With the NBA’s 2024-25 season hitting the midway point, the race for individual accolades has started to crystallize. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping his MVP-level heroics can usurp the undeniable triple-double presence of Nikola Jokic while Victor Wembanyama has been absolutely dominant on the defensive end. As contenders rise and pretenders fall, let’s dive into the three leading candidates for each major award and break down why they deserve to take home the hardware.
Most Valuable Player – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Nikola Jokic
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of spectacular this season, leading the Thunder to a 35-7 record which is good for first in the West. SGA is averaging 31.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game on a hyper-efficient 53.2% shooting from the field. His ability to control the tempo, score at will, and defend at a high level (career-high 2.1 steals per game) has elevated Oklahoma City to major championship contention. Shai’s dominance on both ends makes him the frontrunner for MVP ahead of Nikola Jokic at this point.
The reigning three-time MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is putting up another masterpiece season. Jokic is averaging 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game, leading the league in triple-doubles once again. His playmaking remains the cornerstone of Denver’s offense, and the Nuggets boast a 26-16 record despite inconsistent play from Jamal Murray and injuries to Aaron Gordon. Jokic’s ability to control the game with his passing, rebounding, and scoring efficiency (56.1% FG) keeps him firmly in the MVP race.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a force of nature again, powering the Bucks to a solid 24-17 record. Averaging 31.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, Giannis is delivering MVP-caliber performances nightly. His relentless energy on both ends, combined with his improved playmaking, has made Milwaukee relevant in the East despite their awful sub-.500 start to the season.
Rookie Of The Year – Stephon Castle
1. Stephon Castle
2. Jaylen Wells
3. Zach Edey
Stephon Castle has emerged as the leader in the Rookie of the Year race, impressing with his scoring and playmaking ability. Averaging 11.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, Castle has seamlessly transitioned to the NBA. He’s been instrumental in keeping the Spurs competing for a play-in spot, with the team sitting at 19-22 and overachieving thanks to Castle’s contributions.
Jaylen Wells has been a bright spot in a strong season for the Memphis Grizzlies. Putting up 11.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, the rookie wing has been a consistent scoring threat and a valuable piece in Memphis’ future core. Wells’ flashes of two-way potential provide hope for the franchise that is looking dangerous in the West right now.
The 7’4” Zach Edey has brought his impressive college play to the NBA, averaging 9.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. His presence in the paint has been great for the Grizzlies, a team that keeps striking lottery gold. Edey’s shot-blocking and rebounding make him a pivotal piece of Memphis’ defense.
Defensive Player Of The Year – Victor Wembanyama
1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Evan Mobley
3. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Victor Wembanyama is redefining defensive dominance, leading the league with 4.0 blocks per game while adding 10.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals. The Spurs’ defense has jumped into the top 15 (allowing 113.0 PPG) with Wembanyama anchoring the paint, and his ability to switch onto smaller players has added another layer to San Antonio’s schemes. At 21 years old, he’s already the best defender in the league, and this award feels like it’s his to lose.
Evan Mobley’s ability to guard all five positions has kept Cleveland among the top defensive teams in the league, ranking 11th in OPPG (112.1 PPG) and 10th in defensive rating (111.8). Averaging 8.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game, Mobley is a nightmare for opposing offenses. The Cavaliers are 26-17, and Mobley’s versatility has been pivotal in their success, making him a top DPOY candidate.
A former DPOY winner already, Jaren Jackson Jr., is still a defensive powerhouse. Averaging 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals, he’s continued to impact games with his elite rim protection. Memphis sits at 28-15, and Jackson’s presence in the paint remains critical to their defensive identity.
Sixth Man Of The Year – Payton Pritchard
1. Payton Pritchard
2. De’Andre Hunter
3. Amen Thompson
Payton Pritchard has been the ultimate spark plug for the dominant Boston Celtics, averaging 14.6 points, 3.3 assists, and shooting a blistering 41.7% from beyond the arc. His scoring bursts off the bench have helped Boston maintain their offensive firepower when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown rest, contributing to the team’s 30-13 record. Pritchard’s ability to consistently knock down big shots and energize the second unit makes him the leading Sixth Man candidate at the season’s midpoint.
De’Andre Hunter’s two-way impact off the bench has been pivotal for the Atlanta Hawks, who currently hold a 22-20 record. Averaging a career-high 19.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 41.9% from three, Hunter has provided steady scoring and tough defense against opposing wings. His ability to impact both ends of the floor has been a key factor in Atlanta’s playoff push, solidifying his place in the Sixth Man conversation.
Amen Thompson’s versatility as a playmaker and defender has been a revelation for the Rockets, averaging 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in important minutes. Houston’s surprising 28-14 record has been bolstered by Thompson’s ability to run the offense and create opportunities for teammates. His raw athleticism and exceptional rebounding skills have made him one of the most exciting young sixth men in the league.
Most Improved Player Of The Year – Cade Cunningham
1. Cade Cunningham
2. Evan Mobley
3. Tyler Herro
Cade Cunningham has taken a massive leap this season, averaging 24.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.4 assists while carrying the Pistons’ offense. His improved three-point shooting (36.8%) and ability to orchestrate the game have made him a franchise cornerstone as the Pistons could be in the mix to make the playoffs in the East (22-21). Cunningham’s growth as a scorer and playmaker solidifies his status as the favorite for Most Improved Player.
Already a defensive stalwart, Evan Mobley’s offensive game has blossomed this season. Averaging 18.6 points and 8.8 rebounds on 57.3% shooting, Mobley has become a more complete player, helping Cleveland to a league-best 36-6 record. His improved post moves and ability to swarm players defensively have made him an even bigger problem for opposing defenses.
Tyler Herro has silenced critics with his best season yet, averaging 24.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field. The Heat (21-20) have relied heavily on Herro’s scoring bursts and clutch shooting with the ugly Jimmy Butler situation continuing to take over Miami’s season as a distraction. Herro’s leap in production and efficiency makes him a strong contender for this award.
Coach Of The Year – Kenny Atkinson
1. Kenny Atkinson
2. Ime Udoka
3. Jamahl Mosley
In his first year as head coach, Kenny Atkinson has ignited the Cavaliers, leading them to a league-best 36-6 record. His ability to revamp Cleveland’s defensive schemes while keeping the offense humming without Donovan Mitchell having an exceptional year offensively (23.1 PPG) has been a masterstroke. Atkinson’s leadership and tactical adjustments have given the Cavs fans hope that they might be able to make the NBA Finals without LeBron James.
Ime Udoka has transformed the Houston Rockets from a lottery side to a playoff contender with a 28-14 record. His defensive emphasis (4th in OPPG, 4th in defensive rating) and ability to develop young talent like Amen Thompson while improving Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have been critical to Houston’s turnaround. Udoka’s no-nonsense coaching style has brought structure and accountability to a young team, making him a top Coach of the Year candidate.
Jamahl Mosley has guided the Orlando Magic to a very solid 23-21 start considering the injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, thanks to a balanced roster and a commitment to defense. Under Mosley’s leadership, the team boasts one of the league’s most impressive defensive ratings (2nd in OPPG, 3rd in defensive rating). Mosley’s ability to foster a winning culture in Orlando has earned him widespread praise and Coach of the Year consideration.
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