NBA: A 2K simulation for the remainder of the 2019-20 season
By John Nassif
End of year awards
Before diving into the playoffs, it’s time to answer some of the aforementioned questions. Like it or not, individual awards are integral in the NBA. They are used as resume builders and as the basis for player debates.
Let’s recognize some of the tremendous players and their accomplishments during the 2019-20 NBA season.
- MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 29.4 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 5.7 APG
- ROY: Ja Morant – 18.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.8 APG
- 6th MOY: Montrezl Harrell – 18 PPG, 7.2 RPG
- DPOY: Kawhi Leonard – 26.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG. 5.2 APG
- MIP: Bam Adebayo – 16.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 4.8 APG
- COY: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
Congratulations to the Greek Freak for holding off the media-driven LeBron MVP narrative to win his second in a row. Speaking of narratives, despite ESPN’s best efforts, Ja Morant held off Zion to finish what was a dazzling rookie season…emphasis on the word “season.”
You also love to see some changing-of-the-guards too; Montrezl unseated Sixth Man of the Year favorite, and fellow teammate, Lou Williams, while Kawhi ended the frontcourt dominance of the Defensive Player of the Year award. Congratulations to these individuals for their historic efforts.
- 1st Team All-NBA: James Harden, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic
- 2nd Team All-NBA: Trae Young, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Andre Drummond
- 3rd Team All-NBA: Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Pascal Siakam, Domantas Sabonis, Joel Embiid
- 1st Team All-Defense: Ben Simmons, Jrue Holiday, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert
- 2nd Team All-Defense: Marcus Smart, Eric Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Andre Drummond
- 1st Team All-Rookie: Ja Morant, Kendrick Nunn, Darius Garland, RJ Barrett, Eric Paschall
- 2nd Team All-Rookie: Brandon Clarke, PJ Washington, Rui Hachimura, De’Andre Hunter, Coby White
I would like to use this platform to begin a petition banning position requirements for All-NBA teams. Andre Drummond had no business being on Second Team All-NBA this season, but it is apparent that 2K and the NBA deemed it appropriate. Additionally, you won’t find another person who believes more staunchly that Ja is the rightful Rookie of the Year over Zion. But leaving him off both Rookie teams altogether? Come on now, Ronnie 2K, that is a little overboard leaving a historic (albeit short) rookie season off this list.
On a lighter note, good for Bradley Beal continuing his revenge tour post-All Star break. His streak of 50-plus point games rightfully earned the recognition of All-NBA.
The importance of these awards and accolades cannot be diminished. But the true reason these games are played is to fight your way to a championship. We’ve seen how the standings formed out, and now it’s time to see who emerges as your 2020 NBA Champions!