Post by beatonz on Mar 8, 2023 14:50:55 GMT -6
A new season and a new opportunity for every player to showcase their abilities. We are now 15 days into the 2003 season with some early stand outs to earn some shiny hardware for their individual performances.
Most Valuable Player
Previous Winners:
Larry Kenon (28ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.7spg) - 2001
Julius Erving (27ppg, 8.7rpg,4.8apg) - 2000
1. Brian Winters (29ppg, 10apg, 4.3rpg, 1.9topg) - Brooklyn Nets
Winters has exploded this season coming out hot right out of the gate putting up lights out scoring numbers improving from a respectable 21ppg last season to a 29ppg output this season. Winters currently sits #3 in league scoring and #1 in league assists while propelling the Nets to a 9-5 start.
Outside of Winters, the Nets have some solid scoring options in Bill Robinzine, Truck Robinson and Paul Millsap but none of them are ready to lead a team like Winters has done thus far. If the Nets can maintain their solid record and push for a top seed in the East, I expect Winters to be a heavy favourite for MVP throughout this season.
2. Damon Stoudamire (29ppg, 8.8apg, 4.3rpg, 3.8topg) - New York Knicks
We all know how ITP love their PGs, which is why we have two sitting on top of the list despite the previous two MVP winners not manning the PG position. Damon is putting up nearly as good numbers as Winters who is the early season MVP favourite but is just a step behind. Damon is playing second option behind the Primo Pasta man himself Andrea Bargnani which may be hurting his chances at pulling in that first MVP season. Regardless, it is clear Damon can shoot and will be shooting in this league for a long time. If Damon can continue the growth trajectory he has been on early in his career I could see him being a top three MVP candidate for years to come. It will be interesting to see how the Knicks handle their PG position in the upcoming years with young star Lamelo Ball turning into what looks like the future of this team. With Damons shotty handles (3.8topg) could we see him slide down to the SG position? Only FDA knows.
3. Moses Malone (30ppg, 12rpg, 2apg, 2bpg) - Indiana Pacers
A lot of very good bigs in the league right now which may have overshadowed how dominant Moses has been over the first three seasons of ITP. He is a double double machine while putting up well over 20ppg each season. Although the Pacers are off to a disappointing starts, his numbers don't lie. Malone is currently leading the league in scoring and is top 10 in rebounds per game while putting up respectable defensive numbers including 2 blocks per game. A well rounded players looking to put a little respect on his name after getting snubbed from an all league team last season. Without Malone, I could see the Pacers being worse than the 1-10 Lakers. Malone is out there all alone most nights putting up over 33% of the teams scoring.
Pacers need to get this man some scoring help.
Notable Snubs: Swen Nater, Michael Carter-Williams, Mickey Johnson
Defensive Player of the Year
Previous Winners:
George Johnson (15ppg, 11.7rpg, 0.9spg, 3.7bpg) - Indiana Pacers - 2001
George Johnson (15ppg, 11.6rpg, 0.8spg, 4.1bpg) - Indiana Pacers - 2000
1. George Johnson (13.2ppg, 10.7rpg, 0.6spg, 2.9bpg) - Indiana Pacers
Hard to not have the back to back defensive player of the year at the top of this list. Although his numbers have been on the decline, its hard to maintain the numbers he has previously put up (3.7 and 4.1 bpg). I don't see Johnson staying below the 3.0 bpg this season and think he will pick it up bringing him closer to the 4.0bpg we are used to seeing from him.
If George is able to return to him former self, which I fully expect he will look for a third DPOTY but with emerging young players in the league this might be easier said than done.
2. Greg Ostertag (19ppg, 12rpg, 1.5spg, 3.8bpg) - 76ers
Leading the league in blocks early in the season has Ostertag near the top of this list for good reason. Emerging as one of the most dominating bigs in the paint this season has been a while coming but I think everyone saw it coming. Steadily increasing his production each season in all facets of the game has made Greg the 76ers most valuable player this year.
Greg is a beast of a man, standing at seven foot two and 280 pounds has stopped even some of the most dominating bigs in the league in their tracks. He is a huge reason why the 76ers are the most dominant defensive teams in the league only allowing 92ppg.
3. Swen Nater (28ppg, 12.4rpg, 2spg, 2.3bpg) - San Antonio Spurs
Maybe the most well rounded player in all of ITP, he scores, rebounds, steals and blocks all at an elite level. Despite the impressive defensive stats he hasn't made a defensive team in his first two seasons in the league but they have gotten even better than previous years which is why I have him slotted at #3 here. The question is whether he can maintain his godly numbers on the defensive end. 2 steals per game from a big man playing the center position is very rare and I have my doubts whether the number can be maintained. If Nater can maintain these numbers, defensive player of the year may not be the only trophy he looks at bringing home this season, keep an eye out for him on the MVP list.
