NBA awards: See the finalists for MVP, rookie of the year, coach of the year
By: Nick Schwartz
The NBA announced the finalists for its major end-of-season awards on Friday night, ahead of the NBA Awards show on June 24th. Superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George are in the running for the two most coveted individual awards, but will James Harden win a second consecutive league MVP award after posting a ridiculous scoring average of 36.1 points per game?
Each award is decided by a vote of media members from around the country. Here is the full list of finalists in each award race:
Most Valuable Player:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- James Harden, Rockets
- Paul George, Thunder
Defensive Player of the Year:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- Paul George, Thunder
- Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Coach of the Year:
- Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
- Michael Malone, Nuggets
- Doc Rivers, Clippers
Rookie of the Year:
- Luka Doncic,
- Mavericks Trae Young,
- Hawks Deandre Ayton
Sixth Man:
- Montrezl Harrell, Clippers
- Lou Williams, Clippers
- Domantas Sabonis, Pacers
Most Improved Player:
- De’Aaron Fox, Kings
- D’Angelo Russell, Nets
- Pascal Siakam, Raptors
