Way-too-early NBA Season Award leaders

It may only be early November, but here are the early bolters for the season awards.

Published by
Ben Cotton

Rookie of the Year - Luka Doncic (Mavericks)

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Slovenian sensation has started the 2018-19 season in emphatic fashion, averaging 19.8 points, 2.6 triples, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 47 per cent shooting from the field.

You can understand why everyone had him so high on their draft boards, and while his strong play has not necessarily translated to Mavs wins in the interim, it is clear that he will be a franchise player of the future.

Next in line: Trae Young (Hawks), DeAndre Ayton (Suns), Wendell Carter Jr. (Bulls).

Defensive Player of the Year - Kawhi Leonard (Raptors)

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the second half of the NBA season opener at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

It is hard to go past The Claw, who is the 11-1 Raptors' new defensive leader, averaging 7.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.

Although Leonard has only played the seven games, the star forward's impact has been profound, providing Toronto with more length, versatility on defence and a major upgrade over DeMar DeRozan on the perimeter.

Next in line: Draymond Green (Warriors), Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Rudy Gobert (Jazz).

Coach of the Year - Mike Malone (Nuggets)

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

No one predicted the Denver Nuggets would be a contender in the West given the powerhouse conference's abundance of talent, yet the Mile Hile City sit in the second seed with wins over the Warriors and Celtics to their name.

Credit Malone, who has done a tremendous job with the second youngest team in the league without Isaiah Thomas (hip) and Will Barton (hip) and has transformed Denver into a top five defensive team.

Next in line: Mike Budenholzer (Bucks), Nick Nurse (Raptors), Steve Kerr (Warriors).

Most Improved Player of the Year - Zach LaVine (Bulls)

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls walks to the bench against the Atlanta Hawks State Farm Arena on October 27, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Zach Lavine is absolutely firing for the Bulls, averaging 27.9 points, 2.4 triples, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a swipe per game. Right now, Lavine's wearing an All-Star jersey in Charlotte next year.

Although the Bulls are struggling to put wins on the board, the future is bright in the Windy City with a nucleus of LaVine, Wendell Carter Jr. and Kris Dunn.

Next in line: Caris LeVert (Nets), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls).

MVP - Stephen Curry (Warriors)

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three point basket over Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on October 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Stephen Curry seems to take not just his game, but the game of basketball altogether to a higher level every year. And right now, he's astronomical, averaging 31.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while leading the league in three-pointers made at an astonishing 5.6 per contest.

No player has been more dominant this season or as effective at leading their team to wins than the silky sharpshooter, and the Dubs are cruising at 10-1.

Next in line: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Kevin Durant (Warriors), Joel Embiid (76ers).

Published by
Ben Cotton