With the season wrapped, analyst Dean Oliver is putting a numbers-driven bow on the year by issuing a set of “most valuable” awards across 15 NBA categories.
Using ESPN Analytics’ Net Points metric, Oliver’s framework aims to quantify value in a range of on-court areas rather than limiting recognition to traditional, single-trophy conversations. The categories stretch from highly specific skills—such as floaters—to broader impact areas like defense, and they culminate with an MVP selection.
The approach highlights how value can show up in different forms across the league, whether through specialized scoring tools, defensive impact, or all-around contributions captured by the metric. By leaning on Net Points, the awards are positioned as a season-end snapshot grounded in analytics rather than reputation or narrative alone.
What it is
Oliver’s list functions as a comprehensive season summary: 15 distinct categories, each tied to a version of “most valuable” performance as measured through Net Points. The result is a wide-angle look at player impact that recognizes multiple pathways to winning basketball.