After a first overview carried out at the end of November, new progress update on the various trophy races in progress. As for the MVP and the rookies, overall trends are confirmed, except for the trophy for best progress of the year where the situation remains very undecided.
Best defender: the wall Victor Wembanyama
He remains the huge favorite of punters and that is understandable. Victor Wembanyama seems to have reached another milestone in terms of defensive presence in recent weeks. The most telling stat is obviously its volume of counterattacks, which has increased further. From 3.6 units in mid-November, the league leader in this area increased to 4 units on average. Signing two outings in a row at… 10, then 8 against shortly before Christmas helps.
But to summarize its impact in terms of deterrence solely on countermeasures would be simplistic. It should be noted that without him, still in December, the Spurs signed two of their worst defensive performances of the year (140 and 139 points conceded), confirming his preponderant role in the Texan defense. Although last night they took 136 with him.
Behind Wemby, very far away, two names come up most often: Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. But bettors don't just have interiors in mind and are also thinking of the best defense in the league, the Thunder. Thus the name of OKC specialist, Luguentz Dort, who had difficulty emerging until now, is (finally) mentioned, as is that of his teammate and leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The latter is the 2nd interceptor in the league behind Dyson Daniels.
6th man of the year: Payton Pritchard's decline
If the Celtics' 6th man remains in favor with punters, he nonetheless remains, like his team, in full decline. After the first three months of competition at an average of 16 points, Payton Pritchard only averaged 10.5 points in January, with falling percentages (43% including 33% on shots).
Let's see if he manages to hold on while his main competition is now De'Andre Hunter. The Hawks winger posted an impressive surge in December, averaging nearly 23 points. But he too is experiencing a drop in productivity with only 14 points at 35% success in January. The balance sheet, still balanced by his team, seems to be in his favor and vice versa.
While Malik Monk is no longer in the race since he was installed in the Kings' five, Malik Beasley is emerging as a serious candidate, due to his impact in scoring and in the Pistons locker room. Behind them, Naz Reid, Santi Aldama, Tari Eason, Ty Jerome and Bobby Portis deserve a mention.
Coach of the year: the obvious Kenny Atkinson
Despite an ongoing momentum of four losses in seven outings, the Cavaliers still occupy the No. 1 spot in the league, tied with the Thunder. Kenny Atkinson thus remains favorite for the coach of the year trophy while for the record, his counterpart Mark Daigneault is a less natural candidate insofar as a coach has never been rewarded two years in a row in history.
In just a few months, Atkinson transformed the Cavs into serious contenders in the East. His work is praised as well as that of two other coaches from the East, for other reasons. Jamahl Mosley first, for keeping the Magic with a positive record despite a cascade of injuries. Even if his team is currently tumbling with five losses in a row.
JB Bickerstaff, then, for having brought the Pistons to a surprise 6th place in the East, synonymous with direct qualification for the playoffs. Potentially a first since 2019. In the West, it's difficult not to mention Ime Udoka at the head of undoubtedly the revelation team of the conference, the Rockets. Mention also goes to Tyronn Lue for his work with the Clippers.
Most Improved Player: the great indecision
Franz Wagner was well on his way to achieving a nice double with this trophy, in addition to a first All-Star selection. But his injury, which sidelined him for a good month and a half, broke his momentum. Another man could take advantage of this to offer himself this double reward: Cade Cunningham.
The leader of the Pistons, expected for his first all-star game, is now favorite figure for the title of best progression due to his progress in all sectors (except interception and lost balls, etc.) and his impact on his team's victories.
Norman Powell is experiencing a much more significant statistical explosion (+10 points on average) due to his change in status with the Clippers: he is now the team's first option. Tyler Herro is also posting his career-best averages, taking advantage of the chaos around Jimmy Butler and a retreating Bam Adebayo.
The names of Evan Mobley, Ivica Zubac, Jalen Johnson, Christian Braun and even Gradey Dick are also mentioned in this race which promises to be undecided until the end.
