NBA Midseason Awards 2023–2024: Now that the year has officially begun, the front-runners for all of the major prizes are firmly established. We know which players will stand out from the rest even though there is still half of the regular season left before the playoffs begin.
There are many talking points when it comes to the main award categories, as we saw in December when Nikola Jokic won the MVP race and Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren faced off in the Rookie of the Year race. In this article, you’ll get to know the NBA Midseason Awards 2023–2024.
NBA Midseason Awards 2023–2024 – 5 Top Prospects For Trophy
Here are the NBA Midseason Awards 2023–2024, check them out:
MVP Of The Year – Nikola Jokic
2. Joel Embiid
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Luka Doncic
Nikola Jokic’s strong all-around performance has cemented his status as the front-runner for the NBA MVP award in 2023–24. The Denver Nuggets are in third place in the Western Conference thanks to Jokic’s nearly triple-double average of 25.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. Jokic’s impact has been evident, as evidenced by several game-winning shots, including one against the Warriors.
Jokic is the league leader in win shares (8.6) and ranks second in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) (31.3), demonstrating his statistical ability. Moreover, he has a noteworthy presence on the boards, ranking fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game with 11.9. Securing a third MVP title for the Serbian would be a significant accomplishment.
Joel Embiid, on the other hand, is also putting up a strong fight for MVP honours. He leads the NBA in scoring (35.1 points per game), is seventh in rebounds (11.6), and leads in PER (34.4). In the upcoming weeks, Embiid’s candidature might be challenged if he goes on a winning streak and perhaps scores a championship for the third time in a row.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the running for MVP because of his outstanding play with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he averages 31.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Gilgeous-Alexander, who is now driving the Thunder to the second seed in the West despite being the underdog, has had an impressive effect. He is third in PER at 30.7 and appears ready to make it onto the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive season.
Even though he is leading the Milwaukee Bucks in scoring (31.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game), Giannis Antetokounmpo is facing competition for MVP. Damian Lillard’s presence on his squad could influence his vote because other players are succeeding despite having less skill surrounding them.
At last, Luka Doncic continues to be a consistent MVP contender, displaying exceptional playmaking and scoring skills with 33.6 points and 9.1 assists per game. Even if he doesn’t wind up with the trophy at the conclusion of the season, Doncic, who is ranked second in scoring and third in assists, is probably going to be in the top-5 race all season.
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Rookie Of The Year – Victor Wembanyama
2. Chet Holmgren
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
4. Scoot Henderson
5. Brandon Miller
Having an outstanding all-around game with averages of 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game, Victor Wembanyama has a tiny advantage for Rookie of the Year. Wembanyama’s performance shines out despite the San Antonio Spurs’ difficult record (7-33), as he leads the NBA in blocks and exhibits the makings of a future superstar.
For the second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, Chet Holmgren is having a big influence in a closely contested competition with Wembanyama. Playing next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not hurt Holmgren’s stats, which stand at 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who is in third place, has surprised everyone by contributing 14.0 points per game on 35.5% three-point shooting for the Miami Heat. Even though he has to play behind players like Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler, Jaquez Jr. has shown to be an important member of the squad.
Despite beginning the season in the G-League, Scoot Henderson has demonstrated growth and promise, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 assists per contest. Henderson, who was chosen with the third overall choice in the 2023 Draft, is displaying the abilities that point to a bright future for him.
As a rookie, Brandon Miller has contributed consistently, scoring 13.9 points per game on average and shooting 37.6% from three-point range. Miller is positioned as a long-term option for the franchise as the second overall choice in the draft because of his ability to complement LaMelo Ball in Charlotte.
Wembanyama and Holmgren seem to be in a two-horse fight for Rookie of the Year, with Wembanyama winning due to his exceptional individual performance. But other rookies like Jaquez Jr., Henderson, and Miller bring depth to the discussion, so this rookie class is worth keeping an eye on all season long.
Defensive Player Of The Year – Rudy Gobert
2. Anthony Davis
3. Bam Adebayo
4. Chet Holmgren
5. Victor Wembanyama
As the front-runner for 2023–2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert has demonstrated his defensive skills by averaging 12.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. Leading the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top-ranked defence, Gobert’s influence is seen in the group’s ability to keep opponents to a mere 107.3 points per game. Gobert will join the select group of Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, who have each won four DPOY honours if he wins the prize.
As the Miami Heat’s defensive pillar, Bam Adebayo shows himself to be a serious candidate for the prize. Adebayo can efficiently defend centres, guards, and forwards thanks to his flexibility, as he averages 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks a game. His efforts are vital to the Heat’s defence, which is rated second in the NBA with 110.6 points per game.
Even if he leads the Los Angeles Lakers in team defence (16th), Anthony Davis still has difficulties because of their poor defensive performance (12.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game). Though Davis is still unstoppable on his own, it may be difficult for him to catch up to Gobert or Adebayo.
