NBA 2024-25 Season Predictions: Expert Picks for MVP and Major Awards

The 2024-25 NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive and thrilling seasons in recent history. As teams gear up for another intense year of basketball, the race for the league’s top awards is heating up. From the coveted MVP title to the Rookie of the Year, the competition is fierce. Our expert panel has weighed in with their predictions for who will take home the NBA’s most prestigious awards this season. Here’s a detailed look at their top picks.

1. MVP Predictions: Luka Doncic Leads the Pack

The MVP race is always one of the most anticipated aspects of the NBA season, and this year is no exception. After an extraordinary performance in the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks has emerged as the leading candidate for the MVP award.

• Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: With 61 points and 48% of first-place votes, Luka Doncic is the top choice for MVP. His exceptional playmaking ability, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him a standout performer. Entering his seventh season, Doncic is poised to claim his first MVP title, adding to his already impressive resume.
• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: Close on Doncic’s heels is the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, with 40 points. Jokic has the chance to join the ranks of NBA legends like LeBron James and Michael Jordan if he can secure his fourth MVP award in five years. His versatility and leadership on the court continue to make him a formidable presence.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished second in last season’s MVP voting, is another strong contender. With 37 points, he has the potential to lead the Thunder to new heights and make a serious run for the MVP title.
• Other Contenders: Rounding out the list are Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), and Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns). Each of these superstars has the potential to make a significant impact and challenge for the MVP award.

2. Rookie of the Year Predictions: A Wide-Open Race

The 2024 NBA Draft class may not have generated the same level of excitement as previous years, but that doesn’t mean the race for Rookie of the Year will be any less thrilling. After impressive performances in the summer league, several rookies have emerged as strong contenders for the award.

• Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets: Leading the pack is Reed Sheppard, who was the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Sheppard averaged 20.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in Las Vegas, making him a standout performer. With 74 points and 62% of first-place votes, Sheppard is the favorite to take home the Rookie of the Year award.
• Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies: Edey, who finished second in voting with 40 points, is a towering presence on the court. His rivalry with Donovan Clingan, which began in the 2024 national championship, is set to continue in the NBA, adding an exciting subplot to the Rookie of the Year race.
• Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers: Clingan, with 27 points, rounds out the top three. His ability to dominate in the paint and control the boards makes him a strong candidate for the award.
• Other Contenders: Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Rob Dillingham (Minnesota Timberwolves), Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), and Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) are also in the mix. Each of these rookies has the potential to make a significant impact on their respective teams.

3. Defensive Player of the Year Predictions: The French Connection

Defense wins championships, and the battle for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) is always intense. This season, the competition is expected to be fierce, with two French superstars leading the charge.

• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: After finishing second in DPOY voting as a rookie, Wembanyama is the top pick this year, with 76 points and 67% of first-place votes. His shot-blocking ability and defensive presence make him a game-changer on the court. Wembanyama’s performance in the 2024 Olympics, where he averaged 2.0 blocks and 2.2 steals per game, has only solidified his reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
• Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves: Gobert, the reigning DPOY, is not far behind with 29 points. As a four-time winner of the award, Gobert’s ability to protect the rim and anchor the defense makes him a perennial contender.
• Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat: Adebayo, with 26 points, is another strong candidate. His versatility on defense, combined with his ability to guard multiple positions, makes him a key player for the Heat.
• Other Contenders: Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), OG Anunoby (New York Knicks), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) are also in the running. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact on the defensive end.

4. Sixth Man of the Year Predictions: Monk’s Time to Shine

The Sixth Man of the Year award recognizes the best player coming off the bench, and this year, the race is expected to be tightly contested.

• Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings: Tied for the top spot with 38 points, Monk is the favorite to win the award. After coming in second last season, Monk is poised to take the title with his scoring ability and clutch performances. The addition of DeMar DeRozan to the Kings’ roster only enhances Monk’s chances.
• Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder: Caruso, who also has 38 points, is another top contender. Known for his defensive prowess and high basketball IQ, Caruso’s impact off the bench could be a game-changer for the Thunder.
• Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves: Reid, with 29 points, rounds out the top three. His ability to score and rebound off the bench makes him a valuable asset for the Timberwolves.
• Other Contenders: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat), T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks), Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks), and others are also in the mix. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact as the sixth man.

5. Most Improved Player Predictions: Wemby on the Rise

The Most Improved Player (MIP) award recognizes the player who has shown the most significant progress from the previous season. This year, the competition is expected to be fierce, with several young stars in the running.

• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: Wembanyama is not only a top pick for DPOY but also for MIP. With 26 points and 14% of first-place votes, Wembanyama is expected to take his game to new heights this season.
• Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder: Williams, who also has 26 points, is another strong contender. After a breakout sophomore season, Williams is poised to make even bigger strides this year.
• Coby White, Chicago Bulls: White, with 25 points, is another player to watch. His improved playmaking and scoring ability make him a candidate for the MIP award.
• Other Contenders: Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets), Devin Vassell (San Antonio Spurs), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), and others are also in the running. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact on their teams.

6. Coach of the Year Predictions: Thibodeau’s Third Triumph

The Coach of the Year award recognizes the best head coach in the league, and this year, the competition is expected to be tight.

• Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks: Thibodeau is the top pick for Coach of the Year, with 29 points and 19% of first-place votes. With the addition of key players to the Knicks’ roster, Thibodeau is poised to lead his team to a deep playoff run.
• Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder: Daigneault, with 24 points, is another strong contender. After leading the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the West last season, Daigneault is expected to continue his success this year.
• Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: Mazzulla, with 22 points, rounds out the top three. His ability to manage a talented Celtics roster and lead them to success makes him a strong candidate for the award.
• Other Contenders: Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs), Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers),