NBA unveils finalists for 2021-22 season awards

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – The NBA on Monday announced finalists for six awards for the 2021-22 regular season.

The nominees were selected after voting by an international panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

The winners will be announced during the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

The contenders for the top NBA honors are:

Most Valuable Player

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Coach of the Year

Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies), Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns)

Defensive Player of the Year

Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns), Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz), Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)

Most Improved Player

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs)

Rookie of the Year

Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Sixth Man of the Year

Tyler Herro (Miami Heat), Cam Johnson (Phoenix Suns), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)