The league announced the finalists for six individual awards during Thursday night’s “NBA on TNT” pregame show. The races are down to three candidates for the following honors: Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year.
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Finalists were chosen based on voting results from a global panel of media members, which includes both broadcasters and writers. Winners will be announced throughout the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Check out the full list of finalists below:
(Note: Voters submitted their ballots prior the start of the play-in tournament and NBA playoffs.)
Most Valuable Player
Finalists
Stephen Curry, Warriors Joel Embiid, 76ers Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (winner)
Rookie of the Year
Finalists
LaMelo Ball, Hornets (winner) Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Tyrese Haliburton, Kings
Defensive Player of the Year
Finalists
Rudy Gobert, Jazz (winner) Draymond Green, Warriors Ben Simmons, 76ers
Sixth Man
Finalists
Jordan Clarkson, Jazz (winner) Joe Ingles, Jazz Derrick Rose, Knicks
Most Improved Player
Finalists
Jerami Grant, Pistons Michael Porter Jr. , Nuggets Julius Randle, Knicks (winner)
Coach of the Year
Finalists
Quin Snyder, Jazz Tom Thibodeau, Knicks (winner) Monty Williams, Suns
