Starting with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s second straight MVP trophy, here is a complete list of the individual awards that the NBA has handed out during the 2019-20 season.
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo bagged his second straight MVP plum. (Photo via Getty Images)
Most Valuable Player – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Season Averages: 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists
Giannis joins legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan as the only players in league history to notch the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. There’s no doubt that the Greek Freak’s versatility on both ends of the floor was the driving force of the Bucks’ regular season success, although people are now pushing for the NBA to also consider the playoffs in handing out this coveted trophy.
Other frontrunners: LeBron James, James Harden, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis
Coach of the Year – Nick Nurse
Toronto Raptors’ team stats: 53-19 W-L slate, 2nd in defensive rating, 1st in opponent points per game
After leading Toronto to its first championship last season, Nurse then won the Coach of the Year trophy this year. (Photo by Jeff Chiu/AP)
Even with Kawhi Leonard leaving them last summer, the Raptors stayed true to their collective identity and maintained their status as a championship contender. While it’s true that Pascal Siakam has grown into an All-Star and Kyle Lowry doing his usual winning plays, much of Toronto’s success should be attributed to Nurse’s brilliance. Nurse has been excellent in making the most out of his roster, and it’s just right that he was recognized with this award.
Other frontrunners: Mike Budenholzer, Billy Donovan
Defensive Player of the Year – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Season Averages: 11.4 defensive rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks
It was a close battle between Giannis and Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, but the Bucks’ all-around superstar had the slight advantage. With Milwaukee ranking first in defensive rating this season, it’s no secret that Giannis was the propeller of that tremendous effort. He has the ability to guard all positions, and his length and speed makes it possible for him to cover all bases and defend the passing lanes.
Other frontrunners: Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert
Rookie of the Year – Ja Morant
Season Averages: 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals
Many people predicted the Memphis Grizzlies to go on a rebuilding year, but Morant had other plans. The athletic playmaker led the Grizzlies’ charge as they came one win away from making it to the playoffs. Aside from his elite athleticism, Morant also showed that he is already one of the best young playmakers in the league.
Other frontrunners: Zion Williamson, Kendrick Nunn
Sixth Man of the Year – Montrezl Harrell
Season Averages: 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks
Harrell may be undersized in the center position, but his energy and grit more than make up for that disadvantage. He is a solid pick-and-roll option for the Clippers’ bevy of shot creators, and the intangibles that he brings on both offense and defense are essential for the Clips’ success.
Other frontrunners: Dennis Schroder, Lou Williams
Most Improved Player of the Year – Brandon Ingram
Season Averages: 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks
Ingram’s jump from good to great this season helped him bag this award. He became a bonafide franchise player for the New Orleans Pelicans, and notched his first career All-Star appearance. Along with the uptick in his scoring, Ingram also blossomed into an excellent playmaker on offense and a versatile operator on defense.
Other frontrunners: Bam Adebayo, Luka Doncic
All-NBA First Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
All-NBA Second Team
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder
Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
All-NBA Third Team
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets
All-Defensive First Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
All-Defensive Second Team
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Patrick Beverley, Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Bledsoe, Milwaukee Bucks
All-Rookie First Team
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat
Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
Eric Paschall, Golden State Warriors
All-Rookie Second Team
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Terence Davis II, Toronto Raptors
Coby White, Chicago Bulls
P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets
Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards
