Soaring Down South
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Soaring Down South’s NBA Awards Roundtable

By Collin Huguley

Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A fan holds a Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) MVP sign as the Rockets play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A fan holds a Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) MVP sign as the Rockets play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Dario Saric (9) battle with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Dario Saric (9) battle with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Year

Huguley’s pick: Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon is not the sexiest pick but his impact was immense on a young Bucks team. The former Virginia Cavalier came in and immediately gave the Bucks some stability at the point guard spot, something they had not had in several years. His ability to shoot, defend multiple positions, and run the offense, make him more valuable than any other rookie. The Bucks may not be in the playoffs without him.

Snyder’s pick: Malcolm Brogdon. It would have been awesome had Joel Embiid stayed healthy most of the season. He was clearly the best rookie of the current class. Still, actually playing in games is part of being a valuable NBA player. Embiid played in just 31 games and it’s tough to look past that. That means it’s a two-man race between Dario Saric and Brogdon. Brogdon has been an efficient role player that has been instrumental in getting the Milwaukee Bucks into the playoffs. Saric has marginally better counting stats on a team bound for the lottery. I love both players, but Brogdon’s efficiency, defensive ability, and the fact that he’s doing it for a team that probably wouldn’t be in the playoffs without him gives him the edge.

Bende’s pick: Joel Embiid. This may seem like a popularity pick, but he was dominant in his 31 games played and the real reason he’s the ROY is the immensely positive impact he had on the Sixers’ culture.

O’Donnell’s pick: Joel Embiid. The Sixers have had such a rough time these past 4 years with injuries and constant losses. Yes, Embiid only played in 31 games but how he took over the league during that time was something I had never seen before. He was dominant in the games he played and was establishing himself as one of the best centers in the league. He averaged 20.2 PPG with 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks to go along with that. Brogdon and Saric probably have better cases just because of longevity but the happiness that Embiid finally brought those fans, even if for such a short amount of time, is deserving of Rookie of the Year.

Robertson’s pick: Dario Saric. Embiid is clearly the best rookie, but I cannot get over the fact that he only played 31 games. Dario, on the other hand, was healthy and tremendous in the second half of the season, averaging 17.3 points per game with 7.3 boards. His overall improvement since the season started is amazing. In a sub-par rookie class, Saric stood out and made a name for himself.

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