Unfortunately, it looks like this might be at least the end of the regular season, and if so, these are every the MVPs of every Eastern Conference team so far this season.
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Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young
Runner Up: John Collins
There is simply no debate here. Despite Young’s persistent struggles on defense, he has leads the team in points, assists, and steals per game. To add on, he has blossomed into one of the best snipers in the league from long range and not only did he make his first all star team, he started.
Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum
Runner Up: Kemba Walker
Coming into the season, the signing of Kemba Walker made him look to be the clear first option and best player on the Celtics, but the first time all star has came into his own to become the best player and MVP on this Celtics team. He leads the teams in points per game and PER, along with becoming one of the best mid range scorers and defenders in the league.
Brooklyn Nets
Spencer Dinwiddie
Runner Up: Caris LeVert
I just couldn’t give this to Kyrie because of the lack of games played, but Dinwiddie certainly has been no slouch this season either. Averaging nearly 21 and 7 assists (and leading the team in those categories), Dinwiddie has led the Nets to a 7th seed in the playoffs in the absence of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
Charlotte Hornets
Devonte’ Graham
Runner Up: Terry Rozier
Devonte’ Graham has been one of the few bright spots in the Hornets organization in the wake of the loss of their all star point guard Kemba Walker. He is in the running for most improved player this season, who went from a no name player to averaging 18 and 8 and becoming a great 3 point sniper, on surprisingly not as bad of a Hornets team as previously thought before the season, in large part because of the surprising improvement from Graham.
Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine
Runner Up: Lauri Markkanen
Zach LaVine has turned into one of the league’s premiere scorers at 12th in the league for points per game, averaging nearly 26 per contest. Chicago’s offense runs through LaVine, and hopefully the Bulls newly hired GM, Arturas Karnisovas, can bring LaVine some much needed help in Chi Town.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love
Runner Up: Collin Sexton
This was a close one, but at the end of the day I had to go with the veteran big man in Love. Although past his prime, Love has posted solid averages of 18 and 10 this season. Sexton nearly took the Cavs’ MVP, having a criminally underrated season with 21 poins per contest, along with becoming the Cavs’ primary ball handler.
Detroit Pistons
Derrick Rose
Runner Up: Luke Kennard
This award would have gone to Andre Drummond had he not been traded, but ends up in the hands of the former MVP instead. The Pistons have had an unfortunate downfall this season, with the bad play and eventual season ending injury in Blake Griffin, to trading away the best rebounder in the league in Andre Drummond. One thing has stayed consistent this season, and that is the stellar play of Derrick Rose.
Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis
Runner Up: Malcolm Brogdon
Sabonis seems to have had yet another breakout sort of year after going from trade throw in, to top 3 in sixth man of the year voting, and all the way to all star. He has turned into a top playmaking big in the league with likes of Nikola Jokic. With averages of 19 PPG, 12 RPG, and 5 APG, he has blossomed into a true star at only 23 years old.
Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler
Runner Up: Bam Adebayo
Jimmy Butler seems to have finally found himself a home in Miami. He is the best player and veteran leader on a team who has surprised many being the 4th seed in the East. Jimmy has done everything on the court from leading team with 20 points per game, to clamping up the opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis.
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Runner Up: Khris Middleton
Not too much explaining to do here. Reigning MVP of the league, and likely will be the league’s MVP this season as well. Arguably the best player in the entire league.
New York Knicks
Julius Randle
Runner Up: Mitchell Robinson
Julius Randle has had a solid season for the Knicks, averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds. This certainly garners him the team’s MVP, with not a whole lot of talent surrounding him on the team.
Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic
Runner Up: Evan Fournier
Nikola Vucevic has done his thing for the 8th seeded Orlando Magic, averaging a team leading 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vucevic may not have been an all star this season, but has certainly been the best player on the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid
Runner Up: Ben Simmons
Embiid barely had enough games to qualify, but with averages of 23 and 12 along with being one of the best defenders in the league, he earns his team’s MVP award. Ben Simmons nearly took the award with averages of 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, along with being in the running for defensive player of the year and playing 10 more games than Embiid.
Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam
Runner Up: Kyle Lowry
After winning the most improved player award last season, Pascal is somehow again in the running for most improved player, becoming not only an all star, but an all star starter. With averages of nearly 24 points and 8 rebounds, Siakam has kept the Raptors afloat with the best teams in the league after losing Kawhi Leonard and winning the championship.
Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal
Runner Up: Thomas Bryant
With John Wall being sidelined with injuries for the last two seasons, Bradley Beal has easily been the Wizards’ best player this season. He is second in the league in scoring at over 30 points per game, and was criminally snubbed from all star game this season. He has been making plays for everyone on the court, dishing out 6 assists per game.
