We're a fourth of the way through the season and there's no better way to celebrate than by giving out first quarter awards. Below, I've selected players for each individual award for their play so far this season.
Most Improved Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo
In just his fourth season in the NBA, "The Greek Freek" is playing like an All-Star. Jason Kidd's decision to make him a point guard is no longer being questioned as he's averaging career highs across the boards with 22.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals per game.
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams
The 2015 Sixth Man of the Year has been on a tear this season and stepped up for a Los Angeles Lakers backcourt that's been plagued by the injury bug. Lou Williams leads them in the scoring at 19.3 points per game in just 25.2 minutes,
Coach of the Year: Mike D'Antoni
The Rockets have turned into one of the most entertaining teams in the league. With James Harden playing point guard they are running D'Antoni's 7 seconds or less offense to perfection. Right now they 19-7 and tied for third in the Western Conference.
Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green
Green was the runner-up for this award last season and said he wants to win it this season. He's the key cog to the Warriors defense with his ability to switch onto anyone and protect the rim.
Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid
Joel "The Process" Embiid is the easy pick for Rookie of Year because of the others rookie struggling in the early part of the season. Despite his minute's restriction, he's dominated. Embiid leads all rookies in points (18.2), rebounds (7.6) and blocks(2.5) per game.
Most Valuable Player: Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has been by far the best player in the NBA this season averaging 31.1 points, 10.6 assists, and 10.5 rebounds per game. He's already tired of the media talking about him averaging a triple double but he's going to have to get used to it. What he's doing is unheard of and it hasn't been done since 1961-1962 season. If you take him off the Oklahoma City roster they'd been one of the worst teams in the league. Everyone knows about him averaging a triple double