Doncic headlines Rookie of the Year noms, 2 Clippers up for 6th Man
NBA award season has arrived.
In addition to the trio of MVP finalists, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks were named finalists on Friday for this season's NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Take a look at your 2018-19 #KiaROY finalists…
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 17, 2019
⭐️ Luka Doncic
⭐️ Trae Young
⭐️ Deandre Ayton#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/CrbpkjWbir
Two members of the Los Angeles Clippers were nominated for the Sixth Man of the Year award: Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams. They are joined by Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis.
The trio of 2018-19 Defensive Player of the Year finalists consists of last year's winner, Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Antetokoumpo and George both nominated for the MVP and the defensive honor, both have the chance to become the first NBA player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993-94 to take home both awards in the same season.
Most Improved Player finalists are De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, D'Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets, and Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors.
Your 2018-19 #KiaMIP finalists are…
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 17, 2019
⭐️ D’Angelo Russell
⭐️ Pascal Siakam
⭐️ De’Aaron Fox#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/SO23Yl7Ksh
The Coach of the Year finalists are Mike Budenholzer of the Bucks, Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets, and Doc Rivers of the Clippers. Budenholzer previously won the award in 2014-15 with the Hawks, while Rivers took home the honor back in 2000 with the Orlando Magic.
Winners will be unveiled at the NBA awards show, which takes place June 24 in Los Angeles.