NBA awards watch: Early leaders in race for MVP, ROY, more

Welcome to our monthly look at the top contenders for the NBA's various individual awards.

Rookie of the Year

3. Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies): Zach Edey was expected to be the best rookie in Memphis, but second-round pick Wells has taken that spot. Wells sits fourth in the NBA in rookie scoring per game (11.5) and third in made 3-pointers (46). The Washington State product is shooting 45.2% from the field while holding the second-best plus-minus among rookies (plus-58).

2. Stephon Castle (Spurs): Castle has showcased himself as a talented NBA guard since entering the starting lineup. He's averaging 14.6 points and 4.5 assists through 17 starts, compared to 6.0 points and 2.3 assists as a reserve. He holds season averages of 12.1 points and 3.8 assists on 38.6% shooting. Castle also leads rookies in loose balls recovered (0.6) and clutch-time points per game (2.5).

1. Jared McCain (76ers): The lone bright spot for an awful 76ers team besieged by key absences and locker-room turmoil, McCain has cooled down since a red-hot November stretch in which he averaged 26.1 points across a seven-game span. He leads all rookies in scoring (15.8), though his minutes are likely to be reduced following Paul George's return.

Defensive Player of the Year

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies): Jackson anchors the Grizzlies' seventh-ranked defensive unit, posting 3.3 stocks (steals and blocks) per contest. He's one of five players in the Association averaging at least one steal and 1.5 blocks. Memphis surrenders nearly six fewer points per 100 possessions when Jackson's on the floor. He's provided ample resistance at the rim, limiting opponents to just 50% shooting on attempts within six feet.

2. Dyson Daniels (Hawks): The Australian's knack for steals has earned him "The Great Barrier Thief" nickname. Daniels leads the NBA in steals (3.2) and has 59 more deflections than the closest player. The Hawks guard is within striking distance of the single-season mark set by Alvin Robertson in 1985-86. Daniels already joined Robertson in the record books earlier this season as the only players in league history to register at least six steals in four consecutive contests.

1. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): Wembanyama is on pace to lead the Association in blocks (3.4) for the second straight campaign and has tallied at least three swats in 15 of 19 appearances. Opponents are shooting only 46.8% against Wembanyama on attempts within 6 feet of the basket, which is third among players who've defended at least 100 field goals. The Spurs star also ranks seventh in contested twos (7.5) and 14th in deflections (3.2).

Most Improved Player

3. Jalen Johnson (Hawks): Johnson has always been a defensive menace, holding an impressive 110.7 career defensive rating while averaging career highs in steals (1.3) and blocks (1.1) this season. However, it's his stellar offense that's drawing attention this campaign. He's improved his points per game by 3.8 from last year (19.8) while shooting a career-best 36% from three and adding new highs in rebounds (9.9) and assists (5.5).

2. Jalen Williams (Thunder): J-Dub has been playing the four with Chet Holmgren injured and has been electric, averaging more than 20 points a game (22) for the first time in his career while improving his rebounding average by 2.1 (6.1) from last season. His stout 103.6 defensive rating while playing out of position has helped OKC to the third-best net rating in NBA history (11.9) behind only the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls.

1. Franz Wagner (Magic): Despite currently being sidelined with a torn right oblique, Wagner is still our MIP favorite due to the way he stepped into stardom after Paolo Banchero's injury. The German put up 26.1 points per game in 20 contests without Banchero, leading Orlando to third place in the East. The 23-year-old is averaging career highs in most major statistical categories.

Sixth Man of the Year

3. De'Andre Hunter (Hawks): The Hawks wing overtook Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield for the bronze position due to the latter's recent struggles from the field. After coming back from a 10-game absence, Hunter has recorded at least 20 points in seven of his 11 contests while backing up top pick Zaccharie Risacher. Atlanta now has flexibility with Hunter while its prized prospect develops.

2. Amen Thompson (Rockets): While teammate Tari Eason has also been an impressive reserve for the Rockets, Thompson's defensive responsibility has increased as the season has progressed. The second-year wing is quietly becoming the team's best defender as a reserve; he has the lowest opponent field-goal percentage in Houston's main rotation (42%). Averaging two stocks adds to an intriguing case built upon defensive success rather than offensive prowess.

1. Payton Pritchard (Celtics): The award for the league's top reserve tends to go to players who score in bunches off the bench, and Pritchard has been on fire. Averaging a career-high 16.1 points, the Celtics guard has become known for his offensive runs - including scoring 19 straight points in a contest against the Bulls. The 26-year-old is on track to run away with the hardware.

Coach of the Year

3. J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons): After finishing dead last in the NBA each of the previous two seasons, the Pistons are only four victories away from matching their 14-win total from the 2023-24 campaign. Bickerstaff has brought Detroit's offense into the 21st century: The Pistons are taking 15% more 3-pointers this season than they were under former coach Monty Williams, whose squad ranked 27th in threes per game.

2. Jamahl Mosley (Magic): Mosley has led the Magic to a 17-9 record despite missing Banchero, who's been out since the beginning of November. Orlando can thank its third-ranked defense, which forces opponents to turn the ball over on 15.4% of their possessions, for propelling the team up the standings. Mosley could rise to No. 1 if Orlando maintains this form despite recently losing Wagner for at least a month with Banchero still out.

1. Ime Udoka (Rockets): Udoka has imprinted his personality on this 16-8 Rockets squad. Houston doesn't have a 20-point scorer, instead spreading the love with seven rotation players averaging more than 10 points per game. Despite Alperen Sengun being a below-average rim-protector, Houston is forcing opponents to shoot 60% at the rim, the third-lowest mark in the Association.

Most Valuable Player

Check out our most recent MVP Rankings for a detailed look at the top 10 candidates for the award.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): Antetokounmpo replaces Anthony Davis at No. 3 as the Lakers have dropped seven of their last 10, with Davis having back-to-back season-low performances during the losing skid. The Bucks, meanwhile, have turned things around thanks to the Greek Freak's outstanding play. The NBA's leading scorer (32.5) is also averaging 11.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): It's hard to argue against the No. 1 option from the top team in the West who also happens to be the NBA's fourth-leading scorer. But it's not just the points; SGA is stuffing the stat sheet, adding 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and one block to his box score.

1. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): The Nuggets would be a bottom-10 squad if they didn't have the reigning MVP. Jokic leads the league in rebounds (13.6), is second in assists (10.2), and sits second in scoring (32.3). If he maintained these averages, Jokic would join Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a triple-double over an entire season.