By With the NBA season a quarter of the way completed I figured why not do a first quarter award special. So I am handing out my first quarter awards for MVP, Rookie, Defensive, and Most Improved players along with some other awards for this quarter of the NBA season.
MVP of the Quarter: LeBron James Like fine wine he keeps getting better with age, LeBron James so far this season has been incredible. Leading the defending champion to an impressive start of 14-5 averaging 26, 8 and 7 which seems to be just the norm for James at this stage of his career, which if he continues at this rate will lead to another finals appearance, possibly another title and finals MVP and regular season MVP.
Also considered for this award: Nikola Jokic & Joel Embiid.
Rookie of the Quarter: LaMelo Ball The hype has been with the excitement as LaMelo Ball and his play elevated Charlotte Hornets to a NBA League pass must watch team with his playmaking. Ball’s 11 points, 6 rebounds and assists has put amongst the top of the rookie ranks and hopefully stay there throughout the season.
Also considered for this award: James Wiseman, Tyrese Haliburton & Devin Vassell.
6th Man of the Quarter: Cam Johnson The Phoenix Suns are one of the more up trending teams and the play of Cameron Johnson is because why, Johnson play coming of the bench has been essential to the Suns putting up 12 points a game.
Also considered for this award: Jordan Clarkson, Montrez Harrell & Monte Morris.
Most Improved Player of the Quarter: Jerami Grant Without question Jermai Grant has been the most improved player so far this season. Averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists Grant’s efforts have put the Pistons on a brief notice to the start season.
Also considered for this award: Chris Boucher, Christian Wood and Jaylen Brown.
Defensive Player of the Quarter: Myles Turner I guess being trade rumors can motivate a guy because Indiana Pacer center Myles Turner has been on a mission to prove his worth. Averaging 4 blocks a game Turner has been a menace on the defensive side of the floor for the Pacers determined to win DPOY honors this season.
Also considered for this award: Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid
Team of the Quarter: LA Lakers Not a complete surprise but the defending world champions have been on a mission since opening night to repeat as champions, with a 14-5 record the Lakers have been business but fun to watch with LeBron and AD’s dominance night to night.
Also considered for this award: Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics
Biggest Disappointment: Toronto Raptors This one hurts a little extra but the Toronto Raptors have been a massive disappointment this season, from Pascal Siakam’s poor play to the overall team’s lack of urgency with a 7-11 record doesn’t make this season look hopeful for Raptor nation.
Also considered for this award: Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks
Most Pleasant Surprise: Utah Jazz The Jazz have been the most surprising team so far with a 14-4 record winning their last 10 games led by their star duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, there’s something brewing in Utah that could lead to deep playoff run this season!
Also considered for this award: Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs
That does it for the quarterly awards, the next set of awards will be at the halfway mark of the season hopefully around the all-star break and thank you very much for reading.