It’s by no means too early to speak awards, and the Nets — though they’re off to a gradual begin to the season — have a variety of gamers who would possibly qualify for some recognition towards the top of the season.
This, in fact, assumes the Nets are enjoying at a excessive stage as a result of staff success is usually factored into particular person honors.
Here are a couple of awards to trace because the season progresses.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is the one participant within the NBA who has scored at the very least 25 factors each recreation this season. If the Nets are going wherever this season, that streak goes to be alive and properly.
The Nets go as Durant goes, and the star ahead is on tempo to crack the Top 10 of the NBA’s all-time main scorers record this season. If he does, and the Nets are wherever within the Top 4 of Eastern Conference groups, Durant shall be a shoo-in candidate for MVP honors.
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR: Seth Curry
On a roster strapped for scoring, Seth Curry supplies it in bunches.
Curry already has two video games off the bench scoring 22 and 23 factors. He can get sizzling, quick, and if Kyrie Irving can’t be accessible each recreation, it’s Curry who has proven he can fill in — in spurts — when wanted.
It’s Curry’s gimpy ankle that may decide his candidacy. If he can proceed to be one of many league’s premier marksmen whereas additionally providing ball dealing with and offense-initiating help, Curry’s title may come up in off-the-bench honors.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jacque Vaughn
No coach who has ever been employed or promoted midseason has ever gone on to win Coach of the Year. Jacque Vaughn, nevertheless, finds himself in a novel place.
With two of the NBA’s finest particular person scorers at his disposal, plus an honest supporting solid that ought to settle in as soon as everyone seems to be wholesome on the courtroom, Vaughn may very well be on the helm of a harmful Nets staff in the event that they lastly get their act collectively.
There is already proof this staff performs more durable underneath him than they did for Steve Nash. Now it’s about getting wholesome and stringing collectively some high quality wins that may put Vaughn on the map alongside his contemporaries.
SECOND TEAM ALL DEFENSE: Ben Simmons
It’s in all probability a good assertion Ben Simmons received’t common 15 factors per recreation this season. But can he maintain the opponent’s finest participant to round 15? That’s a bit nearer to the realm of chance.
Simmons is getting his pace and explosiveness again on a game-to-game foundation, and he made it a precedence to assault the rim in transition towards the Kings on Tuesday.
When wholesome and complete, the Nets may have a whole lot of scoring. What they want is a secure perimeter defender. Simmons has been that almost all of his profession.
It’s why he’s made First Team All-Defense twice in his profession, and if he’s wholesome he could make it a 3rd this season.
THREE-POINT CHAMPION: Royce O’Neale
After two ankle surgical procedures a few months aside, Joe Harris merely hasn’t discovered his soar shot but. Meanwhile, Royce O’Neale has hit his stride as a 3-and-D wing, and for probably the most half, he’s been dependable.
He additionally will get his shot off shortly, which is a prerequisite for achievement within the timed Three-Point Contest. O’Neale ought to throw his hat within the ring. Who is aware of? He simply would possibly deliver residence the trophy.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com