This weekend, we asked your opinion on the various individual trophies for the 2022/23 season.
Two days later, but especially a few hours before the opening of the new campaign, we now invite you to discover the results of your votes and see who are your favorites for the titles of MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year and Progression of the Year.
MVP: Luka Doncic
Preferred to the essentials Joel Embiid (27%) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (15%), Luka Doncic (31%) is, according to you, called to win his first MVP title this year. But, as always, the competition will be tough and it will be above all the collective results of the Mavericks that will determine whether or not the Slovenian will be able to succeed another European, Nikola Jokic.
As long as he maintains standards similar to those he has had for three years (almost 28 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists on average…), while maintaining a place in the Top 4 of the West with Dallas and a record above 50 wins, “Luka Magic” has a good chance of being one of the main contenders for the trophy. Without his potential triumph suffering from the slightest challenge…
Defender of the Year: Rudy Gobert
Stripped of his trophy by Marcus Smart this year, Rudy Gobert (31%) may not be deprived of their property for too long, if your votes are to be believed. Despite his change of team, the Frenchman is thus the favorite to win his fourth title of “Defensive player of the year (DPOY)”, after 2018, 2019 and 2021. In the event of a coronation, it should also be noted that he would equal the record of Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
It remains to be seen whether the influence of “Gobzilla” on the Wolves defense (the 13th most effective in the 2021/22 financial year) will be identical to that which he has had on the Jazz defense in recent seasons. Otherwise, there is no doubt that players like Giannis Antetokounmpo (18%) or Bam Adebayo (16%) will take advantage of it to steal this individual award…
Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero
Without Chet Holmgren, seriously injured and who will therefore not play this season, it is the other star interior of the 2022 Draft, incidentally selected in first position by the Magic, who was acclaimed in your votes: Paolo Banchero (59%). In comparison, the competition that Keegan Murray (11%) or Bennedict Mathurin (8%) could represent is far behind.
It must be said that the former Duke has fallen into an ideal environment, where he can express himself and do his stats without problem. Orlando won’t win a lot of matches, of course, but at least the 19-year-old will have plenty of time to shine individually and add his name to the “Rookie of the Year (ROY)” list…
Progression of the Year: Anthony Edwards
The title of “Most improved player (MIP)” is probably the most difficult to predict and the result of your votes proves it, because this ballot was particularly tight. Since 2013, however, we note that he has landed seven times (out of ten) in the hands of a neo All-Star and we can therefore expect this trend to continue.
In the meantime, it’s Anthony Edwards (16%) who obtains your favors in front of the ghost Zion Williamson (15%) as well as the Tyrese, Haliburton (11%) and Maxey (11%). But, to hope to win the bet and succeed Ja Morant, the Wolves player will have to play his first All-Star Game and reach the 25-point average, despite the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and now Rudy Gobert by his side.
As a reminder, the very ambitious “Ant-Man” was already close to the all-star game last season, averaging nearly 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists (at 44% on shots, 36% at 3-pts and 79% in throws).
Sixth Man of the Year: Jordan Poole
Just extended at a gold price by the Warriors, after winning their first NBA title and exploding statistically, Jordan Poole (44%) has clearly changed in size over the past year and now is expected to emerge as the best substitute in the league. By winning, if possible, this trophy of “Sixth man of the year (6MOY)” for the benefit of Tyler Herro (19%) or Malcolm Brogdon (13%).
Klay Thompson officially restored, the 23-year-old back must patiently bide his time, contenting himself with blowing the illustrious “Splash Brother” off the bench. A sixth man status, very oriented on scoring, which the 28th choice of the 2019 Draft has learned to master, and in which he can shine this season.
