFS, and now we are getting ready to go into the playoffs. Lucky for us the NBA playoffs is the longest playoff of the four major sports — nearly two months long! This year’s awards will be a little anti-climatic because there was no true “MVP race” as there had been in recent years. Every preseason MVP candidate has been competing for runner-up for more than half the season. Here are the GoingFor2.com’s NBA Writer’s choices for the NBA year end awards…

NBA MVP

Jared Fox – Stephen Curry, Warriors

From Kevin Durant to Kawhi Leonard, there are a ton of candidates that would win this award if Curry wasn’t in the picture. Unfortunately, he is, so those guys will be battling for second place once again this year. This season, Curry has once again been explosive for the Warriors, averaging 29.8 points, 6.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 34.2 minutes per game. He’s also made 5.0 three-pointers per contest this season with a total of 385 total made. Curry is without a doubt the best player on the planet right now.

David Albiani – Stephen Curry, Warriors

The easiest choice of all the awards is the MVP with Curry playing at an insanely high level. Curry is averaging 30 points per game with seven assists and five rebounds per game making him a highly efficient offensive machine. He also is playing much better defensively this year getting two steals per game. Curry is also shooting 45 percent from three, 56 percent on two-point shots, and 90 percent from the line. Despite his limited athleticism Curry still gets to the rim at will, can create any shot he wants, and can hit a shot from anywhere. Simply put he is the best player on the planet right now on the offensive end as well as having a much improved defensive game making him the most valuable player in the game. No other players are worth considering.

Eric Frosbutter – Stephen Curry, Warriors

Revolutionizing the game each day. Cementing his path as the greatest shooter in NBA history.

Matt Sandell  – Stephen Curry, Warriors

The unanimous choice and the only choice for MVP this year: Steph Curry. I’ve been watching basketball for years and have never seen a player quite like Steph Curry. He is the only reason that team is about to break the Bulls record of 72-10. There is a 0% chance that any player besides Curry is winning MVP this year, but if this was any other year besides this historic season, Russell Westbrook and his 17 triple-doubles would have definitely claimed the award.

R.L. Woodson– Stephen Curry, Warriors

Led the reigning champions towards tying or besting the 72-10 record of the ’95-’96 Bulls. He also led the league in scoring, had 100+ more 3-FGM than the second best shooter from deep, he was #2 in 3-point shooting percentage and was still outside the top 20 in minutes per game. Just a top performing offensive player in every category except for offensive rebounds!

Brandon Bailey – Stephen Curry, Warriors

Record-setting shooting and the leader of a record-setting team. In all honesty, Curry could win MVP and Most Improved Player this year. And I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling yet.

Gerson Aguirre – Stephen Curry, Warriors

It’s no mystery that I’m a huge Lebron fan. I can’t remember to seeing a clear cut MVP. Curry is the MVP. Taking Golden State to a level no one has seen since the bulls 72-10 . Now they have a chance to go 73-9 and break the record. In reality, we all know who the true MVP is…

Geoff Lambert – Stephen Curry, Warriors

I’m not going to beat a dead horse here, he is the MVP hands down.

Rookie of the Year

Jared Fox – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

After a hot start by Kristaps Porzingis, we all thought that this may be an interesting award race but Towns dominated the league for much of the second half of the season. He is the first rookie since Elton Brand in the 1999-2000 season to average 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Towns is also 14th in the NBA in player efficiency rating and has looked unstoppable at times this year.

David Albiani – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

This is the second easiest decision to make of all the awards with only MVP being more certain. Towns is extremely advanced for a rookie displaying a complete inside and outside game with the athleticism to create off the dribble and protect the rim. Despite being just 20 years old Towns is already 14th in PER (player efficiency rating) showing his well-rounded and complete game. He is averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks per game while shooting 81 percent from the free throw line and 35 percent from three-point land. One of the most impressive rookie seasons in a long time and he is a reason why the Timberwolves have a bright future. Kristaps Porzingis and Devin Booker are other candidates, but each has had rough months while Towns has been consistent all year.

Eric Frosbutter – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

The 2015 first overall pick edges out Porzingis developing more and more in Minnesota’s offense. Has won Rookie of the Month three times and averaged over 21 points per game and nearly 12 rebounds per game in February.

