The 2024-25 NBA regular season is well underway and we have a strong idea of which players will be difference-makers in the MVP race already, including Nikola Jokic and the exceptional Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Other races around the league including Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year are also exciting, and the battle for each trophy will come down to the finest margins. Even if we are still in the season’s early months, here are the leading candidates for all NBA awards.
Most Valuable Player
Current Leaders For The Most Valuable Player Award:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Nikola Jokic
3. Luka Doncic
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Anthony Davis
Leading the MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated his game and his team’s potential. Shai’s creativity in scoring, paired with his defensive tenacity, has pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder into championship contention again with the third seed in the Western Conference (8-2). Averaging 26.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, he’s showing the kind of dominance that few can rival, all while making his team a force in the West.
A three-time MVP and last season’s winner, Nikola Jokic continues to dominate for the Denver Nuggets by averaging a monster triple-double (29.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 11.7 APG) with his signature playmaking and efficiency. With impressive averages near a triple-double, Jokic’s numbers speak for themselves, but it’s his ability to make his teammates better that keeps him in the MVP conversation every year. Despite starting the season 0-2, the Nuggets have rode Jokic to a solid record.
Luka Doncic’s brilliance is undeniable, especially with his recent knack for clutch performances. Leading the Mavericks with his scoring (28.3) and assists (8.2), Doncic is putting up well-rounded stats that keep the Mavericks in playoff contention. Even if his shot has not been falling, Doncic is one of the best all-around players in the league right now and his sheer presence alone makes it seem like his team is ready to push for a second-straight Finals appearance.
Jayson Tatum has established himself as the Celtics’ go-to player by posting 30.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, continuing to impress with his blend of scoring and defense. Leading Boston to the second seed in the East (9-2), Tatum’s scoring efficiency and defensive intensity put him squarely in the MVP conversation, showing he’s more than ready to lead his team to another deep playoff run.
Anthony Davis has started off the season at the highest level of his career. His all-around impact keeps the Lakers competitive, especially in crucial games. Averaging 32.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, Davis is positioning himself as one of the league’s most complete players and the most dominant big man in the game behind Nikola Jokic.
Rookie Of The YearÂ
Current Leaders For The Rookie Of The Year Award:
1. Zach Edey
2. Bub Carrington
3. Zaccharie Risacher
4. Jaylen Wells
5. Ryan Dunn
Towering above the competition, Edey’s sheer size and skill have made him a formidable presence. Dominating in the paint and on the boards, his impact for the Memphis Grizzlies makes him the current favorite for Rookie of the Year despite a rather disappointing class right now. The big man is posting 11.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, and his partnership with Ja Morant has been promising.
A dynamic scorer averaging 9.5 points per game this season, Carrington has impressed with his shooting ability and agility. He’s been a bright spot in a rebuilding lineup, quickly proving he can handle the NBA’s intensity and contribute to his team’s future. Finally, the Wizards have an exciting thing to look forward to in the future.
The Hawks’ No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher’s versatility and smooth shooting have impressed fans and coaches alike. He’s shown flashes of stardom, blending a promising three-point shot with solid defensive instincts, positioning himself as a strong ROTY contender. Averaging 12.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, Risacher has played at a high level so far.
Posting 11.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Memphis Grizzlies, Jaylen Wells brings a potent scoring touch to his team. His knack for getting buckets in various ways has made him an exciting player to watch and one of the standout rookies this season and the Grizzlies could be happy to have two exciting youngsters on the team.
Ryan Dunn’s contributions have been steady and efficient, helping the talented Phoenix Suns with his polished game (6.8 PPG on 39.4% 3-PT FG). His maturity on the court sets him apart, showing that he can be a reliable contributor for years to come but he has been a critical part of his team’s lineup this season.
Defensive Player Of The Year
Current Leaders For The Defensive Player Of The Year Award:
1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Chet Holmgren
3. Anthony Davis
4. Evan Mobley
5. Bam Adebayo
The league’s premier defensive powerhouse right now, second-year player Victor Wembanyama has been a shot-blocking machine (4.0 blocks per game). His unique blend of size, agility, and timing makes him a game-changer on defense, giving opponents fits around the rim. The Spurs‘ big man has a chance to break out into superstardom and winning the DPOY could get him there sooner rather than later.
Chet Holmgren has been making waves with his blocking and rebounding ability. His defensive presence in the paint has turned him into a valuable asset for his team, making him a serious threat for DPOY honors. The Thunder have one of the best defenses in the NBA, and Holmgren’s 2.6 blocks per game have been arguably the main reason why.
Known for his defensive prowess, Anthony Davis’s ability to guard multiple positions and alter shots at the rim has kept him in the DPOY conversation. His knack for big defensive plays in clutch moments makes him a fan favorite, and he will always receive votes for an award like this. However, Davis deserves all the credit he can get for a fantastic start to the 2024-25 season, posting 1.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game.
Evan Mobley’s length and defensive awareness have been invaluable. His shot-blocking and ability to switch onto smaller players have elevated his team’s defensive rating and put him squarely in the DPOY race. The big man is posting 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game so far and the Cavaliers have benefitted greatly by that by winning 11 straight games for a 11-0 record.
