The first quarter of the past season allows us to identify certain trends among the trophies which will be awarded at the end of the year, from the best defender of the year to the best 6th man, thinking about the best progression and the best coach.
The DPOY promised to Victor Wembanyama?
Before the season even started, the league's GMs considered him the best defender in the league. Victor Wembanyamacited far ahead of his compatriot Rudy Gobert and Bam Adebayo, will he see this trend materialize?
Second in the voting last year, the reigning rookie of the year has several arguments to put forward, starting with his blocking average (3.6), exactly the same as last year. Victor Wembanyama puts his stature to the benefit of an improving Texan defense, going from 21st place with 115.6 points conceded over 100 possessions in 2024, to 11th place (111.5 points) of the best defenses this year.
Big favorite of puntersthe Frenchman seems to be one step ahead of his domestic competitors (Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis, etc.). Less expected, the name Dyson Daniels, who is none other than the best interceptor in the league (3 per game), also emerges among the potential candidates. Unlike Lu Dort, the best element of the best collective defense in the league…
Celtics bench star Payton Pritchard
With his eruption at the end of the match on the Bulls floor, the Celtics replacement struck a major blow in the race for the best 6th man. With just over 15 points on average coming off the bench, Payton Pritchard is the top scorer among replacements who have played at least 10 games. A serious candidate, but slowed down by an injury, Malik Monk is not far behind.
But the second name that stands out in this race is that of Buddy Hield, whose long distance address helps to forget the departure of Klay Thompson to the Warriors. The reigning winner Naz Reid presents a statistical production comparable to last year, but the Wolves have had more difficulty collectively so far.
While certain players still alternate between the five and the bench (Santi Aldama, Jonathan Kuminga, John Collins, etc.), we will monitor, for example, the evolution of the status of De'Andre Hunter who, despite his best career season in progress, continues to come off the bench behind Zaccharie Risacher.
Franz Wagner's progress rewarded?
While the race for the best 6th man is still very open, that of the Most Improved Player seems to be leaning so far in favor of Franz Wagner. While we were wondering about the Magic's chances in the East with Paolo Banchero's injury, the German took over by gaining four points in scoring, while allowing Orlando to be a solid 3rd . At this rate, it's hard to see a first All-Star selection slipping away from him.
His rating is very high because the winger plays for one of the best teams in the league. Behind him, there is no shortage of candidates who have experienced spectacular statistical progress. Starting with an unstoppable LaMelo Ball, with more than 31 points on average, but still average skill within a team that is not taking off.
Let us cite Norman Powell, Christian Braun and Gradey Dick who all three exploded their average compared to last year after being introduced into the five of their respective team. We can also mention the case of Jalen Johnson who further gained responsibility in the Hawks' game, or his teammate Dyson Daniels who doubled his performance by moving from NOLA to Atlanta.
On the interior side, Jakob Poeltl and Ivica Zubac, big double-double machines, experience the same statistical trajectory. And why not mention again… Payton Pritchard who, despite his continued status as a substitute, displays a completely different dynamic than last year.
The consecration for Kenny Atkinson?
If the trophy for best coach of the year were to be awarded today, it is difficult to see how it would escape him. Considered with Mike Budenholzer as the coach who would have the most impact, Kenny Atkinson has not disappointed so far. Despite initial turbulence, the Cavs technician made a historic start to his career in Ohio.
Behind him, it's difficult not to mention the work of Joe Mazzulla who keeps the Celtics at the top a few months after the title. No. 1 in the West with the Thunder, Mark Daigneault is a less natural candidate: never has a coach been rewarded two years in a row in history. On the other hand, the coaches of the pursuing teams, Steve Kerr or Ime Udoka, deserve a mention.
