Who will win the NBA awards for 2020?
The NBA announced its six major annual award finalists for the 2020 season last month. The most important — Most Valuable Player — is led by LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden. The other awards include Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year.
Voting for the awards was based on the games played from the start of the regular season through March 11. The voting did not include any performances from the seeding games conducted in the league's bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
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"The decision to exclude seeding games from awards voting ensures a fair process in which players and coaches from all 30 NBA teams will have the same opportunity to be honored as top performers for the 2019-20 regular season," said Byron Spruell, NBA president of league operations, in July.
An official date to announce the winners of the NBA Awards has not been released. Previous statements from the league said "TNT will announce the award winners during its coverage of the NBA playoffs."
NBA award finalists
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the way with a nomination in MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Rookie of the Year doesn't have too many surprises, as the two top 2019 NBA Draft picks — Zion Williamson and Ja Morant — make an appearance. Interestingly, the Clippers have two players featured in Sixth Man of the Year with Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams.
The full finalists breakdown can be viewed below:
Most Valuable Player
Winner
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Finalists
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- James Harden, Rockets
- LeBron James, Lakers
Rookie of the Year
Winner
- Ja Morant
Finalists
- Ja Morant, Grizzlies
- Kendrick Nunn, Heat
- Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Most Improved Player
Winner
- Brandon Ingram
Finalists
- Bam Adebayo, Heat
- Luka Dončić, Mavericks
- Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Finalists
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- Anthony Davis, Lakers
- Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Sixth Man
Winner
- Montrezl Harrell
Finalists
- Montrezl Harrell, Clippers
- Dennis Schröder, Thunder
- Lou Williams, Clippers
Coach of the Year
Winner
- Nick Nurse
Finalists
- Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
- Billy Donovan, Thunder
- Nick Nurse, Raptors
