A select group of NBA beat reporters expect two major storylines to unfold in the second half of the 2022-23 season.
They believe the Boston Celtics will win the NBA championship, rectifying last season’s loss to Golden State in the NBA Finals. And they predict Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic will collect his first Kia MVP trophy.
NBA.com used the midpoint of the season to survey 30 beat reporters or columnists representing each NBA market, including two reporters in New York and two in Los Angeles. The reporters responded to questions about the best teams, players and coaches at the halfway mark.
Percentages are based on 30 total votes for each question.
Some of the respondents in this survey also vote for the NBA’s Kia Performance Awards, announced annually after the conclusion of the season. The results in this survey are unrelated to those awards.
> Midseason Report Cards: The West | Midseason Report Cards: The East
The list of panelists who took part in this survey can be found at the bottom of these results.
Takeaways & Predictions
At the halfway mark, the survey’s media voters predict a Clippers-Celtics NBA Finals.
Who are the 10 best teams in the NBA right now?
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | Total | |
| 1. Boston | 250 | 27 | 16 | 293 | |||||||
| 2. Milwaukee | 10 | 117 | 40 | 28 | 18 | 15 | 3 | 231 | |||
| 3. Denver | 36 | 112 | 49 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 224 | ||||
| 4. Brooklyn | 40 | 81 | 32 | 28 | 18 | 15 | 4 | 218 | |||
| 5. Memphis | 9 | 24 | 63 | 48 | 35 | 4 | 3 | 186 | |||
| 6. New Orleans | 8 | 28 | 42 | 30 | 24 | 12 | 4 | 148 | |||
| 7. Cleveland | 8 | 7 | 36 | 30 | 24 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 131 | ||
| 8. Philadelphia | 7 | 35 | 28 | 33 | 10 | 4 | 117 | ||||
| 9. LA Clippers | 5 | 20 | 12 | 16 | 7 | 60 | |||||
| 10. Dallas | 15 | 12 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 48 |
» Total = Breakdown of total points (10 for 1st place vote, 9 for 2nd, 8 for 3rd, 7 for 4th, 6 for 5th, 5 for 6th, 4 for 7th, 3 for 8th, 2 for 9th, 1 for 10th)
» Also receiving votes: Phoenix (one 8th place, five 9th place, five 10th place); Sacramento (one 8th, three 10th) and Golden State (one 8th, two 10th).
Which team is poised to make a big second-half run?
1. Golden State – 43%
2. LA Clippers – 27%
T-3. Memphis – 7%
T-3. Miami – 7%
T-3. Milwaukee – 7%
T-6. Boston – 3%
T-6. Brooklyn – 3%
T-6. Cleveland – 3%
Which team will represent the East in the NBA Finals?
1. Boston – 57%
2. Milwaukee – 33%
3. Brooklyn -10%
Which team will represent the West in the NBA Finals?
1. LA Clippers – 34%
2. Denver – 30%
3. Memphis – 23%
4. Golden State – 10%
5. Dallas – 3%
Who will win the 2023 NBA Finals?
1. Boston – 57%
2. Milwaukee – 30%
3. Brooklyn – 10%
4. LA Clippers – 3%
What has been the best game of the season?
1. Dallas’ Luka Doncic finishing with a 60-point triple-double vs. New York on Dec. 27 – 43%
2. Denver’s overtime win against Phoenix on Christmas Day – 20%
3. Donovan Mitchell’s 71-point performance in Cavs’ OT win over Bulls on Jan. 2 – 13%
» Also receiving votes: Cleveland’s one-point win against Boston on Nov. 2; Los Angeles Lakers’ win against Milwaukee on Dec. 2; New Orleans’ OT win against Phoenix on Dec. 11; Boston’s win against Milwaukee on Christmas Day; Golden State’s double OT win against Atlanta on Jan. 2
What has been the best play of the season?
1. Luka Doncic’s rebound off intentionally missed free throw and game-tying putback to force OT vs. New York on Dec. 27 – 43%
2. Aaron Gordon’s and-1 dunk over Phoenix’s Landry Shamet on Christmas Day – 27%
T-3. Zion Williamson’s 360-windmill dunk vs. Phoenix on Dec. 9 – 7%
T-3. De’Aaron Fox’s half-court game-winner vs. Orlando on Nov. 5 – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant’s crossover vs. Washington’s Daniel Gafford on Nov. 4; Donovan Mitchell’s putback after missed foul shot to force OT vs. Chicago on Jan. 2; AJ Griffin’s game-winner vs. Toronto on Nov. 19
Relive Luka Doncic's improbable rebound-and-shot sequence on Dec. 28 vs. New York.
What has been the most surprising storyline of the season?
