We’ve finally reached that point in the NBA season where we can now see which teams and players are at the top of their game — some more than others. It’s time for the mid-season report.
After talking with a few peers, it’s fair to say that as of right now the MVP of the League would have to be Kevin “Slim Reaper” Durant. Durant currently has more than 30 games with 30 or more points, and by doing so, he is leading the league in scoring (31.2 points per game). Surely some would try to discredit and argue these facts, but the man is making sure his team wins games without their second option in Russell Westbrook, who has been injured for most of the season. With the team currently 1st in the West, I don’t see why anyone would disagree that Durant is the MVP this season.
The competition for Rookie of the Year is not as exciting as it once was. There is only one clear winner this year, the #11 draft pick, Michael Carter-Williams. After his first game as a 76’er, whispers started around the league. He gathered 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and nine steals, all against the Heat. Since then he has proven time and time again that he is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Hopefully Philadelphia can get the right pieces around Williams before he finds a ticket to New York or Miami.
Another bout for a yearly accolade that isn’t thought about too heavily is the Defensive Player of the Year. I believe there are a few big men that may take that home, but unanimously, DeAndre Jordan is the favorite. He is leading the league in rebounds and is second in blocks. The man has had an improved season that is surprising many. It looks like Doc Rivers really does know what he’s doing with Jordan.
Also, some teams have surprised viewers while others have disappointed, such as the Pacers and the Nets. The Pacers have the league questioning whether or not the Heat can actually three-peat this season. They are sitting pretty at first in the Eastern Conference and still to this point haven’t lost more than 15 games. These men are looking like the hungriest folks in the NBA. It’s hard to believe that anyone is going to be able to take the meal off the table from them easily.
The Nets, however, are a nasty taste in many people’s mouths. This team was placed together to make the East more difficult and finally give other teams a run for their money. Unfortunately, no one is even jogging on this team. They’re looking old and disabled. You should feel a little bad for them, but sometimes things don’t fall as one would hope.
As your Nostradamus, it’s my duty to tell you that as Kanye West would say, “You don’t have the answers!”  It’s hard to foretell who will win the championship. Right now it’s a toss-up between the Heat and the Pacers. West teams should be added in the conversation, but you can’t confidently say a team in the West can compete with either of those two on the “BIG” stage.