NBA individual awards, as we see them

One man’s layout of the NBA awards, not to be clipped, saved or trusted:

Most Valuable Player: If they did this right, casting votes after the playoffs, we could see how much James Harden figures into the “winning team” equation. For now, it has to be Russell Westbrook. He just wouldn’t be denied.

2. Kawhi Leonard. It’s about his defense — and the Spurs’ record. 3. Harden. He changed his ways and put up insane numbers. 4. LeBron James. Best player in the world, as he likes to say. Can’t ever leave him out of the discussion. 5. Stephen Curry. Had a great year, doing whatever it took to make things flow. You want wins, he’s your point guard.

Rookie of the Year: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia. He played only 31 games, but he single-handedly revived post play (Olajuwon-like moves) and produced 28.7 points per 36 minutes — better than any rookie since Wilt Chamberlain. And he was a shot-blocking machine. Somewhere, future centers realized the position doesn’t have to be about casting away from 25 feet.

2. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee. Smart, classy guard played plenty of minutes and showed no weakness. 3. Buddy Hield, Sacramento. He won’t be Curry, as visualized by owner Vivek Ranadive, but he blossomed after his trade to the Kings.

Coach of the Year: 1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami. His team was hastily put together, postglory, with no intent to win. The Heat went 30-11 in the second half and deserved a playoff spot. 2. Mike D’Antoni, Houston. 3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio (the best, always; just giving others some credit). Defensive Player of the Year: With all due respect to Leonard and Rudy Gobert, you can’t vote against Draymond Green if you watch him every night. There’s never been a defensive genius this versatile. And he comes up big when it matters most. Sixth Man of the Year: Andre Iguodala. It’s all very nice to have spark-plug shooters like Eric Gordon and Lou Williams, but Iguodala represents the essence of the Warriors. He’s a complete player with a Hall of Fame brand of influence. Most Improved: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee. He’ll be All-NBA and a revelation in the playoffs. 2. Nikola Jokic, Denver. 3. Harrison Barnes, Dallas: 19.2 points per game as the go-to scorer head coach Rick Carlisle envisioned.