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Cornelissen’s NBA Awards Ballot: How do the Cavs factor in?

By Josh Cornelissen

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers and Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers and Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images /
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Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets and Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

My NBA Award Ballot: Most Valuable Player

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
3. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
4. Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
5. Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors

Honorable Mentions: Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Ja Morant, Kevin Durant

Nikola Jokic has improved as a defender, with his real defensive impact somewhere between the overly bullish advanced stats and overly pessimistic eye test. Add in his league-best offensive impact through scoring efficiently at volume and playmaking like the best point guards and he is first. Giannis Antetokounmpo is second for his offensive game that continues to grow and his “free safety” defenses that clogs up passing lanes and erases shots at the rim.

Joel Embiid is a deserving winner in most years, and it would be fine if he wins this year, but he comes in third for the deficiencies still present in his game and the erosion of his defense as his offensive load increases. Jayson Tatum has blossomed into a two-way star on the wing, a true offensive engine without providing a weak link for the league’s best defense. Finally, Steph Curry is having one of his worst shooting seasons of his career and has missed nearly a quarter of the season…and still led the league in 3-pointers by a substantial amount. His on/off numbers are elite and even with the missed time ekes out the last spot over Doncic.

The Cavs: No one is in consideration this season for an overachieving team just dipping its toe into the waters of contending. Down the line it’s possible Darius Garland follows the “Ja Morant” path to the MVP conversation, or that Evan Mobley becomes a two-way superstar a la Kevin Garnett and becomes a perennial name in these discussions.