By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Rudy Gobert of the Jazz took home Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
The French center was the favorite to win the award and as the centerpiece for the league’s second-ranked defense. The Jazz finished with a defensive rating of 101.6. With Gobert on the floor, their rating was 97.7, but when he left the court, it jumped to 105.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only other European player who got an award. The Greek Freak got the dunk of the year award, for his dunk against the Knicks and over Tim Hardaway junior.
James Harden was the MVP and Ben Simmons the rookie of the year.
Lou Williams averaged 22.6 points and 5.3 assists and won the Sixth Man of the Year.
Former Raptors coach Dwane Casey, who was fired after the season, was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year.
LeBron James won both the assist and clutch shot of the year and was awarded the play of the year by the fans for his game-winning 3-pointer against the Timberwolves before the All-Star break.
Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award.
And Dikembe Mutombo stole the show with his acceptance speech for the Sager Strong Award.