Executive of the Year: Gar Forman and John Paxson, Chicago Bulls
Just kidding!
Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors:
Now the Raptors could have stayed pat with the team that was currently assembled but Ujiri took a gamble and not only fired the coach of the year in Dwayne Casey but he also traded away the franchise player in Demar DeRozan and turned that into a little player named Kawahi Leonard. A finally healthy Leonard and a revamped lineup hopefully is the cure for Toronto's postseason woes...that and the dude from Akron who no longer plays for the Cavaliers.
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams, G, LA Clippers:
So last year I declared Lou Williams as sixth man of the year and damned if I'm not gonna run it back this year. His current run the past few seasons are rivaling the run of the man who preceded him in both winning this award and as the sixth man for the Clippers Jamal Crawford.
Rookie of the Year: Luka Doncic, SF, Dallas Mavericks:
I thought Luka would be good this season. I mean he has been playing against grown men since he was an even younger teenager. I did not think however he would come into the league THIS ready to make an impact.
Coach of the Year: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks:
I looked for ways to not choose Budenholzer simply to troll my friend Cassie but he just did too good of a job for me to ignore him. Last season with the essentially the same roster the Bucks squeaked in the playoffs with 44 wins and were a 7 seed. This season a competent coach took over and unleashed the Greek Freak and a three point shooting Brook Lopez (words I never thought I'd type) and boom, a 16 win improvement and the top seed out of nowhere. If they are able to resign some of their supporting cast this offseason I would not be shocked if they continue their upward trajectory.
Most Improved Player: D'Angelo Russell, PG, Brooklyn Nets:
Remember when the promising number 2 pick in the 2015 draft was traded away essentially because he couldn't put his phone down? When we look back in a few years it's gonna be wild to think that a guy who became an all-star was traded because the front office thought guys would be hesitant to play with him due to his penchant for recording conversations on snapchat.
Well this season all anyone could say about Russell was how he helped turn a complete hopeless franchise into a playoff team and a player in the free agent bonanza coming this offseason. Leading the team in scoring and assists, and having a career year in 3 point shooting percentage.
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, C, Utah Jazz:
Last season there was a little bit of doubt as to whether or not Gobert should have been defensive player of the year because he missed over 20 games. This season he removed all doubt as he matched his blocks per game from last season and set a new career high in defensive rebounds per game.
Not to mention some things that don't show up on the stat sheet such as guys who drive in the lane and immediately regret said decision and pass the ball back out to the perimeter. Easily he is the most disruptive interior defensive force in the game until Wendell Carter comes for his crown (You know I had to get a Bulls reference in there).
Most Valuable Player: James Harden, G, Houston Rockets:
This was quite difficult for me to choose. Giannis had such an amazing season, a season we probably haven't seen since Shaq's last season in Orlando. Seriously, look at the numbers, they are ridiculously similar. That said, what James Harden this season is historic. And while I think it's not fun to watch him do work, one thing you can't deny is that Mr. Harden gets busy.
Well there you have it folks, the nonsensical ravings of a loudmouth lunatic. Here's to more staying awake until 12:30 because the damn Warriors can't hold a 31 point lead.
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