Postseason Awards — First Round Heroes
Yes, I know that the first round is still ongoing, but it also kind of doesn't matter. So now as we have established that, let's move on with the reason why you're here.
While all the usual DPOYs, COYs, SMOYs and MVPs ceremonies are being held and the worthy get their little trophies, I've decided to make a couple nominations of my own, in order to honour the achievers who are being overlooked by the system, but deserve to be in a spotlight of some sort. I'll only look at the playoff stretch thus far, because who cares about Sasha Vujacic, Marcelo Huertas and whoever else didn't make it to the after-party.
Freemason Of The Playoffs
This is the award for those, who've contributed greatly to the construction industry with their bricklaying. With their three-point shooting efforts top 10 guys of this nomination have probably built a nice summer cottage for themselves somewhere near the water.
Criteria: 3P% of those who have taken 10+ 3pt shots so far in the playoffs
Nominees:
CJ Miles (IND): 12.5%, 2-of-16
Dennis Schroder (ATL): 14.3%, 2-of-14
Kyle Lowry (TOR): 18.8%, 6-of-32
The Winner: CJ “ĢENGI” Miiiiiiles!
Charity Stripe Specialist
Free-throw shooting is one of the easiest and most basic ways to score points in a basketball game. However, while most of the players just dully knock them down, only few can make a real drama out of them. Their free-throw shooting is like a bottle of crappy vodka — under 40%.
Criteria: FT% on 20+ attempts and “air” in them
Nominees:
Andre Drummond: 32.4%, 11-of-34, solid bricks
Dwight Howard: 36.8%, 14-of-38, just sad
DeAndre Jordan: 37.3%, 19-of-51, redefining hack-a-someone thing
The Winner: DJ!!! Because no one add style points to their shooting quite like DJ does — missing even the backboard, airing two in a row. Magnificent.
WWE Rising Star Award
Let's have a look who takes the K.O. of the playoffs cake.
Nominees:
Ed Davis — bodyslamming Austin Rivers
Kevin Durant — with the assassination attempt on Justin Anderson
Justin Anderson — for the revenge
The Winner: Although, all of them are mighty impressive, KD almost took Anderson's head of. It's Durant.
The James Harden Award
It just felt like this nomination had to be named after James Harden himself, because the winner of this nomination has to embody defensive skills of 10 Kawhi Leonards combined.
James Harden — the guardian himself
The Rim — neutralising Westbrook on the spot
The great wall of Pacers — performing the perfect double-team
The Winner: James “The Bearded Denial” Harden, obviously.
The Ball Is Life Award
Shoutout to the greatest playmakers of the 2016 playoffs. Dishing those dimes with style and uncanny precision and dismantling opposing Ds with crafty handles. Without these professors basketball would be lost in the sporting mediocrity.
James Harden — the Beard does it all
Monta Ellis — an amazing split-the-d-mid-air-no-look dime to no one whatsoever
Evan Turner — twisting and turning, shaking and baking
The Winner: The B-b-b-b-b-beard! He's been the heart and soul of the Rockets these playoffs.
Dancing With The Star Award
Due to the heavy schedule, players rarely can afford to go out to the night clubs and destroy the dance-floor, therefore, dancing has to be incorporated into their basketball plans. Who's got the best moves?
Russel Westbrook — can anyone beat him and OKC in this?
Justise Winslow — keeping himself in the contention
Shaq —big fella still got it
The Winner: Russel Westbrook! This one is not even close.
Passion For The Game Award
Some players just play basketballs, others live and breath it. This one is for those who are into the game with all their heart and feel for every moment spent on and off the court. Mike Conley might have gotten the sportsmanship award, but this is bigger than that.
JR Smith — absorbing the knowledge from the King so that he can give it all when it’s his time to shine
The Rockets bench — unable to contain their happiness after James Harden hit a game winning shot against the Warriors
Lance Stephenson — just won’t take a “no” for an answer
The Winner: Lance Stephenson. Because is seems like he’s gonna get hysterical, if he didn’t take at least one nomination home.
That’s a wrap, folks!
R.
