RTOE: NBA quarter-season awards: Part I
By Ian Levy
We recently surprised the quarter mark of the 2015-16 NBA season, so we took a few minutes to reflect on what’s happened so far and hand out some awards. Here we have Part I of our NBA quarter-season awards roundtable.
Who is your non-Steph Curry quarter-season MVP?
Jack (@jackhaveitall): Paul George. I don’t think anyone expected George to return from his horrific injury as such a dominant force–at least not this quickly. Watching him this year, you would never even know PG missed pretty much all of last season. He’s been a machine on offense, putting up nearly 28 points per game, carrying the Pacers high above expectations. In another season, George would have a legitimate chance to win MVP, but Steph Curry is on his own level right now.
Ryne (@ryneprinz): I’m rolling with Paul George. Not many expected the Pacers to be in the middle-tier of the Eastern Conference, let alone sitting in the 2nd seed a quarter of the way through. And this is all thanks to George. George is averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 boards and 4.2 assists per game and shooting 45.4% from three on 7.4 attempts per game. His defense has helped Indiana maintain a strong identity on that side of the floor. PG for MVP.
Taylor (@TaylorBojangles): Hard to argue against Paul George, but I’ll go with Kawhi Leonard. The Warriors get all the headlines, but the Spurs just keep humming along. They’re currently 18-4 due in large part to Kawhi’s continued improvement. He’s shouldering more of the offensive load while still playing top-tier defense on the wing. He’s a legitimate superstar.
What has been your favorite Kristaps Porzingis moment?
Jack: His putback dunks have been awesome, but I love this spin and dunk against the Hawks from early in the season.
Ryne: Kristaps’ play on the court has been fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But this Vine is so heartwarming. THEY LOVE HIM!
Taylor: It didn’t count, but his would-be game-winning three against the Hornets was delightful.
What has been the most delightful surprise of the season so far?
Jack: I know we already talked about him, but I have to go with Kristaps. Even people who were in on him coming into the season couldn’t have expected he’d be so good so soon. He’s already the Knicks’ second best player, and probably set the record for fewest amount of games needed to become a cult hero.
Ryne: The Blazers aren’t nearly as bad as many projected them to be. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have been scoring like mad, and their role players have been developing well. They have a solid chance of challenging for the 8th seed.
Taylor: The Mavs! They’re near the top of the West right now even with neither Wesley Matthews nor Chandler Parsons playing at 100 percent. Zaza has been a revelation. Dirk is looking like 2011 Dirk. Even Deron Williams doesn’t look washed! Rick Carlisle is a wizard.