Ex-Raptors coach Casey candidate for NBA Coach of the Year, LeBron nominated for MVP
Former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is a finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year award, while LeBron James and Ben Simmons are in the running for honours.
The finalists for key NBA awards were announced on Wednesday, with some surprising names making the final lists – including Casey.
Casey was sacked by the Raptors following their series sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, having guided Toronto to a franchise-record 59 regular-season wins and the top seed.
Rookie of the Year and MVP seem like the most compelling races this year, with Philadelphia 76ers guard Simmons and Cavs superstar James among the contenders for the respective awards.
Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists as the 76ers reached the Eastern Conference semis, while James is averaging 33.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.2 assists in the playoffs for the Cavs – who trail the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the conference finals.
The winners will be announced on June 25.
Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Most Improved Player
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Clint Capela, Houston Rockets
Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets
Sixth Man
Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
Coach of the Year
Dwane Casey, Toronto Raptors
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz
Defensive Player of the Year
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
MVP
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
James Harden, Houston Rockets
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
