B/R NBA Staff: Way-Too-Soon 2023 Awards Predictions

B/R NBA staff predicts the winners of the NBA's various awards for the 2022-23 season. Nikola Jokić is the current MVP, Paolo Banchero is Rookie of Year and Clutch Player of The Year is up for grabs.

Koby Altman and Calvin Booth are in the running for the Executive of the Year award. For the former, leading the league in winning percentage or outperforming expectations is a good indicator. For those for which the team is playing well, finishing at or near the top of standings within a year or two of some key acquisitions can get you in. Denver's stars were acquired by Tim Connelly, who is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best teams in the East this season. They have the league-best defensive rating (106.7) and plus/minus net rating of plus-6.5. Their coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, is a candidate for Coach of Year. The Cavs have won twice against Boston this year.

Paolo Banchero is the best rookie scorer in the NBA. He's averaging 21.8 points per game and is also the only rookie recording at least 4.0 assists and 6.6 rebounds. Banchro's high usage role is his defining skill.

Utah Jazz have been surprising the experts. Lauri Markkanen has been a key player for the team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is a contender for that position.

Jackson missed the first 14 games of the season because of foot surgery. He returned to the Grizzlies' team and has been instrumental in their improvement. Jackson is the favorite for Defensive Player of Year. Last year he finished fifth overall. Memphis' defense is second in the NBA. They block an NBA-best 3.1 shots per game.

Russell Westbrook is a $47.1 million sixth man for the Los Angeles Lakers. He's playing a career-low 28.5 minutes a game and contributing 14. 5 points, 7.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds a night.

The Jerry West Trophy will be awarded to the Clutch Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current leader in points scored in the clutch. Kevin Durant is averaging 34.9 points, 3.8 threes and 2.3 blocks per 75 possessions in his clutch minutes. Brooklyn Nets are 11-3 in games that Kevin has played in. The team needs to be good to win the award.

Luka Dončić is the current MVP favorite for the Dallas Mavericks. He's averaging 32.5 points and 8.6 assists on 60.4 true shooting. His team is outscoring opponents by 4.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the court. The team has the fourth-best net rating in the league. The Mavs are currently 10-seed in Western Conference.