After what seems like an eternity, the playoffs are finally here. Before we hop into the postseason, however, let’s take one look back and hand out some regular season awards.
Co-MVPs: Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
The splash brothers earn a split of this award for divergent reasons.
We know Klay Thompson isn’t the best player on the Warriors. In fact, you could make a case that he’s the least valuable of the team’s four All-Stars. But Thompson proved to be the most consistent Golden State player this year, while also playing the most games of the big four, and averaging the most minutes.
In a year of volatility, Thompson remained the steadiest and most reliable Warrior all season. Klay was the same guy on both ends of the court every night, which, at least in 2017-18, could not be said about Kevin Durant or Draymond Green. Durant looked like a possible Defensive Player of the Year candidate early on, but his effectiveness, and effort, on that end took a massive hit after the All-Star break. Draymond’s overall effectiveness seemed to be significantly less impactful this year as well on both ends of the court, with his real-plus minus almost cut in half (7.14 to 3.63), leaving him not even in the conversation for DPOY for the first time in three seasons.
In short, Thompson was the same great two way player he was last year, and the year before, every single night.
Ironically, Curry proved to be the least reliable of the big four this year, due to injuries that knocked him out for 31 games during the regular season. However, it was the Warriors’ performance in the games Curry didn’t play in that once again proved his value.
Golden State went 17-14 without Curry on the floor this season, and 41-10 when he was on it. Shooting percentage-wise Curry had better numbers in every category than he did last year, and currently sits second in the NBA in real-plus minus, another testament to how much better the Warriors are when he’s on the court.
Oh, and there’s this:
Stephen Curry’s gravity is absolutely insane pic.twitter.com/iL49UHLmbC
— David Morrow (@_DavidMorrow) September 6, 2017
Kevin Durant may be a better all-around player than Steph, but it’s hard to argue of the Warriors’ four All-Stars, anybody provides more value than Curry.
Best role player: David West
Somehow at age 37, David West showed marked improvement in nearly every facet of his game after consecutive uneven years with San Antonio and Golden State. At times, West looked like the player he was in his prime, anchoring the second unit with exceptional shooting and passing from the high post, while being arguably the most effective defensive player playing limited minutes in the NBA this season.
That’s not an exaggeration. West currently sits second behind only Rudy Gobert in defensive real-plus minus. Additionally, West’s 57.1 percent field goal percentage this season was the best of his career. West was the most consistent, and most productive of Golden State’s many centers, and gave the second unit a completely different feel than the freewheeling Warriors we’re accustomed to seeing.
In their currently depleted state, the Warriors will need West to sustain this level of play into the postseason.
Best story: Quinn Cook
After spending the majority of his career in the G League, Quinn Cook became arguably the Warriors most effective guard off the bench seemingly over night. Cook entered the G League as an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2015, and didn’t receive his first meaningful NBA minutes until this March, when he closed the regular season with 13 consecutive double-digit scoring games, eclipsing the 20 point threshold four times.
“It’s one of the best stories I have ever been around in this league in terms of someone seizing an opportunity,” Steve Kerr said on KNBR. “I am excited because we have him for next year, too. Quinn is one of those guys who just makes the whole group better. He gets it, he works hard, he’s so professional. Obviously, a great shooter. We need more depth with our shooting anyways. I am just happy he is going to be a part of things going forward.
“You literally see it in his eyes, the confidence grow. Then you see from game to game, like, ‘Oh yeah I can do this. I can score 20.’”
Cook’s impressive play has already earned him a contract with the Warriors that will extend through at least next season, and he could prove to be a rotation piece for years to come.
With Curry out, Cook is going to play a pivotal role as the starting point guard on the defending champions to begin the postseason. That’s almost unfathomable feat considering where he’s come from.
Play of the year: Jordan Bell off the backboard dunk
It became apparent early during the 2017-18 season that Jordan Bell was one of the steals of the NBA Draft. The 38th overall pick showed flashes of incredible athleticism throughout his rookie campaign, but officially burst on the scene with one of the most incredible in-game dunks in NBA history.
In garbage time of an early-season blowout in Dallas, Bell took it upon himself during a one-man fast break to throw the ball off the backboard to himself, catch it in midair, and slam it in front of the Mavs’ bench. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle voiced his displeasure after the game, as did Kerr, but we’d say it was well worth any backlash Bell and the Warriors ultimately received.
Podium award: Nick Young
We’re still not quite sure what to say about Nick Young’s press conference from earlier this year, when he wore an unbuttoned shirt because it was cold (???) and talked about how John Travolta talked to him during his dream the night before.
Young has been largely disappointing in his first season as a Warrior, but his press conferences have far exceeded expectations.
Quote of the Year: Kevin Durant
Reporter: “Yeah, Kevin, uh, you had, uh…I’m sorry I forgot my question, I won’t waste your time. It happens.”
Durant (surprised): “Damn! Hey I feel you dog it’s all good, I forgot a couple plays tonight.”