Words by Jiggy Jones
The #NBAisback.
With one night of NBA basketball in the books, fans captured a slight preview of what the 2017-2018 season has in store.
First and foremost, thoughts and prayers go out to Celtics guard, Gordon Hayward and his family. With only five minutes into last night’s season opener against Cleveland, Hayward suffered two gruesome injuries: fracturing his left ankle and breaking his tibia. Many players turned their heads, upon seeing the injury unfold. 3-time NBA champion, LeBron James, said the horrific scene reminded him of Paul George’s leg injury in 2014 and former Louisville guard, Kevin Ware’s leg injury, during the NCAA tournament the year before. We wish the Celtics guard a speedy recovery.
These reactions to Gordon Hayward's injury tell you everything you need to know. pic.twitter.com/fdsFo3LOdx
— SQUAD XTRA (@squadxtra) October 18, 2017
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) October 18, 2017
The NBA regular season is 6 months of exciting basketball from 32 teams. At the end of 82 games, the best players are awarded with the most coveted individual awards.
Many rookies arrive to the NBA looking to prove that they belong in this league. Nothing is given and everything is earned. The hunger to show that they are here to stay will land these young rookies in the top 3 for the award. Big Baller Brand’s very own, Lonzo Ball will be holding this trophy at the end of the season.
Rookie of the Year 2017-18
- Lonzo Ball, G- Los Angeles Lakers
- Dennis Smith Jr, G- Dallas Mavericks
- Ben Simmons, G/F, Philadelphia 76ers
The sixth man ushers the team to great heights, while most of the starters get their rest. Many of them are starter-like players, but their contribution serves the team better by coming off the bench. Although he is a new face in a new place, Derrick Rose proves his legitimacy throughout the season and walks away, healthy, holding the sixth man of the year award in April.
Sixth Man of the Year 2017-18
- Derrick Rose, G- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Eric Gordan, G- Houston Rockets
- Lou Williams, G- Houston Rockets
NBA players work tirelessly on improving their game, bodies and overall attributes to be the most successful players on the court. This work is not seen. This work comes when the lights and cameras are off, but you’re still in action. The most improved player award will go to a healthy, Joel Embiid.
Most Improved Player 2017-18
- Joel Embiid, C- Philadelphia 76ers
- Kristaps Porzingis, F/C- New York Knicks
- Dennis Schroder, G- Atlanta Hawks
It is basketball common knowledge that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. Stopping your opponent score is what separates the good, from the great. In a competitive league, where everyone is at their best, one teams needs at least one lockdown defender for the opposing team’s best player. This year’s best defender will go to the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokoummpo.
Defense Player of the Year 2017-18
- Giannis Antetokoummpo, F/G- Milwaukee Bucks
- Draymond Green, F- Golden State Warriors
- Hassaan Whiteside, C- Miami Heat
The Most Valuable Player award is the cream of the crop. It identifies and solidifies the best player of the season. The level of consistency and effort this player has shown over a span of 82 plus games puts his team in an incredible chance to be contenders for a championship. This future hall of famer is no stranger to MVPs. He has coveted four in his career already. The 2017-18 season MVP will be the king himself, Lebron James.
Most Valuable Player- 2017-18
- Lebron James, F- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Stephen Curry, G- Golden State Warriors
- Kevin Durant, F- Golden State Warriors
With a number of storylines wavering over the NBA this season, players will redefine them in their own right. The NBA will continue tonight with 22 teams in action, making their seasonal debuts. Six back and enjoy.