Matt Sandell – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

Towns won Western conference rookie of the month every single month in his rookie year, tallying one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history. He was far and away the best player taken in the ’15 draft(especially after what has happened to D’Angelo and Okafor this year) Towns averaged 18.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and an impressive 1.7 BPG. As I’m typing this he just hit a game winner against Portland, the future looks bright for the young, up and coming Wolves. One more lottery pick and this might be a contending team for years to come.

R.L. Woodson – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

5 consecutive WC rookie of the months recognitions…

Brandon Bailey – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

With averages of 18.3 PPG and 10.5 RPG, this isn’t really a debate. He’s even hit a few 3s this year as well. He gives all Wolves fans out there hope for their future.

Gerson Aguirre – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

The 2015 class was deep — really deep. Towns is my number one choice and it’s not close. The kid is  special. In my opinion he the second best center next to Demarcus Cousin.

Geoff Lambert – Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

With the reigning rookie of the year from 2015 already on the roster (Andrew Wiggins), the Wolves have struck gold again with KAT. I would have to look back in history, but I’d be willing to bet that back to back ROY awards going to the same team has never happened before. With the Wolves in the lottery again this year, the only question now is, can they go for the three-peat?

Defensive Player of the Year

Jared Fox – Draymond Green, Warriors

This award will be a toss up between Green and Leonard but I’m giving the slight edge to Draymond. This season, Green has shown his versatility and ability to match up against much larger opponents, which is the most impressive thing about him. He very well could be the best center in the league but is the size of the average small forward. This year, he has averaged 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest for the Warriors. Also, this season, when Green is on the floor the Warriors have allowed just 97.4 points per 100 possessions.

David Albiani – Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

This race essentially comes down to two players with Leonard and Draymond Green representing the top choices and two of the elite defenders in the game. Green will always have a case for his versatility in defending all different positions as well as his post defense for the Warriors allowing him to play post players as the center on the Warriors despite being around the same height as Klay Thompson. Leonard however, is my choice for his elite perimeter defense, a ridiculous wingspan, and great instincts. Leonard plays for the top-rated defense in the league and that gives him the edge, but it is hard to fault someone for either choice.

Eric Frosbutter – Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

One of the top real plus-minus ratios in the NBA and averages nearly two steals a game. He benefits from an all-around defensive team and successfully defends his title as Defensive Player of the Year.

Matt Sandell  – Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

The award will probably go to Draymond Green, but Kawhi is the best defender in the league without question. The Spurs went 65-16 this season and it wasn’t because they had an incredible shooter like Steph Curry or Klay Thompson, it was because they played grit and grind defense all season led by Kawhi Leonard. If you’re not an experienced ball handler, it would be wise to not have the ball in your hands when Kawhi is within a 10-foot radius of you, because he is incredible at coming up and swiping steals and ripping the ball out of opponent’s hands. He truly is the best defender in the league today.

R.L. Woodson – Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

Best defender on one of the league’s leading defenses. Guards the larger range of players while also accepting more of the load on the offensive end of the court this season.

Brandon Bailey – Hassan Whiteside, Heat

Up until Sunday (4/10/16), Whiteside had come off the bench for the past 30 games or so as has maintained his rebounding (3rd in league) and shot blocking(1st in league) numbers. His 3.69 blocks per game is way ahead of second place DeAndre Jordan‘s 2.30. Whiteside is the anchor of the Heat’s defense and has come a long way in the past two seasons.

Gerson Aguirre – Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

To me, this obvious, Leonard is the only true shut down defender in the NBA.

Geoff Lambert – Draymond Green, Warriors

Steph Curry is the league’s MVP, but Dray Green might be the MVP of the Warriors. I firmly that the Warriors would be worse off losing Green than they would if they lost Curry. He is the defensive glue and heart and soul of this team, and to take him off would turn Golden State into a high scoring team that can’t stop anyone.

Coach of the Year

Jared Fox – Terry Stotts, Blazers

I know, I know this award most likely belongs to either Steve Kerr or Gregg Popovich who have both had mind-blowing seasons has head coaches. Here’s the thing, I like to dream a bit from time to time, so I’m going to mix things up. Stotts has taken a Portland squad, who had lost four of its five starters from a season ago and turned them into a contender in the Western Conference. Right now, they’re looking at being at the fifth-seed for the playoffs and will have a great chance of at least advancing to the second round.

