NBA Eastern Conference: Best player, coach, rookie, GM, uniforms and more in 2023-24
The 76ers' Joel Embiid poses for a photograph during media day at the team's practice facility on Oct. 2 in Camden, N.J. Credit: AP/Chris Szagola
BEST PLAYERS
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Joel Embiid may be the defending MVP, but no one has meant more to his team than Giannis Antetokounmpo, who now has the best running mate he’s had in his career with Milwaukee's acquisition of Damian Lillard.
2. Joel Embiid, 76ers
With the — eventual — trade of James Harden, Embiid’s impressive numbers might soar higher. But the 76ers will have a hard time keeping pace with Milwaukee and Boston in the East. The biggest question will be if Embiid eventually seeks a move.
3. Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Tatum has become the complete player he was projected to be years ago. While he is the clear leader in Boston, the team's offseason moves will provide him with help on the offensive end.
4. Damian Lillard, Bucks
Lillard has always been among the most gifted players in the NBA and now is playing with something to prove. Given the opportunity to win an elusive NBA title, he figures to continue to play at the top of his game.
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
In his first season in Cleveland he embraced the move to the Cavs and with free agency not far off he’s got a next contract to consider and the Cavs need him to see a reason to stay.
BEST ROOKIES TO WATCH
1. Brandon Miller, Hornets
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat
3. Jarace Walker, Wizards
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller reacts to teammates at the team's media day in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 2. Credit: AP/Nell Redmond
BEST PLAYERS OVER AGE 30
1. Jimmy Butler, Heat
2. Damian Lillard, Bucks
3. Jrue Holiday, Celtics
BEST SHOOTERS
1. Damian Lillard, Bucks
2. Buddy Hield, Pacers
3. Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
BEST POINT GUARD
1. Damian Lillard, Bucks
2. Jrue Holiday, Celtics
3. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers
BEST SCORERS
1. Damian Lillard, Bucks
2. Joel Embiid, 76ers
3. Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard warms up before an NBA preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 17 in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Sarah Phipps
BEST BIG MEN
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
2. Joel Embiid, 76ers
3. Bam Adebayo, Heat
BEST DEFENDERS
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
2. Jrue Holiday, Celtics
3. Mikal Bridges, Nets
BEST REBOUNDERS
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
2. Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
3. Joel Embiid, 76ers
BEST SHOTBLOCKERS
1. Brook Lopez, Bucks
2. Nic Claxton, Nets
3. Myles Turner, Pacers
Brook Lopez of the Bucks blocks a shot in the second half from Cameron Johnson of the Nets at Barclays Center on Feb. 28. Credit: Jim McIsaac
BEST BALL HANDLERS
1. James Harden, 76ers
2. Trae Young, Hawks
3. LaMelo Ball, Hornets
BEST SIXTH MEN
1. Immanuel Quickley, Knicks
2. DeAnthony Melton, Sixers
3. Bobby Portis, Bucks
SMARTEST PLAYERS
1. Jimmy Butler, Heat
2. Jalen Brunson, Knicks
3. Damian Lillard, Bucks
BEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITIONS
1. Damian Lillard, Bucks
2. Jrue Holiday, Celtics
3. Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics
BEST COACHES
1. Erik Spoelstra, Heat
2. Tom Thibodeau, Knicks
3. Quin Snyder, Hawks
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra directs players during the first half of an NBA preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio on Oct. 13. Credit: AP/Eric Gay
BEST ASSISTANTS WHO SHOULD BE A HEAD COACH
1. Chris Quinn, Heat
2. Sam Cassell, Celtics
3. Kevin Ollie, Nets
BEST GMS
1. Andy Elisburg, Heat
2. Brad Stevens, Celtics
3. Jon Horst, Bucks
TOUGHEST PLACES TO PLAY
1. TD Garden, Boston
2. Madison Square Garden, New York
3. Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
BEST UNIFORMS
1. Knicks
2. Celtics
3. Bulls
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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