The official NBA awards ballot has been revealed, showcasing selections for top individual honors, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Clutch Player of the Year, All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Rookie teams.

Here’s a breakdown of the ballot and the reasoning behind each pick, with acknowledgment to Matt `Stats` Williams for providing essential data.

Most Valuable Player

  1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

  2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

  3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

  4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

  5. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

This season`s MVP race was exceptionally close between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, both delivering outstanding performances. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, propelling the Thunder to become the seventh team in NBA history to achieve at least 68 wins. Jokic had a statistically remarkable season, nearly averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, while maintaining high shooting percentages.

Despite arguments for Jokic winning a fourth MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander was chosen due to leading the Thunder to a historically dominant regular season. The Thunder set a point differential record, indicating their overall dominance.

Antetokounmpo secured the third spot, marking his seventh consecutive season in the top four. Brunson edged out Mitchell for the fifth spot due to his clutch performances for the Knicks.

Defensive Player of the Year

  1. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

  2. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

  3. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

With Wembanyama out of contention, the DPOY race became open. Zubac and Mobley emerged as top contenders. Zubac anchored the Clippers` top-ranked defense, while Mobley showcased versatility as a defender. Zubac was ultimately favored due to playing more games and contributing to the Clippers` superior defensive rating.

Jackson Jr. was recognized for his defensive versatility, being a key defensive player for the Grizzlies.

Coach of the Year

  1. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers

  2. J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons

  3. Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets

Atkinson was selected for leading the Cavaliers to significant improvement, securing home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. Bickerstaff was acknowledged for the Pistons` improved performance, and Udoka for guiding the Rockets to a strong season.

Rookie of the Year

  1. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

  2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

  3. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

Risacher was chosen for playing a significant role on a playoff-contending team, averaging 14 points with efficient shooting since January. Castle and Wells were also recognized for their impactful rookie seasons.

Most Improved Player

  1. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

  2. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

  3. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Mobley received the award for his leap to All-NBA caliber. Zubac and Reaves were also recognized for their significant improvements this season.

Sixth Man of the Year

  1. Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

  2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves

  3. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons

Pritchard was the clear choice for his consistent and impactful play off the bench for the Celtics. Alexander-Walker and Beasley were also recognized for their strong seasons as sixth men.

Clutch Player of the Year

  1. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

  2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

  3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Brunson`s exceptional clutch-time performance led to his selection. Jokic and Young were also recognized for their clutch playmaking and scoring.

All-NBA, All-Defense and All-Rookie teams

All-NBA First Team

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

  • Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

  • Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

All-NBA Second Team

  • Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

  • Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

  • LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA Third Team

  • James Harden, LA Clippers

  • Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

  • Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

All-Defense First Team

  • Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

  • Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

  • Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

  • Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

All-Defense Second Team

  • Derrick White, Boston Celtics

  • Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

All-Rookie First Team

  • Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

  • Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

  • Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

  • Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat

  • Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

All-Rookie Second Team

  • Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans

  • Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

  • Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards

  • Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns

  • Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls