2019 NBA Awards: Ups and Downs

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2019 NBA Awards

The 2019 NBA Awards was held on June 24, 2019, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The event was hosted by the meme and NBA legend himself, Shaquille O’Neal. 2019’s award show will definitely go down in history as a blast, just as much as the recently concluded season itself.

Golden State Warriors fans will argue they would’ve won the NBA Finals if they had a full strength team. Injuries to Kevin Durant and Clay Thompson left Stephen Curry to lead the team and bear the brunt of the responsibility. Something he almost achieved. Regardless, the Toronto Raptors are worthy victors and must be given much credit. After the finals came the NBA draft, and after the draft came the awards. Here are the ups and downs of the 2019 NBA Awards.

Up & Down: Lifetime Achievement Award

A controversial start to this list and we won’t have it any other way. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Why this wasn’t given to one individual this year and another the next is a mystery. But Johnson having to share a stage with eternal rival Bird seemed to be punishment enough. This is considering with his acrimonious exit from the Lakers earlier this year.

Bird, on the other hand, is a winner. Although he was allowed to speak first, giving him the recognition and respect he deserves after spending most of his post-career in the shadow of Johnson was a long time coming. Most people tend to forget such an incredible career Bird had as well as his successful tenure as a coach.

Ups: NBA’s Most Valuable Player

Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo won the award for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player and boy did it feel so good. His heartfelt speech as quoted by CNN about losing his dad and using every opportunity to play for him had everyone downright bawling out.

“I want to thank my dad. Obviously, you know, he’s not here with me. Two years ago, I had the goal in my head that I’m going to be the best player in the league and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help my team win and I’m going to win the MVP. Every day that I step on the floor, I always think about my dad and that motivates me, that pushes me to play harder and move forward”.

Mission accomplished is all we can say. By winning the MVP Award, Antetokounmpo became the first Greek NBA all-star to also be nominated for Defensive Player Of The Year.

Down: James Harden’s Absence

It was obvious by his absence from the ceremony that Harden knew he wasn’t going to win a second consecutive MVP Award. Regardless, the Rockets man’s presence would have been the noble thing to do. His presence would without a doubt have solidified the winner of the eventual award.

Furthermore, Hasan Minhaj joked about Harden stating “I was looking for James Harden, but in classic playoff fashion, he didn’t show up.” Harden, it must be said hit very high numbers in the recently concluded NBA season. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 35 points and seven assists in a season. The Beard dropped 40 or more points 28 times, 50 or more points nine times, and 60 or more twice. But his inability to be the clutch player that leads his team to the finals continues to remain his biggest criticism.

Up: Rookie of the Year

Luka Dončić from Slovenia won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. And dare we say it, rightly deserved. In doing so, the Dallas Mavericks star became only the second player after Pao Gasol (2002) from Spain as the only players to win the award despite never playing high school or college basketball in the United States. And if we do say ourselves, esteemed company to be in.

The NBA has been trying for years to increase its presence outside the United States. Hopefully, we won’t have tp wait 17 years for the next international winner of an award.

Up: Most Improved Player of the Year

Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors won the award for the Most Improved Player. Siakam who hails from Cameroon became the country’s first representative to win such an award in the NBA.

Siakam had a message for those with ambitions to be champions saying “I was a little scrawny kid from Cameroon and I couldn’t even think about this moment. But here I am as a champion. I just want to tell them that it’s possible and that if you believe in something, go out there and work hard for it. It might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. I’m the proof.”

Overall Winner: The NBA

The 2019 NBA Awards will be remembered for being as inclusive as ever. A record-breaking four international players won four of the night’s major awards. Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) won Most Improved Player, Rudy Gober (France) won Defensive Player of the Year. Luka Dončić (Slovenia) is Rookie of the Year and Giannis (Greece/Nigeria) is the MVP. What a night for representation, what a night for the NBA.

Other winners on the night include;

- Sixth Man Award: Lou Williams, LA Clippers
- Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
- Coach of the Year: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
- Teammate of the Year Award: Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
- Sportsmanship Award: Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
- Highlights Moment of the Year: Derrick Rose, Minnesota Timberwolves
- NBA Cares Community Assist Award: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
- Hustle Award: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
- Sager Strong Award: Robin Roberts
- NBA Executive of the Year Award: Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks