2017-18 NBA Awards Watch (Week 1)

ROY
59 players debuted in the first week of the season (higher than last year if I'm not mistaken). I've listed them by most Minutes Played.

Ben Simmons (Sixers), De'Aaron Fox (Kings), Josh Jackson (Suns), Jaysun Tatum (Celtics), Lonzo Ball (Lakers), Mike James (Suns), Dillon Brooks (Grizzlies), Kyle Kuzma (Lakers), John Collins (Hawks), Markelle Fultz (Sixers), Justin Jackson (Kings), Lauri Markkanen (Bulls), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Dwayne Bacon (Hornets), Jonathon Isaac (Magic), Dennis Smith (Mavs), Malik Monk (Hornets), Luke Kennard (Pistons), OG Anunoby (Raptors), TJ Leaf (Pacers), Gian Clavell (Mavs), Milos Teodosic (Clippers), Jordan Bell (Warriors), Jarrett Allen (Nets), Caleb Swanigan (Blazers), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Kings), Terrance Ferguson (Thunder), Semi Ojeleye (Celtics), Alex Caruso (Lakers), Maxi Kleber (Mavs), Abdel Nader (Celtics), Josh Hart (Lakers), Frank Mason (Kings), Daniel Thies (Celtics), Jabari Bird (Celtics), Josh Magette (Hawks), Alec Peters (Suns), Cedi Osman (Cavs), Sindarius Thornwell (Clippers), Tyler Dorsey (Hawks), Frank Ntilikina (Knicks), Brandon Paul (Spurs), Zach Collins (Blazers), Zhou Qi (Rockets), Ante Zizic (Cavs), Bam Adebayo (Heat), Sterling Brown (Bucks), Ryan Arcidiacono (Bulls), Khem Birch (Magic), Wesley Iwundu (Magic), Damyean Dotson (Knicks), Dakari Johnson (Thunder), Guerschon Yabusele (Celtics), Ike Anigbogu (Pacers), Alfonzo McKinnie (Raptors), Royce O'Neale (Jazz), DJ Wilson (Bucks), Derrick White (Spurs)

So far Simmons (Sixers) leads all rookies in Rebounds, Assists and Free Throw Attempts. If he finishes the year first in all three categories, how do you vote for anyone else for ROY? Also, he's already looking pretty un-guardable.


MVP
Obviously its too early for this talk (although Lebron already looks awesome, no?). But with the Celtics losing Hayward, if the Bucks can sneak past the Wizards into a top 4 spot in the East, then it will be because of Giannas Atentekounpo (Bucks), who will have to get serious consideration for MVP. So far he's their best player on both ends of the court, is making crazy highlight plays all over the place and will (I think) continue to grow as everyone's favorite player to watch. He's legit.


DPOY
It's early but did you notice that Kevin Durant (Warriors) is leading the league in blocked shots? Demarcus Cousins (Pelicans) and Anthony Davis (Pelicans) are currently #2 and #3 in defensive rebounds; throw in that Jrue Holiday (Pelicans) is top 5 in steals and the Pelicans have the makings of a tough defensive squad.


6th Man
Again, it's early but PJ Tucker (Rockets) has jumped out to the early lead here, I'd say. And I expect him to keep playing important minutes off the bench, keep an eye on Tucker. I'm still in on Marcus Smart (Celtics), though Terry Rozier (Celtics) is taking his time/glory for now. Jonathon Simmons (Magic) has yet to take off but he still seems like a good candidate. De'Aaron Fox (Kings) and Allen Crabbe (Nets) are playing big minutes off the bench but I assume they'll both be regularly starters soon enough.


Most Improved
Dang, have you watched Andrew Wiggins (Wolves)? He's looking like Jimmy Butler 2.0 so far: hitting big shots, driving with ease, playing smothering D. If Wiggins keeps this up (and if Towns continues to look utterly clueless on the defensive end), it's looking like Wiggins could get himself some MVP and all-Defense consideration that would almost certainly earn him Most Improved (is that a thing, though?).