Repeating a major NBA award after winning it is undoubtedly something that is very different to do. There have only been 15 instances of a back-to-back MVP winner in NBA history. There have only been 10 instances of a back-to-back DPOY winner in NBA history. There have only been 3 instances of a back-to-back 6MOTY winner in NBA history. There has never been an instance of a back-to-back COTY (Coach of the Year) winner in NBA history.
In this column, we are going to assess the likelihood of the winners (and runner-ups) of the above awards (and other awards) from last season winning the same award. If that doesn’t make sense, it will soon.
MVP
2023 Winner: Joel Embiid
After finishing as the MVP runner-up for the two prior seasons, Embiid finally got his hands on the MVP award this past season. It could be argued that he didn’t deserve it, as many had Nikola Jokic as the winner for the third consecutive season. Ultimately, that doesn’t matter. Looking forward, the 76ers don’t have the brightest slate for 2024. James Harden will not be in uniform, and the team could certainly finish worse than their top 3 seeding from 2023. Unless Embiid improves on this campaign, it’s overall unlikely that he wins the 2024 MVP due to other stronger contenders.
Verdict: Certainly possible but not incredibly likely
2023 Runner-Up: Nikola Jokic
After losing out on his chance to be awarded his third consecutive MVP award, Jokic went out and won the WCF MVP and Finals MVP en route to the Nuggets title. To some (like me), Jokic deserved the regular season MVP too. There’s no doubt that Jokic will be back and just as strong next season, as he aims for his third MVP award of his career. Simply put, we all know how good Jokic is, as he’s the best player on the planet. DraftKings has Jokic slated as the MVP favorite, and rightfully so.
Verdict: Certainly likely; the favorite
DPOY
2023 Winner: Jaren Jackson Jr.
At just age 24, Jackson Jr. just won his first of potentially multiple DPOYs. He led the league in blocks per game with 3.0, as the Grizzlies defense ranked 2nd in the league, only behind the Cavaliers. His Team USA run was undoubtedly lackluster on that end, but it shouldn’t affect his chance to win the award next season. However, to win his second consecutive DPOY, he needs to be incredibly dominant. The last three players to repeat as DPOY were Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard, and Dwight Howard. I’m not so sure Jackson Jr. is quite up for that task with other strong candidates, but he will certainly be in the mix.
Verdict: Absolutely in the mix, but perhaps not the favorite
2023 Runner-Up: Brook Lopez
Lopez might be a boring candidate as in he doesn’t produce many highlight blocks or players. He’s an older player, but guess what? He’s really, really damn good defensively. In fact, he was my pick for DPOY this year. With that said, his name value isn’t quite on par with other such as Jacskon Jr., Evan Mobley, or even his teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo. Getting second for DPOY is awesome, but can he really get over the hump to win the award? It will take a dominant effort, which is likely why he only has the 7th best odds to win the award in 2024 according to DraftKings.
Verdict: A dark horse, but he needs an incredible campaign to take home DPOY
6MOTY
2023 Winner: Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon was absolutely awesome last season for the Celtics. He was injured during the postseason and received some slander for that, but when healthy, he was amazing. He’s a great all-around offensive player who was a huge part of the Celtics reaching the 57 win mark. With that said, he is reportedly unhappy with the Celtics after they attempted to trade him earlier this offseason. He may not even be a Celtic this coming season, so it’s very difficult to predict whether or not he will be starting. In addition, it’s incredibly, incredibly difficult to repeat as 6MOTY.
Verdict: Among contenders, but surely not the favorite given uncertainty
2023 Runner-Up: Immanuel Quickley
Like Brogdon, Quickley struggled in the playoffs after having an incredibly strong regular season. That has led people to forget how good Quickley truly is. He’s a very good all-around player on both ends, and with the Knicks projected to be a playoff team again with Quickley still just being 24 and improving, it’s hard not to see Quickley as an obvious, amazing candidate for 6MOTY this coming season. To me, he’s currently the favorite for 2024, and DraftKings agrees.
Verdict: The current favorite, but anything can happen with this award
COTY
2023 Winner: Mike Brown
The Kings were the story of the regular season last year. After practically two decades of being irrelevant and failing to make any noise, Mike Brown came in and made the Kings fun with one of the best offenses in the entire NBA. Now, it’s time to note that no coach has won Coach of the Year in back-to-back years. For Mike Brown to be legitimately considered for the Coach of the Year award this coming season, he likely needs to lead the Kings to a 60+ win season. With that said, is that likely? Is that possible?
Verdict: Incredibly unlikely; would need Sacramento to become premier contenders
2023 Runner-Up: Mark Daigneault
The Thunder were a joy last season. Although they were projected to be among the league’s worst teams, that found themselves in the play-in fighting for a playoff spot. They ultimately missed the postseason, but it was a great season. The players showcased extreme growth and maturity, and Daigneault proved why he’s among the best coaches in the league. With that said, the Thunder are looking forward to another successful season. Their young core should improve, and they’re adding Chet Holgmren and others to the mix. Daigneault will be a large part of why this team will find success. He is the current DraftKings favorite.
Verdict: Absolutely among the favorites and arguably the frontrunner
Now for some quick hitters…
WCF & FMVP Winner: Nikola Jokic
Verdict: Absolutely possible for Denver to go back-to-back, led by none other than Jokic; the favorite
ECF MVP Winner: Jimmy Butler
Verdict: 100% very possible and among favorites but not the current favorite
Charlie Spungin , NBA Analyst