Reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears atop two categories on journalist Dan Devine’s preliminary awards ballot, earning his nods for both MVP and Clutch Player of the Year.
Devine, who holds an official vote, emphasized that finalized ballots are due when the regular season ends on April 12 and could change based on late-season eligibility. One potential variable is Victor Wembanyama; the San Antonio rookie must log at least 20 minutes in one of the Spurs’ remaining two games to qualify. Wembanyama is Devine’s choice for Defensive Player of the Year and ranks second on his MVP list, ahead of Nikola Jokić.
Other selections from Devine include Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for Most Improved Player.
Overlap With Another Unofficial Ballot
Zach Harper of The Athletic shares several preferences with Devine. Both writers list Joe Mazzulla, J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson as their top three choices for Coach of the Year, respectively. Their Sixth Man rankings also align: Keldon Johnson, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr..
All-NBA and All-Defense Picks From The Ringer
Michael Pina of The Ringer released his three All-NBA teams, two All-Defensive teams and two All-Rookie squads. His First-Team All-NBA consists of Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama and Jokić. Pina’s All-Defensive First Team features Wembanyama, Derrick White, Scottie Barnes, Ausar Thompson and Chet Holmgren. His top five rookies are Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper and Derik Queen.
G League Announces Year-End Teams
The NBA G League revealed its five-player All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams:
All-Defensive Team: Jamarion Sharp (Texas Legends), Chris Manon (South Bay Lakers), Alijah Martin (Raptors 905), Andersson Garcia (Mexico City Capitanes) and Jalen Slawson (Noblesville Boom).
All-Rookie Team: Martin, Norchad Omier and Sean Pedulla (San Diego Clippers), Keshon Gilbert (College Park Skyhawks) and RJ Davis (South Bay Lakers).
Martin, Manon, Slawson, Omier and Pedulla hold two-way contracts with their respective NBA franchises.
Source: Hoops Rumors
