Today the NBA released the new names for yearly awards. Here is a look at what those are.
The Jerry West Award goes to the player who is most clutch. NBA coaches are the ones to nominate the individual, and it is up a panel of media members to vote who wins.
When it comes to the Defensive Player of the Year Award, it is now named after Hakeem Olajuwon, With legendary Boston Celtic center Bill Russell having the Finals Most Valuable Player Award named after him, this made the most sense.
Naming awards after centers, continued. Wilt Chamberlain Award is for Rookie of The Year. Another one that is tough to argue considering he arguably had the best rookie season in NBA history after averaging 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game.
For the Sixth Man of the Year Award, it is named after another Celtic legend, John Havlicek. Interestingly enough, Bill Simmons did not appear all that happy with the changes being made by the NBA.
George Mikan Award is for The Most Improved Player. Seems this was mostly done to symbolize one of the earliest superstars in NBA history.
As for the most important award, the Most Valuable Player, it is now named after the greatest of all-time, Michael Jordan. This one is likely the easiest decision to make and goes to the man who made basketball a global phenomenon.
At this point one has to wonder if the NBA does establish a tournament at some point during the regular season. Is another award or two going to get created? What player will it get named after?
Then again hopefully that tournament never comes to fruition.