1. Brooklyn’s bounce-back – 20%
2. Sacramento’s ascension -17%
3. Golden State’s inconsistency – 13%
T-4. Minnesota’s struggles -10%
T-4. Indiana’s start -10%
» Also receiving votes: Utah staying in playoff contention; Boston’s strong start following Ime Udoka’s suspension; Chicago’s Lonzo Ball with no timeline to return; New Orleans becoming a contender
Based on what you’ve seen so far, which team made the best overall personnel moves last summer?
1. Cleveland – 67%
2. Utah – 10%
T-3. Boston – 7%
T-3. Denver -7%
» Also receiving votes: Brooklyn, Sacramento, Philadelphia
Which rookie has been the biggest steal related to where he was selected in the 2022 Draft?
1. Andrew Nembhard, Indiana (No. 31) – 30%
2. Walker Kessler, Utah (No. 22) – 23%
3. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana (No. 6) – 17%
» Also receiving votes: Tari Eason, Houston (No. 17); Jalen Duren, Detroit (No. 13); AJ Griffin, Atlanta (No. 16); Jaden Hardy, Dallas (No. 37); Christian Koloko, Toronto (No. 33); Shaedon Sharpe, Portland (No. 7)
Awards
The survey’s media voters expect either Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic to win Kia MVP.
Who is on track to win the Kia MVP award this season?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 43%
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 40%
T-3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 3%
Who is on track to win Kia Rookie of the Year this season?
1. Paolo Banchero, Orlando – 97%
2. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana – 3%
Who is on track to win Kia Defensive Player of the Year?
1. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee – 37%
2. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis – 27%
3. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland – 10%
» Also receiving votes: OG Anunoby, Toronto; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Bam Adebayo, Miami; Dillon Brooks, Memphis; Draymond Green, Golden State
Who is on track to win the Kia Sixth Man of the Year award?
1. Jordan Poole, Golden State – 33%
2. Malcolm Brogdon, Boston – 23%
T-3. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana – 13%
T-3. Christian Wood, Dallas – 13%
» Also receiving votes: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers; Malik Monk, Sacramento; Norman Powell, LA Clippers; Bobby Portis, Milwaukee
Who is on track to win the Kia Most Improved Player award?
1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah – 53%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 33%
T-3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 7%
T-3. Anfernee Simons, Portland – 7%
Who is on track to win Coach of the Year?
1. Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn – 43%
T-2. Willie Green, New Orleans – 23%
T-2. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 23%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, Sacramento; Rick Carlisle, Indiana; J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland
Who is on track to win the Clutch Player of the Year award?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 47%
2. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento – 13%
3. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn 10%
» Also receiving votes: Damian Lillard, Portland; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Jayson Tatum, Boston; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland; Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn
Player Rankings
The survey’s media voters list Nikola Jokic as the best center and passer in the game.
Who has been the best point guard this season?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 80%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10%
3. Ja Morant, Memphis – 7%
4. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 3%
Who has been the best shooting guard this season?
1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland – 62%
2. Devin Booker, Phoenix – 17%
T-3. Jaylen Brown, Boston – 7%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Ja Morant, Memphis
Who has been the best small forward this season?
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 62%
2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 28%
» Also receiving votes: Luka Doncic, Dallas; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Lauri Markkanen, Utah
Who has been the best power forward this season?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 72%
2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 14%
3. Zion Williamson, New Orleans – 10%
» Also receiving votes: Nikola Jokic, Denver
Who has been the best center this season?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 86%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 14%
Who is the best shooter in the league?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 97%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 3%
Who is the best international player in the league?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 38%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 34%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 28%
Who is the best passer in the league?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 65%
2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers – 14%
T-3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
T-3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 7%
T-3. Chris Paul, Phoenix – 7%
Who is the best rebounder in the league?
1. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento – 38%
2. Steven Adams, Memphis – 21%
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 14%
» Also receiving votes: Clint Capela, Atlanta; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; Andre Drummond, Chicago; Rudy Gobert, Minnesota; Nikola Jokic, Denver; Mitchell Robinson, New York; Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Coaches
The survey’s media voters cite Joe Mazzulla as the first-year coach who has had the most positive impact on his team.
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 60%
2. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 17%
3. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee; Taylor Jenkins, Memphis; Steve Kerr, Golden State; Michael Malone, Denver; Nick Nurse, Toronto
Which coach draws up the best ATOs (after timeout plays)?
1. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 21%
T-2. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 10%
T-2. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 10%
T-2.Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 10%
T-2. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 10%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee; Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Taylor Jenkins, Memphis; Nick Nurse, Toronto; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Monty Williams, Phoenix
Which first-year head coach has had the most positive impact on his team?
1. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 37%
2. Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn – 23%
3. Will Hardy, Utah – 20%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, Sacramento; Darvin Ham, Los Angeles Lakers
Which current NBA assistant coach is poised to become a head coach by the start of next season?
