NSL Way Too Early Award Winners

With the season just right around the corner, it’s a good time to look at some of the potential NSL award winners. While it’s early, certain players and coaches are already standing out, making strong cases for major individual honours. Here’s a deeper dive into who’s most likely to walk away with the hardware at the end of the year in my opinion.

 

6th Man of the Year – Tyler Herro (Milwaukee Bucks)

Tyler Herro is the clear frontrunner for 6th Man of the Year. Coming off a season where the Bucks won the championship, Herro’s role is cemented as the leader of Milwaukee’s second unit. GM Ethan has handed him the reins to the bench squad, and Herro is fully expected to thrive in this position after arriving in Milwaukee via trade from Memphis.

Herro’s offensive capabilities make him a unique weapon for the Bucks. He’s more than just a scorer; he can facilitate the offense, create his own shot, and put constant pressure on opposing defences. As a sixth man, Herro brings a starter’s skill set, which means that Milwaukee’s bench will be a force to reckon with every game.

Herro has already proven he can handle the responsibility of carrying the bench. In this role, he’ll regularly face opposing second units, giving him the chance to exploit mismatches and dominate inferior defenders. With the Bucks having championship aspirations once again, Herro’s contributions will be pivotal. His ability to come in and immediately impact the game makes him an ideal candidate for the 6th Man of the Year award.

Herro will also see some weeks in the starting unit when needed.

 

Honourable Mentions: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson

 

Rookie of the Year – Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)

Kel’el Ware may not be the most obvious choice for Rookie of the Year, but he has the potential to win it. When considering the physical tools and intangibles Ware brings to the court, it's clear why he could stand out. At 7 feet tall with mobility and athleticism for a player his size, Ware is built to thrive in the modern game, particularly in 2K settings.

What sets Ware apart is his speed compared to other big men. Players like Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey, while talented, they lack the speed that makes Ware my front runner.  In a league where speed and quickness are becoming more essential, Ware’s ability to move up and down the court to contest shots and get rebounds gives him the edge. This is particularly true when you consider the transition game, where he can beat slower centres to the basket.

GM Pistol also plays a crucial role here. He’s known for maximising player potential, and Ware has plenty of untapped upside. The Miami Heat system is one that thrives on player development and getting the most out of its roster. If Ware is placed in the right situations, he could easily flourish and become the most impactful rookie this season.

While he might not be as well-known as other rookies, Ware’s physical tools combined with the right coaching could make him a standout. He may surprise many by season’s end, taking home the Rookie of the Year award.  He also had a standout summer league season, which was another consideration for this choice.

 

Honourable Mentions: Zach Edey, Donovan Clingan

 

Coach of the Year – Justin (LA Lakers)

Justin Gm of the LA Lakers, has an excellent shot at winning Coach of the Year. After a missed opportunity last season due to a deadline issue, Justin is coming into this year with something to prove. The Lakers are a well-built team with depth, talent, and experience, and Justin’s leadership should push them to one of the top records in the league.

The Lakers’ roster is constructed to compete with the best. Justin has a clear understanding of how to manage his team’s talent and put them in positions to succeed. His ability to adjust and strategise is what makes him a strong candidate for this award. Missing out last season will likely serve as motivation, pushing him to ensure no mistakes are made this time around.

Justin’s tactical approach will be on full display this season. The Lakers are a team with championship aspirations, and their success will largely be determined by Justin’s ability to maximize the roster’s potential. If he can steer them to one of the top records in the league again, he will be in the running for Coach of the Year.

 

Honourable Mentions – Gm Rootsey, GM Josh

 

Defensive Player of the Year – Victor Wembanyama (Indiana Pacers)

Victor Wembanyama is perhaps the most straightforward choice for Defensive Player of the Year. His rookie season was a defensive masterpiece, with Wemby averaging an astounding 5.4 blocks per game. This level of production is virtually unheard of, and it’s only the beginning for the 7'4" phenom.

Wembanyama’s defensive prowess is built on his size, wingspan, and instincts. At 7'4" with an 8-foot wingspan, he can cover an enormous amount of space on the floor. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his timing and anticipation make him a nightmare for anyone attempting to score in the paint. Few players can match his defensive impact, and even fewer can do it with the consistency Wembanyama provides.

What makes Wembanyama’s case even stronger is that his numbers may only improve as he becomes more comfortable in the league. Last season’s block average might be his floor. As he continues to adapt and grow, his defensive numbers could increase even further, which is a terrifying prospect for opposing teams.

Defensively, Wembanyama is already ahead of his peers, and it’s likely he will dominate this award for years to come. His ability to alter shots, protect the rim, and guard multiple positions makes him the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year this season and likely the next 10+ years.  Can’t wait to hear about this from Yeet for the next 10 years.

 

Honourable Mentions: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chet Holmgren

 

Most Valuable Player – Giannis Antetokounmpo (San Antonio Spurs)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised to reclaim the MVP award this season. After a season where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP, Giannis is ready to take back his title as the league’s most dominant player. The Spurs, under GM Nels, are in an excellent position to make a deep playoff run, and Giannis will be the centrepiece of that effort.

What makes Giannis such a strong MVP candidate is his dominance on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s a force in transition and can score at will around the basket. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and serve as the anchor of one of the league’s best defences. His versatility is unmatched, and his ability to impact the game in so many ways put him ahead of most other MVP candidates.

San Antonio is set up for success this year, and much of that is due to Giannis’s presence. If the Spurs end up with one of the best records in the league, Giannis will likely be the reason why. His two-way play makes him an obvious MVP choice, and it’s hard to see anyone else matching his level of impact this season.

 

Honourable Mentions: Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Victor Wembanyama,

 

These are my waaaay too early predictions for NSL Award winners.