2016 was a rough year. The country from the beginning became engaged in what I will call the next great civil war, Politics. We lost so many greats, Prince, John Glenn, David Bowie, Gene Wilder, and Leonard Cohen. Not to mention the countless members of the sports world we lost. 2016 saw the most Police shootings and the most shootings of police in recorded united states history. This country and the world was a mess for about the seven eighths of the time 2016 was happening. In that sliver though we gained the most clarity we had ever had, through the best sports year of the decade. In a world of chaos and craziness, we needed it.
Sport is really the best distractor. I have made this case a million times and it doesn’t need to be written down any more. So without further ado its time to honor the best sportsyear ever and bid good riddance to the worst year ever.
Team of the year: Golden State Warriors
They have won this award back to back now, sure they didn’t win it all and sure Cleveland’s a great story but its about the best team overall. The warriors were clearly that, breaking an NBA record and going down as the best regular season team in NBA history.
Game of the year: NCAA Men’s national title game: North Carolina vs Villanova.
Again stiff competition from Cleveland’s NBA (and MLB) finals game sevens the national title game takes the cake though. It was the best last minute of a game ever and a see saw back and forth game from the beginning. Kris Jenkins at the buzzer still sends shivers down my spine.
Playoff of the year: MLB playoffs
History, this set of playoffs was history in the making before our very eyes. Chicago’s championship nightmare is over. The best baseball game ever was played in game seven, I mean come on how can you not love the underdog Cleveland story? Knocking out Big Papi in his final game and rolling over the Blue Jays in the ALCS. Best playoffs by far.
Soccer Player of the year: Christiano Ronaldo
Champions league champion and his first ever international trophy. Messi didn’t even come close.
Basketball player of the year: Lebron James
Cleeeeveland this is for you. Steph was the MVP yes but this guy was the champ.
Hockey Player of the year: Sidney Crosby
The long standing stamp that he couldn’t preform in the playoffs anymore was revoked as he took Pittsburgh to the cup. Through the regular season thus far he leads the league with 24 goals. In a league of young guns the crown still remains in Pittsburgh.
Football player of the year: Dak Prescott
Tom Brady was the other option but Americas team is Americas team again because Dak and Zeke have transformed the cowboys. The craziest part, Daks a Rookie.
Coach of the year: Bill Belicheck
He’ll never win this award in real life because his greatness is taken for granted by the NFL. Well give it to him here though. Bill you can sleep a little sounder now you have the one trophy that eludes you.
Overall MVP
Lebron James