1. Charles Lee, Milwaukee – 31%
2. Kenny Atkinson, Golden State – 28%
3. Sam Cassell, Philadelphia – 13%
» Also receiving votes: Jerome Allen, Detroit; Johnnie Bryant, New York; Dave Joerger, Philadelphia; Damon Stoudamire, Boston; Sean Sweeney, Dallas; Teresa Weatherspoon, New Orleans; Kevin Young, Phoenix
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chris Paul, Phoenix – 40%
2. Garrett Temple, New Orleans – 10%
T-3. Mike Conley Jr., Utah – 7%
T-3. Taj Gibson, Washington – 7%
T-3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 7%
T-3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston; Jalen Brunson, New York; Danny Green, Memphis; Udonis Haslem, Miami; Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee; Kyle Lowry, Miami; Wesley Matthews, Milwaukee
Miscellaneous
The survey’s media voters list Kevin Durant as the toughest player to guard in the NBA.
Who is the most underrated player in the league?
1. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 13%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-3. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee – 7%
T-3. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Miami; OG Anunoby, Toronto; Desmond Bane, Memphis; Bol Bol, Orlando; Mikal Bridges, Phoenix; Jaylen Brown, Boston; Brandon Clarke, Memphis; Darius Garland, Cleveland; Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Lauri Markkanen, Utah; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia; CJ McCollum, New Orleans; Evan Mobley, Cleveland; Larry Nance Jr., New Orleans; Anfernee Simons, Portland; Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio
Who is the toughest player to guard?
1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 38%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 23%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 20%
» Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 24%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 21%
T-3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 17%
T-3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 17%
» Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Zion Williamson, New Orleans
Who is the scrappiest player in the league?
1. Jose Alvarado, New Orleans – 31%
2. Marcus Smart, Boston – 24%
3. Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee – 10%
» Also receiving votes: OG Anunoby, Toronto; Dillon Brooks, Memphis; Alex Caruso, Chicago; Josh Hart, Portland; Herb Jones, New Orleans; T.J. McConnell, Indiana; Davion Mitchell, Sacramento; Ja Morant, Memphis
Which team has the best homecourt advantage?
1. Golden State – 37%
2. Boston – 27%
3. Denver – 17%
4. Milwaukee – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Sacramento, Memphis, New Orleans, Philadelphia
Which team has the most promising young core?
1. Memphis – 43%
2. Orlando – 20%
3. New Orleans -17%
4. Cleveland -10%
» Also receiving votes: Oklahoma City, Boston
Which rookie will be the best all-around player in five years?
1. Paolo Banchero, Orlando – 73%
2. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana – 10%
3. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City; Jaden Ivey, Detroit; Shaedon Sharpe, Portland.
NBA Midseason Survey participants:
Atlanta Hawks: Lauren Williams / The Atlanta Journal–Constitution
Boston Celtics: Gary Washburn / The Boston Globe
Brooklyn Nets: Brian Lewis / New York Post
Charlotte Hornets: Rod Boone / The Charlotte Observer
Chicago Bulls: K.C. Johnson / NBC Sports Chicago
Cleveland Cavaliers: Chris Fedor / The Plain Dealer; Cleveland.com
Dallas Mavericks: Callie Caplan / The Dallas Morning News
Denver Nuggets: Mike Singer / The Denver Post
Detroit Pistons: Omari Sankofa II / Detroit Free Press
Golden State Warriors: Anthony Slater / The Athletic
Houston Rockets: Kelly Iko / The Athletic
Indiana Pacers: Dustin Dopirak / Indianapolis Star
LA Clippers: Ohm Youngmisuk / ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers: Dave McMenamin / ESPN
Memphis Grizzlies: Damichael Cole / The Commercial Appeal
Miami Heat: Ira Winderman / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Milwaukee Bucks: Jim Owczarski / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Minnesota Timberwolves: Jon Krawczynski / The Athletic
New Orleans Pelicans: Christian Clark / The Times–Picayune
New York Knicks: Fred Katz / The Athletic
Oklahoma City Thunder: Joe Mussatto / The Oklahoman
Orlando Magic: Khobi Price / Orlando Sentinel
Philadelphia 76ers: Keith Pompey / The Philadelphia Inquirer
Phoenix Suns: Duane Rankin / Arizona Republic
Portland Trail Blazers: Jason Quick / The Athletic
Sacramento Kings: Jason Anderson / The Sacramento Bee
San Antonio Spurs: Jeff McDonald / San Antonio Express-News
Toronto Raptors: Doug Smith / Toronto Star
Utah Jazz: Tony Jones / The Athletic
Washington Wizards: Josh Robbins / The Athletic
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Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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