Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Pistons guard Cade Cunningham are the NBA’s Players of the Month for October/November, earning the honor for the Western and Eastern Conference, respectively, per an announcement from the league (Twitter link).
It’s the ninth time that Jokic has won a Player of the Month award over the course of his 11-year career. He earned it in this case with a superlative start to the season that saw him comfortably average a triple-double – 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game – while leading Denver to a 14-5 record.
Jokic’s shooting percentages were arguably even more remarkable than his per-game averages, as he shot 63.7% from the field and converted 45.3% of his three-point attempts.
The Nuggets star came out on top of a competitive field that included nominees like fellow MVP candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Luka Doncic of the Lakers. Clippers guard James Harden, Rockets center Alperen Sengun, Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, Lakers guard Austin Reaves, and Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards were also nominated for Player of the Month in the West, according to the NBA (Twitter link).
In the East, meanwhile, Cunningham’s Pistons have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season’s first six weeks. While Detroit was viewed as a strong playoff contender, few NBA observers expected the team to win 16 of its first 20 games and sit atop the Eastern Conference at the end of November.
Cunningham was the driving force behind the Pistons’ hot start, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds in 36.8 minutes per game across 17 outings, while shooting 45.6% from the floor and 81.5% from the free throw line.
Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, Celtics wing Jaylen Brown, Bulls guard Josh Giddey, Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Heat guard Norman Powell, Magic forward Franz Wagner, and Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were also nominated for Eastern Conference Player of the Month, which Cunningham won for the first time in his career.
Getting in the best shape possible every year. Is what the Mamba Mentality is …. Not everyone has it in the NBA. This is why you have so many OneWay players in NBA. Playing for contracts every 3-5 yrs.
Jokic finally got the message in 2019. And has won the MVP in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2023-24.
“2019-2020 season: Jokic began losing weight during the season, crediting a new diet and workout plan for his improved performance. He was noted to be around 284 pounds at the start of the season.
2020 offseason: He used the NBA shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic to lose another 20-30 pounds, leading to a leaner physique by the time training camp started. This transformation became immediately noticeable on the court.
Only true greats strive to be the best they can be every year …..
Al, you use the “OneWay player” definition so often. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you mean players who are “all offense, no defense”.
I wonder, what do you think about the guys who are the other way around? The Rudy Goberts of this world.
I don’t know if you watched the Atlanta-Washington game last week. You probably didn’t, and I don’t blame you. And I don’t know if you’ve been watching Atlanta in general. Dyson Daniels doesn’t score and doesn’t look to score. He only looks to drive and kick out. He will take an open dunk, and he does his push-shot thing, but he’s generally very reluctant to take a field goal attempt. Very Ben Simmons-like. He’s taking only 1.4 FTAs/game while playing 33 mins/night. That’s fewer FTAs/36 minutes and FTAs/FGA than Ben Simmons did in Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, not in Philly. After the no-dunk on Trae game. Daniels is playing very similarly to that version of Ben Simmons.
Going back to the Atl-Wash game. Daniels didn’t even try to score, never took a jumper. This allowed the Wiz to collapse deep inside the paint and sit. They didn’t have to show their defensive prowess or exert themselves on that end. CJ McCollum, Kispert and Carrington had a nice, comfortable night. CJ went for 46.
Are you as disparaging about the players who are “all defense, no offense” too, or only the other way around? Do you consider players who only “play defense” studs, and those who only “play offense” weak noodles?
Yes sir. I believe I’m the first to ever use that term on HRs. Long time ago. I use it cause most fans here don’t give credit or understand this is a 2way sport. And too many players only play offense. Cause offense gets you paid. OneWay is derogatory meaning they choose not to play D lol. There are players who are not good defenders. But more who choose not to play D or get better at it.
Tyson and Rudy are not good examples. Both have improved their offense since entering the L. And I would consider them 2way players. They are solid on offense. Guys like Tyson and OG are still improving offensively. It takes effort to play D. Do the dirty work. Not all stars do that. It takes a special player to go all out defensively. Its much easier to go all out offensively. Today if players only play D. They won’t last unless they are rim protectors. Or can shoot, 3nD guys.
Jimmy Butler is one my favorite players. Cause he is a Thibs disciple. And epitomizes what hard work and true effort can make you. He literally made himself a max player. Thru hard work and dedication. Love me some 2way players lol.
Today only the rim protector is carried on a team. Even if he has no offense. Cause in a 2way sport. Half the game is played on defensive end. And a true rim protector is the most important player in a defensive scheme. Now not everyone doesn’t always use a rim protector. But a great D team always has one. And you don’t need him every game. But to build winning teams. Every team should have one on a 15 man roster imo.
Mitch Robinson is a premier rim protector. Big man Defense and offensive and defensive rebounding. Doesn’t even have to score and can affect a game in a positive way.
A diehard Bulls fans would never say this is in a million years (for obvious reasons), but “MVP MVP MVP” to a Pistons player.
Flat out STUD.
God we are homeless behind belief lmao.
Cade is from Texas lol. He’s the real stuff man.
We are accepting bandwagoners