David Albiani – Steve Kerr, Warriors

Most people will use the excuse that Steve Kerr is coaching the defending champion, has the likely MVP, and has a lot of talent that can win games even on their worst nights. However, there is a reason why no one has been close to the Bull’s regular season wins record and Kerr has put this team in position to claim the record and despite a fantastic regular season from the Spurs, receive home court throughout the playoffs. Kerr has also been able to get a lot of solid play from bench players who didn’t fit on previous teams such as Leandro Barbosa, Mareese Speights, and Anderson Varejao. Kerr has a great rapport with his team and his in- game coaching adjustments are what separate him. Terry Stotts, Brad Stevens, and Gregg Popovich should also receive consideration.

Eric Frosbutter – Steve Kerr, Warriors

For 71 reasons and counting. Is Luke Walton an option?

Matt Sandell  – Steve Kerr, Warriors

Not a lot to argue here, when your team is about to break the ’96 Bulls record of 72 wins in , it’s hard to argue against it. Kerr will be the consensus pick for coach of the year, but give some credit to Brad Stevens. If you look at the Celtics roster it’s incredible that this team is contending for 3rd in the East behind the Cavs and the Raptors. The Celtics went from holding the 6th pick in the draft just two years ago to the 3rd best team in the East under Stevens, not to mention how many first round picks they have coming up because of the Nets trade…this could be a scary team in a couple of years.

R.L. Woodson – Greg Popovich, Spurs

Pop was only upstaged by the GSW combo of Walton-Kerr and their historic run. However, Pop still has slightly less stellar individual pieces and is managing an aging roster while developing 2-3 younger contributors. The 40-1 home record is impressive, and the team has added at least 10 wins above last year’s campaign.

Brandon Bailey – Luke Walton, Warriors/Brad Steven Celtics

Don’t forget the Warriors went 39-4 with Walton at the helm and are a measly 33-5 with Kerr back on the bench. I know Walton is technically still 0-0 as a coach but it would be nice to see him get some notoriety here. He will surely have his pick of head coaching spots this offseason. But if you want to go with a guy that can actually win the award, I would go with Brad Stevens. He’s turned the Celtics around in just two seasons and they look like a very tough matchup for anyone in this year’s playoffs.

Gerson Aguirre – Steve Kerr/Luke Walton, Warriors

You can’t break the record of all-time wins in a season and not be coach of the year. I think this award should be co-owned.

Geoff Lambert – Brad Stevens, Celtics

Brandon stole my thunder. I was going to elect Luke Walton as my coach of the year, but since Brandon already pointed out what I was going to bring to light, I’ll go more traditional and take Brad Stevens. Steve Kerr will likely win this award, but if we are taking the true meaning of “coach” and not “the person running the best team”, it has to be Stevens. I could probably sit on the bench of the Warriors, call myself a coach and win 50 games, they are just that good. Stevens, on the other hand, has taken a group of misfits and turned them into a very good NBA team. The casual NBA fan probably couldn’t name more than three Celtics players, but could name the entire Warriors bench, yet the Celtics could end up with the 3rd seed in the East. That’s coaching.

Most Improved Player

Jared Fox – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

When the Blazers lost big name players such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews, no one knew who would help Damian Lillard anchor this offense. Well, McCollum has stepped up his game in a big way and truly is the best guy for this award. In the 2014-15 season, he averaged just 6.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest. Flash forward a season and McCollum has averaged 20.9 points, 4.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds. He’s also greatly increased his true shooting percentage even though he’s taken more shots and has been a focal point of defenses all year long.

David Albiani – Isaiah Thomas, Celtics

I wrote earlier in the year about how C.J. McCollum was the favorite, but that Jae Crowder, another Celtic, should be the Most Improved Player. However, as the year has gone on more I do not see any other way than to give it to Thomas. Sure McCollum has seen his scoring average per game jump from seven points to about 21 and has become a more complete player despite the huge increase in minutes, but Thomas is averaging 22 points per game and makes the Boston offense run. The Celtics have no shot creator when they run their offense without Thomas in the game and he was a first-time all-star this year.  This could go either way, but Thomas is the juice for the Celtics and McCollum still needs a little more work as a playmaker where Thomas has an edge.

Eric Frosbutter – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

The Celtics could be nothing without Crowder but I give the slightest of the edges to The Greek Freak. Milwaukee certainly didn’t improve but Giannis has in all kinds of ways. Looks to continue as the Bucks point guard going forward with tremendous length and size and still so young.