In the DPOY competition, Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama—who are also competing for Rookie of the Year—are especially noteworthy. With a minimum of 2.5 blocks each game on average, they demonstrate defensive adaptability by covering various spots. Wembanyama has the advantage when it comes to shot blocking, but Holmgren also has a strong point since he can stop guards.
Sixth Man Of The Year – Tim Hardaway Jr.
2. Malik Monk
3. Bogdan Bogdanovic
4. Austin Reaves
5. Jordan Clarkson
As the Miami Heat’s defensive pillar, Bam Adebayo shows himself to be a serious candidate for the prize. Adebayo can efficiently defend centres, guards, and forwards thanks to his flexibility, as he averages 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks a game. His efforts are vital to the Heat’s defence, which is rated second in the NBA with 110.6 points per game.
Second-place finisher Malik Monk, a standout scorer for the Sacramento Kings off the bench, averages 15.3 points per game while hitting a respectable 39.4% of his three-pointers. He is a vital component of the Kings’ eighth-ranked offence because of his intensity and quickness, providing important off-the-bench scoring.
As one of the Atlanta Hawks’ bright spots, Bogdan Bogdanovic stands out as a worthy nominee for Sixth Man of the Year. Bogdanovic is a consistent player, especially behind Trae Young, thanks to his assured shooting and defensive efforts, averaging 16.9 points per game on 36.6% three-point shooting.
Austin Reaves has contributed significantly to the Los Angeles Lakers off the bench this season, despite criticism that he did not improve upon his play from the previous campaign. Reaves makes important plays while averaging 15.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, despite his poor three-point shooting percentage of less than 35%.
A former Sixth Man of the Year in the 2020–21 campaign, Jordan Clarkson is still a very good bench player. He leads the Utah Jazz in scoring this season with 17.9 points and 5.2 assists per game, displaying his scoring ability despite having a lesser shooting percentage (41.9% FG, 30.6% 3-PT FG).
Most Improved Player – Tyrese Maxey
2. Alperen Sengun
3. Tyrese Haliburton
4. Coby White
5. Scottie Barnes
With a notable performance increase, Tyrese Maxey has become the front-runner for the 2023–2024 Most Improved Player award. Maxey has emerged as a vital member of the Philadelphia 76ers since James Harden’s departure, averaging a scorching 26.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Due to his outstanding play, the 23-year-old guard is expected to be selected as a first-time All-Star and probably make the All-NBA team, which would be a major step towards realising his full potential.
With his quick improvement, Alperen Sengun has become a “mini Jokic” for the Houston Rockets. Sengun, who leads the Rockets’ offence with an average of 21.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, is a serious candidate to make his first All-Star team.
Despite being an All-Star the previous season, Tyrese Haliburton has improved to the level of a superstar this year. Making a strong case for Most Improved Player, Haliburton has been the engine of the NBA’s top-ranked offence, putting up amazing stats of 23.6 points and 12.5 assists per game on 40.3% shooting.
With an effective 40.2% three-point percentage and an average of 18.5 points per game, Coby White has almost quadrupled his scoring from the previous campaign. White gives the Chicago Bulls a dynamic addition to their squad with his outstanding play, and his increased play may raise his trade worth.
Last but not least, Scottie Barnes has made significant progress since taking home the 2021–22 Rookie of the Year award. With career-highs of 20.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, Barnes is enjoying a fantastic year overall. Given Barnes’ potential, the Raptors recently sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers in order to provide space for the young player to further his development.
Coach Of The Year – Mark Daigneault
2. Chris Finch
3. Jamahl Mosley
4. Joe Mazzulla
5. Rick Carlisle
Leading contender for Coach of the Year, Mark Daigneault led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a remarkable 27-13 regular-season record. With exceptional performances from superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rookie of the Year favourite Chet Holmgren, and the surprising rise of Jalen Williams (18.6 PPG), Daigneault has maximised the potential of his club despite having a youthful roster. The Thunder’s position as the second seed in the tough Western Conference is a testament to Daigneault’s ability as a coach to guide and develop a young team.
With three All-Stars on the team—Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards—Chris Finch leads the Minnesota Timberwolves to the first-ranked defence and the top seed in the West. The fact that Daigneault has more All-Stars than the others might influence the outcome and give him the advantage.
Jamahl Mosley, whose Orlando Magic are rebuilding after the 2019–20 season, has had incredible success with them. The fact that the Magic have a fourth-ranked defence and might make the playoffs highlights Mosley’s influence in overachieving with a young team that only features Paolo Banchero as a standout player.
The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA thanks to Joe Mazzulla’s leadership, which has given the club a renewed sense of purpose and resolve after two disappointing seasons. Even though he has an All-Star team, Mazzulla’s ability to lead the Celtics to the top of the league strengthens his case for Coach of the Year.
Last but not least, Rick Carlisle keeps showcasing his coaching prowess by moving the Indiana Pacers to the top offensive ranking. Tyrese Haliburton’s evolution into a contemporary Steve Nash is evidence of Carlisle’s impact and confirms his standing as one of the best coaches in the game.
These are the NBA Midseason Awards 2023–2024. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
