Most Valuable Player Candidates

Stephen Curry

Curry has been the anchor of the Golden State Warriors, putting up 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists night in and night out. His quick-release jump shot and cat-like quickness cause opponents problems on a routine basis.

LeBron James

More than his averages of 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, it is James' leadership that has helped the Cleveland Cavaliers reach atop the East, elevating their team play as they gear up for the stretch run.

Rookie of the Year Candidates

Karl-Anthony Towns

This 20-year old former University of Kentucky Wildcat provides the Minnesota Timberwolves a nice foundation along with fellow No. 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. Karl-Anthony Towns is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Currently, Towns ranks eighth in blocks in the NBA and leading his team in rebounds, inching closer to the league's top 10.

Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis can shoot, dribble, defend, pass, and is making the put-back dunk a nightly highlight. The 7'3" Latvian big man has been a pleasant surprise and a welcome addition to the New York franchise that is working its way to the Playoffs. Leading all rookies in the blocks department, Porzingis is in the conversation for Rookie of the Year honors as long as he keeps up this pace.

Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard

There is actually more to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year than his 20.2 points-7 rebounds-2 steals, 0.9 blocks numbers. Leonard has become the focal point of the San Antonio Spurs defense, consistently demonstrating the team's principles of executing single coverage with the league's best players, recognizing the proper rotations on every possession, and hustling for transition defense.

Hassan Whiteside

The Miami Heat center knows how to use his size and pogo-stick legs to his team's advantage, caroming 3.1 offensive and 8.0 defensive boards per game with a league-leading 3.8 blocks to boot. More than raising his NBA 2K rating, Whiteside is emerging as one of the game's talented big men who embraces the blue collared tradition that comes with his position.

Notable Ballers

These players are men on a mission, serving the league notice by putting impressive numbers on a consistent basis.

Draymond Green

Green is showing shades of Oscar Robertson (only player in NBA history to average a triple double fora season) during his heyday. His averages of 15.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists is reflective of his understanding of the game and versatility that has helped him claim a league-leading 10 triple-doubles.

Russell Westbrook

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is a beast on the hardwood, averaging an all-around 25.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 9.5 assists. Showing off good chemistry with fellow All-Star Kevin Durant, Westbrook turns into a double-double machine (or an occasional triple double performance) every time he steps on the floor, doing whatever it takes to win.

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