Who Won the 2021 NBA Awards? Complete List of Winners and Finalists
As I sat down to reflect on the 2021 NBA awards season, I can't help but recall Torcaso's words that have been echoing in my mind: "I think that we have to have that competition. It's very important to have competition." This statement perfectly captures the essence of what made the 2021 NBA season so special - the incredible level of competition that pushed every player to their absolute limits. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous award seasons, but there was something particularly electric about 2021 that made each award decision feel both crucial and deeply meaningful. The season unfolded under unique circumstances, with teams navigating pandemic protocols and condensed schedules, yet the quality of basketball remained remarkably high.
The Most Valuable Player race had me on the edge of my seat throughout the season. Nikola Jokic ultimately took home the honor, and honestly, I couldn't agree more with this selection. The Denver Nuggets center put up staggering numbers - let me give you the specifics that still blow my mind. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting an incredible 56.6% from the field. What made Jokic's season truly remarkable wasn't just these numbers but how he carried the Nuggets after Jamal Murray's season-ending injury. I remember watching game after game where Jokic simply willed his team to victory, displaying a level of basketball IQ that we haven't seen from a big man in decades. The competition was fierce, with Joel Embiid having an outstanding season himself, but Jokic's consistency and unique skill set made him the deserving winner in my book.
When we look at the Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert claimed his third award, and here's where I might have a slightly different perspective than the official results. While Gobert's defensive impact is undeniable - he anchored the Utah Jazz defense that allowed just 107.5 points per 100 possessions with him on court - part of me believes Ben Simmons deserved stronger consideration. The Philadelphia guard's versatility in guarding all five positions created matchup nightmares for opponents. Still, you can't argue with Gobert's raw numbers: he led the league with 960 total rebounds and ranked second with 190 blocks. His presence fundamentally changed how teams attacked the basket, forcing them into difficult mid-range shots.
The Rookie of the Year race brought us LaMelo Ball's emergence as a genuine superstar in the making. Watching this young man play was pure joy - his flashy passes, improved shooting, and natural leadership qualities made the Charlotte Hornets must-watch television. He put up 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, numbers that don't fully capture his impact on the game's flow and tempo. What impressed me most was how he elevated his game as the season progressed, showing maturity beyond his years in crucial moments. Anthony Edwards made a strong case too, especially with his explosive scoring ability, but Ball's all-around game and immediate impact on winning basketball made him the clear choice.
Now, the Sixth Man Award went to Jordan Clarkson, and this might be my favorite selection of the entire awards season. Having watched Clarkson develop throughout his career, his transformation into an elite bench scorer has been remarkable. He averaged 18.4 points off the bench for the Jazz, providing instant offense whenever the starters needed rest. His ability to create his own shot and heat up in moments changed numerous games throughout the season. I recall one particular game against Milwaukee where he scored 26 points in just 24 minutes, completely shifting the momentum in Utah's favor. The man was simply relentless, and his contribution perfectly exemplified the depth that championship-contending teams need.
The Most Improved Player award presented one of the toughest decisions, with Julius Randle ultimately taking home the honor. His transformation was nothing short of spectacular - from solid rotation player to All-NBA caliber performer. Randle increased his scoring from 19.5 to 24.1 points per game while dramatically improving his playmaking to 6.0 assists per game. But beyond the numbers, what stood out to me was how he led the New York Knicks to their first playoff appearance since 2013. His development as a three-point shooter, jumping from 27.7% to 41.1%, made him virtually unguardable in pick-and-pop situations. This award often goes to players who make unexpected leaps, and Randle's case was the definition of that concept.
Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds I've seen in recent memory. Taking a Knicks team that had won just 21 games the previous season to 41 wins and the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference was masterful. His defensive system transformed New York into one of the league's toughest teams, allowing the second-fewest points per game at 104.7. What Thibodeau accomplished goes beyond X's and O's - he instilled a culture of accountability and hard work that resonated throughout the organization. Having followed his career closely, I've always admired his defensive principles, but what he did with this Knicks team exceeded even my highest expectations.
Reflecting on all these awards brings me back to Torcaso's wisdom about competition. The 2021 season demonstrated how fierce competition brings out the best in athletes, coaches, and organizations. Each award winner faced tremendous challenges from their competitors, pushing them to achieve levels of excellence we might not have seen otherwise. As someone who's analyzed basketball for years, I believe the 2021 awards will be remembered not just for the winners themselves, but for how closely contested each category was. This healthy competition ultimately elevated the entire sport, giving us one of the most memorable NBA seasons in recent history. The legacy of these award winners continues to influence how the game is played today, setting new standards for what's possible in professional basketball.
