When talking about the 2023 NBA season, it’s impossible to ignore some incredible talents and milestone achievements. One guy who grabbed everyone's attention this year was Nikola Jokic. Jokic averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. You look at those numbers and think—is this real? Yes, it’s very real, and it’s why he took home the MVP award. What makes this astonishing is the fact that he did it with incredible efficiency, boasting a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 31.4, one of the highest in NBA history. There’s just no denying that Jokic has been on another level.
Switching gears to the Defensive Player of the Year award, we saw Jaren Jackson Jr. solidify his spot as a defensive powerhouse. He averaged 3.0 blocks per game and altered countless shots with his presence in the paint. What really stands out is the impact he has when on the floor—his team’s defensive efficiency rating significantly improved, showing how valuable he is on that end. If someone asks why he got the award, just look at the way he shuts down the lane. It’s like having a wall in front of the basket.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Paulo Banchero, a player who didn’t just meet expectations—he shattered them. He put up 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, stats that any veteran would be proud of. What’s even more impressive is his maturity on the court, making decisions that usually take players years to master. Remember when LeBron James first stepped onto the scene? Banchero is replicating that kind of immediate impact. And yes, people can’t stop comparing him to greats from the past, but it’s justified.
A question often arises—who won the Most Improved Player award this year? The answer: Jalen Brunson. Brunson went from being a solid role player to a breakout star. His scoring jumped from 12.6 to 22.3 points per game, an increase of nearly 10 points. Isn’t that something? The story behind his rise is even more interesting. When he moved to the New York Knicks, a lot of people doubted whether he could handle a leading role. He silenced those doubts quickly. Just look at his shooting efficiency, which remained impressive despite the increased workload. Normally, you’d expect efficiency to drop with more responsibility, but not with Brunson.
Everyone loves to talk about scorers, but what about playmakers? The Sixth Man of the Year award often goes unnoticed, yet Malcolm Brogdon made sure it was hard to ignore him this season. Brogdon averaged 14.9 points and 4.8 assists per game, coming off the bench. That’s a spark indeed. What’s special about Brogdon is his ability to change the pace of the game. Imagine a high-speed car revving up every time he steps on the court. The Boston Celtics really found a gem in him.
Now, diving into the Coach of the Year, Mike Brown took the honor and deservedly so. With a 58-24 record, Mike Brown guided the Sacramento Kings to not just a playoff berth but a strong position near the top of the Western Conference. If you consider where the Kings were last season, this turnaround is monumental. The team’s offensive rating was through the roof, largely due to Brown’s strategic mind and ability to get the best out of his players. It’s almost like he found the perfect recipe for success, mixing talent and strategy to create a winning formula.
Do you know who got the Finals MVP? It was Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns claimed the championship, and Booker played an essential role, averaging 28.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists throughout the playoff run. If you were lucky enough to catch the games, you saw Booker’s ability to take over when it mattered the most. His clutch performances were reminiscent of legends like Kobe Bryant. It’s not just about the statistics here; it’s about the timing of his contributions. When the team needed a hero, Booker stepped up.
Many fans are curious—how did these players’ salaries correlate with their performances? Looking at contracts, Jokic signed a supermax extension worth $240 million over five years. Considering his MVP-level play, it’s evident he’s earning every penny of that contract. On the other hand, rookies like Banchero have a different story. Still on their rookie contracts, their payout is significantly lower but with future potential earnings that can reach skyrocketing numbers if they continue on their paths.
The All-NBA First Team was another hot topic this season. Voters had a challenging choice, but ultimately, the lineup included players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Joel Embiid. These names might sound familiar because last season they were also dominating the stat sheets. Giannis alone averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Doncic was not far behind with 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. When you think of consistency and excellence, these players define it.
What about the other defensive accolades? Robert Williams claimed a spot on the All-Defensive First Team. His rim protection and versatility were off the charts, averaging 2.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. If anyone doubts why he made the list, just watch a single game where he shuts down an entire offensive set by himself. It’s jaw-dropping to see the influence he has, and it is clear he’s a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics’ defensive schemes.
Lastly, the 3-Point Contest should not be overlooked, as Stephen Curry bagged yet another victory with a dazzling display, scoring 31 out of 40 possible points in the final round. You’d think after a while the novelty might wear off, but no. His shooting prowess remains awe-inspiring. When Curry is on the floor, defenders have to constantly be on alert because he can get his shot off with lightning speed, a trait that continually redefines the game. Even other players look up to him—Trey Young mentioned in an interview how Curry’s shooting keeps setting new bars for everyone to aim at.
So if you want an in-depth look? Check this and more about nba award winners on different platforms covering the 2023 season for even more detailed breakdowns.