NBA announced seven league’s individual awards

The NBA has announced the three finalists for the Most Valuable Player title: two-time defending champion Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The list of finalists for all seven of the league’s major individual awards was announced on TNT.

Jokic could become the fourth player in NBA history to win the MVP title for three consecutive years. Embiid has won the scoring title for two consecutive years, the first center to do so since Bob McAdoo in the ’70s. Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best NBA record and is looking to win his third MVP title.

For the league’s top defensive honor, the finalists are Jaren Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez, and Evan Mobley. Jackson Jr. has been the league leader in blocks per game for two consecutive seasons, Lopez helped the Milwaukee Bucks to the best NBA record and the fourth-best defense in the league, while Mobley helped his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to have the best defense overall.

For the Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic is the favorite, with Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.

For the Sixth Man of the Year, the top candidates are Malcolm Brogdon of the Boston Celtics, Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks, and Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mike Brown, coach of the Sacramento Kings, Mark Daignault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics are the three finalists for the Coach of the Year award.

De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, and DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls are the finalists for the Clutch Player of the Year award.

Finally, the three finalists for the Most Improved Player award are Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks. The winners will be announced in the coming weeks.