Now that the NBA is back in action as of last night, let’s reflect on the successes and hard work of the league’s best talents. If some of these players were not to continue with the season they are having, at least this way they get some recognition. If these players keep up their stellar play, then this would be a mirror image of my end of season predictions.

Most Improved Player: Julius Randle

If somebody had told me last year this time that I would be a fan of Julius Randle, I’d say that you’re crazy. In an offense last year that lacked ball movement, Randle was the man taking the majority of the shots. When you lose a lot of games too, those shots take on the perception of “empty stats”. For Randle, the talent and ability existed, but had no place to flourish. Now that he is the true #1 in New York, he is playing the best basketball of his career to date.

Last season, Randle averaged just 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists with an abysmal 27.7 shooting percentage from 3. Fast forward to this year, Randle is already averaging 23.3 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists. His relentlessness on the glass and ability to share the ball more has led the Knicks to the 5 seed in the East. Some fans still haven’t let their guard down, amazed the Knicks aren’t in the race for a lottery pick. The fact that Julius Randle has led a team with those expectations to playoff contention makes him my vote for MIP.

Rookie of the Year: LaMelo Ball

The contest for ROTY in my opinion is the easiest decision to make. Ball is easily one of the most exciting young players in the league already. Whether that be because media loves him or because he is flat out amazing, he still will probably win this. LaMelo in his rookie season is averaging 15.8 points, 6 rebounds and 6.3 assists a game on 37.8% from 3-point range.

I think the thing to really focus in on is that 3-point percentage. A lot of critics expressed their concerns about Lamelo’s jumper coming into the league. Sure, he did not shoot his best in the one year he played in the NBL. However, LaMelo proved himself as a fearless competitor, not shying away from shots on the logo. The more he shows that this year, the more convincing his case for ROTY becomes.

Sixth-Man of the Year: Jordan Clarkson

Congratulations to the Utah Jazz for being the team to realize the true potential of Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson signed last year with the Jazz for 4 years, $52 million. Not many people were skeptical of the deal, most just thought he needed to prove he was worth it. Needless to say, he is doing just that this year.

Clarkson is averaging career highs in points and rebound at 17.9 and 4 respectively. He truly fills the “offensive spark-plug” role that many teams desperately search for. With this season’s contribution of stellar play, the Jazz are sitting at first in the West with a 2.5 game lead on the next team (Suns). The best thing to have in a sixth man is somebody that can relieve your #1 of taking too many shots. Clarkson is a great counterpart to Donovan Mitchell in that aspect. That is the reason why Sixth-Man of the Year seems very fitting for him.

Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Simmons

For me, the best defensive player in the league should not be the best rim defender. The best defensive player should be able to play 1-5 easily, which Ben Simmons does. A lot of people are so convinced that Rudy Gobert should be DPOY, but what else is there aside from just having a large presence in the lane? Is he racking up steals in the backcourt? Is his post defense really that good? Ben Simmons at 6’10” is able to do all of these things nightly.

When playing dominating players, regardless of position, it’s Simmons on defense. If you need him to jump a passing lane, guard in the post or even come up with a stop late in the game, he’s got it. With 4.1 deflections and 1.7 steals per game, Simmons is definitely intimidating to go up against for prolific scorers. His defensive versatility is what has led the 76ers to 1st in the East 4th in overall defensive rating. That ability to play all five positions is rare, and it’s why he’s a favorite for the prestigious award.

Most Valuable Player: Joel Embiid

Obviously, this topic is going to be the one that has the most debates. With that said, I think this answer is also fairly simple. Joel Embiid is having his best season to date (30.2 pts, 11.2 rbs, 3.3 ast) with no signs of slowing down. He is also averaging career highs in 3pt%, FG% and FT%. If that is not convincing enough, his player efficiency rating (PER) is 2nd in the league.

This is a contest for which player has the most value to his team’s success. For Embiid, I think he really took the criticism from last year personally. All analysts could say about his game was his effort or his endurance. Now, he’s wrecking havoc on both sides of the ball. His ability to do anything on the floor right now is what has the 76ers at 1st in the East. If Embiid is able to maintain this play, he should be on the way to his 1st MVP.

Like I said earlier, this could be the mirror image of the awards at the end of the regular season. I cannot wait to see if my predictions hold up, or go up in flames come late May.