Notable Snubs: Slick Watts, LaMarcus Aldridge, Theo Ratliff
Rookie of the Year
Previous Winners:
Killian Hayes (19ppg, 6apg, 1.1spg) -Toronto Raptors - 2001
Brandon Roy (23ppg, 6rpg, 4.5apg) - Toronto Raptors - 2000
1. Zach LaVine (20ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.5apg) - LA Lakers
Selected at #7 in this year draft, the league knew what Lavine was capable of and he is showing it early in the season. A pure scorer capable of scoring inside and outside. Averaging 20 ppg at the age of 19 makes him one of the brightest young players in league and will likely keep him on top of this list until seasons end. Turnovers are a concern at just over three per game (considering he is playing the SG position), but with his high usage this really isn't a surprise.
The Lakers will rely heavily on the development of Lavine over the next couple of seasons to support their youth movement and eventual rise to a playoff team. Early signs indicate Zach is surpassing expectations and have a true scorer to propel this rebuild.
2. Joel Embiid (16ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.8bpg) - Toronto Raptors
This may be the first season a Toronto Raptor does not take home the rookie of the year trophy. Embiid is playing behind the past two rookie of the years in Roy and Hayes limiting his offensive output but still managing a very respectable 16ppg and 10rpg. In most other draft years, his output would support a rookie of the year but this years draft was stacked. Embiid suffers from poor handles turning the ball over at an outstanding 2.7 topg. He needs to reel this in to be a more valuable player in the future but as of now, he is what he is. An efficient scorer from inside and out with solid rebounding and decent defensive awareness. I don't expect Embiid to maintain this spot as the Raptors are relying on other members of the team for production. As the season moves on, other rookies are likely to surpass Embiids output.
3. Julius Randle (17ppg, 9.1rpg, 0.2bpg) - Sacramento Kings
Julius Randle has the making of a dominant player in this league. Great scoring ability inside and out and the rebounding capability to crash with the best inside the paint. He has displayed his offensive capabilities early in this season which is exactly what Kings fan need to see as the rest of this young team has struggled on that side of the ball. Randle and Edwards have the potential to be the best one two punch in the league and winning the rookie of the year would support this moving forward. Growth on the defensive end of the ball will be required looking ahead but at this time who cares. Let the kid ball and see what he can do. If the Kings decide to put more trust in Randle this season he could easily jump up to the favourite for rookie of the year.
Notable Snubs: Elfrid Payton, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jokic
What are your thoughts? Did I overlook any players? Disagree with anything? Let me know.
Most Valuable Player
Previous Winners:
Larry Kenon (28ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.7spg) - 2001
Julius Erving (27ppg, 8.7rpg,4.8apg) - 2000
1. Brian Winters (29ppg, 10apg, 4.3rpg, 1.9topg) - Brooklyn Nets
Winters has exploded this season coming out hot right out of the gate putting up lights out scoring numbers improving from a respectable 21ppg last season to a 29ppg output this season. Winters currently sits #3 in league scoring and #1 in league assists while propelling the Nets to a 9-5 start.
Outside of Winters, the Nets have some solid scoring options in Bill Robinzine, Truck Robinson and Paul Millsap but none of them are ready to lead a team like Winters has done thus far. If the Nets can maintain their solid record and push for a top seed in the East, I expect Winters to be a heavy favourite for MVP throughout this season.
2. Damon Stoudamire (29ppg, 8.8apg, 4.3rpg, 3.8topg) - New York Knicks
We all know how ITP love their PGs, which is why we have two sitting on top of the list despite the previous two MVP winners not manning the PG position. Damon is putting up nearly as good numbers as Winters who is the early season MVP favourite but is just a step behind. Damon is playing second option behind the Primo Pasta man himself Andrea Bargnani which may be hurting his chances at pulling in that first MVP season. Regardless, it is clear Damon can shoot and will be shooting in this league for a long time. If Damon can continue the growth trajectory he has been on early in his career I could see him being a top three MVP candidate for years to come. It will be interesting to see how the Knicks handle their PG position in the upcoming years with young star Lamelo Ball turning into what looks like the future of this team. With Damons shotty handles (3.8topg) could we see him slide down to the SG position? Only FDA knows.
3. Moses Malone (30ppg, 12rpg, 2apg, 2bpg) - Indiana Pacers
A lot of very good bigs in the league right now which may have overshadowed how dominant Moses has been over the first three seasons of ITP. He is a double double machine while putting up well over 20ppg each season. Although the Pacers are off to a disappointing starts, his numbers don't lie. Malone is currently leading the league in scoring and is top 10 in rebounds per game while putting up respectable defensive numbers including 2 blocks per game. A well rounded players looking to put a little respect on his name after getting snubbed from an all league team last season. Without Malone, I could see the Pacers being worse than the 1-10 Lakers. Malone is out there all alone most nights putting up over 33% of the teams scoring.