Matt Sandell – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

McCollum is hands down going to be the recipient of the most improved player award, but I don’t think he really improved all that much, he was always good, just got stuck on Portland’s bench behind Wes Matthews, Batum, and Will Barton. McCollum is probably the league’s best mid-range jump shooter and he shoots an incredible % from 3 too(42.1%)  McCollum has the talent to be an all-star at this level, we’ll see how his development plays out with Lillard.

R.L. Woodson – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

Improves PPG by 13 pts, adds two more APG, and helped stabilize a team that lost an All-Star starter and another starter in free agency… helping lead the team to a 5th seed in the Western Conference.

Brandon Bailey – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

With Batum and Aldridge departing last offseason, McCollum stepped in the starting lineup and immediately made an impact. Helping shoulder the scoring load with Lillard he has helped Portland make the playoffs and has the Blazers boasting one of the top backcourts in the NBA.

Gerson Aguirre – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

McCollum is the best choice for this award, as he was a bench player last year and became a starter this year. I was going to choose Rodney Hood but that’s me being homer jazz fan. Ha ha .

Geoff Lambert – C.J. McCollum, Blazers

I really wanted to convince myself to take someone other than the consensus, but looking at the stats, there is no other realistic choice. This is a guy who averaged just over six points in ’14-’15 and now averages over 20 and is part of one of the best backcourt tandems in the league.

Sixth Man of the Year

Jared Fox – Jamal Crawford, Clippers

When Blake Griffin went down for the majority of the season, the Clippers organization was wondering if they’d even be in the playoff picture. Yes, both Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan had a big part of their success this season, but one bench player really shined, in my opinion, all season long. This year, Crawford has averaged 14.1 points, 2.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per contest. These aren’t crazy numbers but his ability to score at big times during the fourth quarter for this Los Angeles squad this season gives him the edge for this award.

David Albiani – Jamal Crawford, Clippers

Once again Crawford is the winner in this category with very few players even competing against him for the award. At the beginning of the season, Crawford and Isaiah Thomas looked like solid choices, but soon after the season started Thomas was moved into the starting lineup and he hasn’t looked back. Crawford isn’t having a great year averaging just 14 points per game in 27 minutes, but he still has been able to keep the Clippers afloat at times with injuries to Blake Griffin and rest to their main starters. Other players like Will Barton and Evan Turner could receive some votes, but Crawford is still the best choice by far.

Eric Frosbutter – Jamal Crawford, Clippers

Has spent his entire career excelling at coming off the bench. Averaging 14 points per game, he hasn’t missed a beat and will be a strong factor as to how far the Clippers go in the playoffs.

Matt Sandell  – Enes Kanter, Thunder

Enes Kanter could be in a coma and still get 18 and 10 off the bench. Kanter’s per-minute scoring and rebounding numbers are among the best in the NBA. He is a dark horse candidate for the award, most would probably say Will Barton, but Kanter was extremely consistent every night out and is an incredible DFS player.

R.L. Woodson – Jamal Crawford, Clippers

A lot of funny business going on with this category’s leaders, as contenders, Crawford and Hassan Whiteside got in plenty of starts this year. Crawford stepped into the starting lineup during Blake Griffin’s absence and contributed to a 30-15 run. Sounds like a starter to me…

Brandon Bailey – Enes Kanter, Thunder

With this award going to guards most years, I believe Kanter deserves to bring this award home for all the post players out there. He anchors the Thunder’s second unit and provides a great inside scoring option to go along with Westbrook and Durant in late game situations. And let’s not forget Kanter is an excellent rebounder, averaging just over 8 a game coming off the bench.

Gerson Aguirre – Enes Kanter, Thunder

This is a hard one tonight.  I choose Jama…… never mind. Enes Kanter. Yes , Kanter is my pick. His true shooting percentage and rebound total is great for a center coming off the bench.  I think Kanter deserves more credit than people give him.

Geoff Lambert – Ryan Anderson, Pelicans

Anderson has no shot at winning this award, but statistically, he should. What hurts Anderson is the team he plays for wasn’t any good, but he averaged 17 points per game, the highest average for any player coming off the bench and he chipped in with 6 rebounds per game. If you took those numbers and put him on a winning team, he’d be the sixth man hands down.

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