Which players will win the most prestigious awards for the 2020-21 NBA season?
The league announced the finalists for six individual awards during Thursday night’s “NBA on TNT” pregame show. The races are down to three candidates for the following honors: Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year.
MORE: Full 2021 NBA playoff schedule
Finalists were chosen based on voting results from a global panel of media members, which includes both broadcasters and writers. Winners will be announced throughout the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Check out the full list of finalists below:
(Note: Voters submitted their ballots prior the start of the play-in tournament and NBA playoffs.)
Most Valuable Player
Finalists
- Stephen Curry, Warriors
- Joel Embiid, 76ers
- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Rookie of the Year
Finalists
- LaMelo Ball, Hornets
- Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
- Tyrese Haliburton, Kings
Defensive Player of the Year
Finalists
- Rudy Gobert, Jazz
- Draymond Green, Warriors
- Ben Simmons, 76ers
Sixth Man
Finalists
- Jordan Clarkson, Jazz
- Joe Ingles, Jazz
- Derrick Rose, Knicks
Most Improved Player
Finalists
- Jerami Grant, Pistons
- Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
- Julius Randle, Knicks
Coach of the Year
Finalists
- Quin Snyder, Jazz
- Tom Thibodeau, Knicks
- Monty Williams, Suns