Nick Crain | 2/22/23

As the NBA All-Star break nears its end and the 2022-23 season kicks back off, standings around the league are becoming more defined and the best players in the NBA are continuing to emerge. Earlier this year, the NBA unveiled six trophies which honor players of the past. While five of the six are awards that have existed previously, there is one new addition to the mix. Let’s use the ProFitX Athledex to predict the first ever winners of these revamped trophies as the final stretch of the season begins.

The Michael Jordan Trophy: Nikola Jokic

Awarded to the NBA Most Valuable Player This award typically goes to the top player on one of the best teams in the league. Not only are the Nuggets one of the premier teams in the NBA, but they’re significantly better when Jokic is on the floor. The 7-footer is averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 10.1 assists on efficient splits. He’s also produced on the defensive end with two stocks (blocks + steals) per game.

The Jerry West Trophy: De’Aaron Fox

Awarded to the NBA Clutch Player of the Year This is a brand new award that has been rolled out by the league with the unveiling of the new trophies. This season, the most clutch player by definition has been Fox, who leads the NBA in total clutch points. The NBA defines any game time when there are five or fewer minutes remaining in the game and the scoring margin is within five points as clutch. Furthermore, the Kings are one of the top teams in the Western Conference, which has been fueled by his late game heroics.

The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Awarded to the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jackson Jr. is one of the most versatile bigs in the league on the defensive end with his ability to guard multiple on the floor at a very high level. His blend of strength and length allow him to disrupt opposing offenses and generate turnovers and blocks. The 7-footer is is averaging a league-high 3.3 blocks per game and has also generated 44 steals.

The John Havlicek Trophy: Russell Westbrook

Awarded to the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Before being traded by the Lakers at the deadline, Westbrook had emerged as an impactful reserve in what was a better role for him. Now, after being bought out by the Jazz, he’ll have a new unique opportunity with the Clippers. If he continues to come off the bench and elevates the roster, this will only enhance Westbrook’s case for earning this award. So far on the season, he’s averaged 16.2 points, 7.7 assists and 6.1 boards per game when he comes off the bench.

The George Mikan Trophy: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Awarded to the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Not only has Gilgeous-Alexander seen a huge uplift in his personal production this season, but he’s also helping his team win. The Thunder are currently in a play-in spot with a record just below .500 thus far. The 24-year-old rising star is averaging better than 30 points per game and has been one of the most lethal scorers in the entire NBA this season. In the first year of his rookie max extension, Oklahoma City has to be thrilled with his improvement.