NBA Awards Watch: The two-way greatness of Kawhi Leonard

Doling out awards for a spectacular December in the NBA.

Christmas is in the rearview mirror and a new year is on the way. As 2016 arrives and football nears its end, the NBA is primed to take center stage in the sporting universe, and the league has been fantastically entertaining to this point in the season.

Story lines are flying all around the league, from the Warriors fantastic start to breakout individual performances from the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Karl-Anthony Towns. In this space each month, we check in with a look at each of the NBA’s award races, and with the caveat of “a lot of basketball left to play,” will bring you a top-three ranking in each category.

Let’s get to the awards, beginning with Coach of the Year.

Coach of the Year

1. Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks – To put it plainly, the Dallas Mavericks have no business operating as a Western Conference playoff team. While there is some discernible talent (hi, Dirk) on this roster, Rick Carlisle has done a tremendous job in guiding Dallas to a 19-13 record this season, and there are no signs of slowing down. Carlisle has long been regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA, but this type of performance should garner him additional respect from outsiders if the Mavericks can continue this impressive pace.
2. Luke Walton, Golden State Warriors – There is, of course, an argument that Walton should be the leader in the clubhouse given Golden State’s phenomenal record. In truth, it is one of the weirder circumstances in recent memory, as Walton isn’t actually being credited for these victories since Steve Kerr is listed as the team’s active head coach. Kerr appears poised to take over the reins in the coming weeks, leaving Walton back as an assistant for the remainder of the year, but if the season ended today, Walton would have a real case and he has performed at a high level in his interim role.
3. Frank Vogel, Indiana Pacers – Much like the Mavs, the Pacers don’t look like a playoff team when it comes to the roster. Paul George is playing at an All-NBA pace, but aside from that, Indiana’s talent isn’t impressive and Vogel has embraced a very difficult task with precision. The Pacers have some trouble inspiring casual fans for whatever reason, but Vogel has established himself as a member of the coaching elite with the way Indiana has performed this season.

Next: Most Improved Player