As we plunge deeper into the offseason, the latest NBA betting information involves the league’s decision to host its first ever NBA Awards show. The NFL has for some time now been making a spectacle of handing out the MVP, ROY, and DPOY awards and thanks to their efforts, we got this cringe-worthy exchange from Brett Favre and his successor, Aaron Rodgers.
Since then, the NFL has upped their game and the 2017 NFL Honors were actually quite hilarious. Having an award show to present to your audience is one way of keeping your business relevant, but the method is much more effective if the award show is actually enjoyable. So, what kind of spectacle did the NBA deliver sportsbook fans? And who ended up taking home the MVP award? Let’s take a look.
NBA Awards
Most Valuable Player
James Harden, HOU || Kawhi Leonard, SAS || Russell Westbrook, OKC
Due to his selfish nature, many sportsbook players felt that Westbrook wasn’t deserving of this award. Granted, the NBA sports odds felt differently, but there were still some that felt the award should have gone to LeBron James.
While it might seem like James is the rightful MVP winner each year, the award is focused on choosing the most valuable team in the entire league, not the most valuable player for a given team.
James’ impact on the Cavs is easy to understand. Once the King left Cleveland, the Cavs were unable to make the playoffs. Once he came back, they were competing for the title. This might seem like James should be MVP, but what Westbrook did this season should not be undermined.
Westbrook, mostly due to a lack of supporting cast, averaged a triple-double on the season, and posted more triple-doubles than any player in NBA history. Because of this, Westbrook is the most valuable player in the league: his impact would be greater than any other player in the NBA. That’s some NBA betting information Westbrook haters should keep in mind.
Rookie of the Year
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL || Joel Embiid, PHI || Dario Saric, PHI
Basketball Executive of the Year
Bob Myers; Golden State Warriors
Sixth Man Award
Eric Gordon, HOU || Andre Iguodala, GSW || Lou Williams, HOU
Teammate of the Year Award
Dirk Nowitzki; Dallas Mavericks
All-Defensive Team
F | Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
C | Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
F | Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
G | Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
G | Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets
Coach of the Year
Mike D’Antoni, HOU || Gregg Popovich, SAS || Erik Spoelstra, MIA
Most Improved Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL || Rudy Gobert, UTA || Nikola Jokic, DEN
Defensive Player of the Year
Rudy Gobert, UTA || Draymond Green, GSW || Kawhi Leonard, SAS
Sportsmanship Award
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
All-Rookie Team
Malcolm Brogdon | Milwaukee Bucks
Dario Saric | Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers
Buddy Hield | Sacramento Kings
Willy Hernangomez | New York Knicks
NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
