NBA Awards Picks! SGA or Wemby for MVP? Plus, End of Season Notes | Game Theory Podcast

In this comprehensive end-of-season awards breakdown on the Game Theory Podcast, hosts Sam Vassini and Bryce Simon deliver a deep dive into the NBA's major individual honors. They open with a heated debate over MVP, ultimately favoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his historic scoring efficiency, clutch dominance, and ability to carry the Thunder without key teammates, while placing Victor Wembanyama second due to his defensive mastery and all-around impact. The discussion extends to All-NBA teams, with Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Brown earning nods, and highlights Cooper Flagg’s edge over Brandon Miller for Rookie of the Year based on team success and role impact. The hosts emphasize context, per-100 possessions stats, and player growth—especially for LaMelo Ball and injured stars—when evaluating performance. In the second half, they spotlight under-the-radar performers like Dylan Harper, whose elite bench contributions (ranking fifth in points and assists among all players) make him a compelling Sixth Man of the Year candidate despite limited recognition. They also champion Mitch Johnson for Coach of the Year and Nikhil Alexander-Walker for Most Improved Player, while reassessing rookie narratives around VJ Edgecombe and Bryce Cooper. The episode closes with a strong promotional push for the Game Theory Substack and a brief hiatus announcement, leaving fans with a sense of anticipation for the return next Sunday.