Pacers need to get this man some scoring help.
Notable Snubs: Swen Nater, Michael Carter-Williams, Mickey Johnson
Defensive Player of the Year
Previous Winners:
George Johnson (15ppg, 11.7rpg, 0.9spg, 3.7bpg) - Indiana Pacers - 2001
George Johnson (15ppg, 11.6rpg, 0.8spg, 4.1bpg) - Indiana Pacers - 2000
1. George Johnson (13.2ppg, 10.7rpg, 0.6spg, 2.9bpg) - Indiana Pacers
Hard to not have the back to back defensive player of the year at the top of this list. Although his numbers have been on the decline, its hard to maintain the numbers he has previously put up (3.7 and 4.1 bpg). I don't see Johnson staying below the 3.0 bpg this season and think he will pick it up bringing him closer to the 4.0bpg we are used to seeing from him.
If George is able to return to him former self, which I fully expect he will look for a third DPOTY but with emerging young players in the league this might be easier said than done.
2. Greg Ostertag (19ppg, 12rpg, 1.5spg, 3.8bpg) - 76ers
Leading the league in blocks early in the season has Ostertag near the top of this list for good reason. Emerging as one of the most dominating bigs in the paint this season has been a while coming but I think everyone saw it coming. Steadily increasing his production each season in all facets of the game has made Greg the 76ers most valuable player this year.
Greg is a beast of a man, standing at seven foot two and 280 pounds has stopped even some of the most dominating bigs in the league in their tracks. He is a huge reason why the 76ers are the most dominant defensive teams in the league only allowing 92ppg.
3. Swen Nater (28ppg, 12.4rpg, 2spg, 2.3bpg) - San Antonio Spurs
Maybe the most well rounded player in all of ITP, he scores, rebounds, steals and blocks all at an elite level. Despite the impressive defensive stats he hasn't made a defensive team in his first two seasons in the league but they have gotten even better than previous years which is why I have him slotted at #3 here. The question is whether he can maintain his godly numbers on the defensive end. 2 steals per game from a big man playing the center position is very rare and I have my doubts whether the number can be maintained. If Nater can maintain these numbers, defensive player of the year may not be the only trophy he looks at bringing home this season, keep an eye out for him on the MVP list.
Notable Snubs: Slick Watts, LaMarcus Aldridge, Theo Ratliff
Rookie of the Year
Previous Winners:
Killian Hayes (19ppg, 6apg, 1.1spg) -Toronto Raptors - 2001
Brandon Roy (23ppg, 6rpg, 4.5apg) - Toronto Raptors - 2000
1. Zach LaVine (20ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.5apg) - LA Lakers
Selected at #7 in this year draft, the league knew what Lavine was capable of and he is showing it early in the season. A pure scorer capable of scoring inside and outside. Averaging 20 ppg at the age of 19 makes him one of the brightest young players in league and will likely keep him on top of this list until seasons end. Turnovers are a concern at just over three per game (considering he is playing the SG position), but with his high usage this really isn't a surprise.
The Lakers will rely heavily on the development of Lavine over the next couple of seasons to support their youth movement and eventual rise to a playoff team. Early signs indicate Zach is surpassing expectations and have a true scorer to propel this rebuild.
2. Joel Embiid (16ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.8bpg) - Toronto Raptors
This may be the first season a Toronto Raptor does not take home the rookie of the year trophy. Embiid is playing behind the past two rookie of the years in Roy and Hayes limiting his offensive output but still managing a very respectable 16ppg and 10rpg. In most other draft years, his output would support a rookie of the year but this years draft was stacked. Embiid suffers from poor handles turning the ball over at an outstanding 2.7 topg. He needs to reel this in to be a more valuable player in the future but as of now, he is what he is. An efficient scorer from inside and out with solid rebounding and decent defensive awareness. I don't expect Embiid to maintain this spot as the Raptors are relying on other members of the team for production. As the season moves on, other rookies are likely to surpass Embiids output.
3. Julius Randle (17ppg, 9.1rpg, 0.2bpg) - Sacramento Kings
Julius Randle has the making of a dominant player in this league. Great scoring ability inside and out and the rebounding capability to crash with the best inside the paint. He has displayed his offensive capabilities early in this season which is exactly what Kings fan need to see as the rest of this young team has struggled on that side of the ball. Randle and Edwards have the potential to be the best one two punch in the league and winning the rookie of the year would support this moving forward. Growth on the defensive end of the ball will be required looking ahead but at this time who cares. Let the kid ball and see what he can do. If the Kings decide to put more trust in Randle this season he could easily jump up to the favourite for rookie of the year.
Notable Snubs: Elfrid Payton, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jokic
What are your thoughts? Did I overlook any players? Disagree with anything? Let me know.