Bam Adebayo’s versatility allows him to guard players across all positions effectively. His hustle, shot-contesting, and defensive IQ have been instrumental for the Miami Heat, maintaining him as a defensive cornerstone. Adebayo can literally guard multiple positions and his play for the Heat has been critical all season long.
Sixth Man Of The YearÂ
Current Leaders For The Sixth Man Of The Year Award:
1. Payton Pritchard
2. Buddy Hield
3. Malik Monk
4. Bennedict Mathurin
5. Tre Mann
Energizing the Celtics off the bench, Payton Pritchard has provided consistent shooting and playmaking. His contributions keep the team’s offense lively, making him the current frontrunner for Sixth Man, as unlikely as that sounds. The point guard is averaging 16.5 points and 2.5 assists per game on 43.0% from three and his jumper has been falling all season long.
Known for his three-point shooting for the majority of his career, Buddy Hield’s ability to space the floor and light up the scoreboard off the bench has been vital for the Warriors’ offense, establishing him as a top sixth-man option. He is averaging 18.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48.8% from three and he has basically replaced Klay Thompson so far this season.
Expected 6th Man of the Year contender Malik Monk’s scoring bursts off the bench have provided a huge lift for the Sacramento Kings (12.6 PPG). His fearless scoring approach has made him a valuable sixth-man candidate, and he is doing it on a team that just added DeMar DeRozan who is a ball-dominant player.
Benedict Mathurin’s all-around scoring ability has turned heads (19.4 PPG on 50.0% 3-PT FG), showcasing his knack for getting to the rim and sinking timely threes. His offensive output has been a key asset off the bench for the Pacers, and the team is more than happy to have him back in the rotation after only appearing in 59 games last year.
Tre Mann’s quickness and ability to create his own shot have made him a spark plug for the Hornets. His contributions have kept defenses on their heels and his team in games, and his averages (14.8 PPG, 3.3 APG on 38.8% 3-PT FG) back up his excellent play in only 25.1 minutes per game.
Most Improved Player
Current Leaders For The Most Improved Player Of The Year Award:
1. Evan Mobley
2. LaMelo Ball
3. Bilal Coulibaly
4. Jordan Hawkins
5. Christian Braun
Evan Mobley’s improvements on both ends have been remarkable, especially with his scoring and rebounding. His ability to impact games in multiple ways makes him the current favorite for Most Improved Player since the Cleveland Cavaliers are 11-0. Mobley is averaging 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game to go along with 1.8 blocks per game in a breakout season so far.
LaMelo Ball has evolved into a more efficient and reliable scorer while still dazzling with his court vision. His improvement in leadership and shooting percentages has been pivotal for Charlotte, and we might be starting to see a leap into superstardom. Ball is posting 29.4 points and 6.2 assists per game and looks unstoppable at times, even if the Hornets have only won four games.
Bilal Coulibaly’s jump this season is evident in his scoring and defensive stats. His improved three-point shooting and poise under pressure have been major boosts for his team, and we have been impressed by the 20-year-old. The forward is posting 17.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and nobody expected this kind of production from the youngster this season.
Jordan Hawkins’ shooting and offensive output have taken a leap this season, giving his team a scoring threat. His improvements have solidified him as a rising young talent, and he took his averages from 7.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game to 16.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, a massive leap that came sooner than we would have thought.
Christian Braun was heavily relied upon to step into the departed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s position as the starting shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets, and he has done admirably well. Braun is posting 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and has been one of the brightest spots for the Nuggets so far in the young campaign.
Coach Of The YearÂ
Current Leaders For The Coach Of The Year Award:
1. Kenny Atkinson
2. Mark Daigneault
3. Steve Kerr
4. Joe Mazzulla
5. Mike Budenholzer
Kenny Atkinson has led his team with innovative strategies and strong player development, helping transform a talented Cavaliers team into a competitive squad. His impact and adjustments have been key to their success, and he has broken the record for most games won to start a season as a new coach (11-0). At this rate, Coach of the Year is Atkinson’s to lose.
Leading the Thunder’s young roster into title contention, Daigneault’s coaching acumen has unlocked potential across the board. His steady leadership has kept OKC’s championship dreams alive with an 8-2 record, making him a top candidate. How he has managed to raise the play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren has been more than impressive, and we can’t deny the rise of the Thunder in the West.
Steve Kerr continues to find ways to maximize Golden State’s potential, skillfully handling both veterans and young players despite the departure of Klay Thompson this summer. His ability to maintain consistency keeps him in the Coach of the Year discussion, and he has the likes of Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson competing in typical Warriors fashion all season long. Major props should go to Kerr for making the Warriors an excellent team on both ends of the court so far, holding an 8-2 record.
Joel Mazzulla’s leadership has been instrumental in keeping the Celtics competitive. His rotations and adjustments have helped his team remain as the second seed (9-2), and he has made sure to not let championship hangover loom. Mazzulla has elevated the play of Payton Pritchard and even the energetic Neemias Queta, so he is finding more Celtics weapons to use in the playoffs.
Mike Budenholzer’s experience and poise have kept the 8-2 Phoenix Suns in the championship mix so far this season. His tactical adjustments have made Phoenix a top contender in the West once again, and the Milwaukee Bucks are certainly missing their defensive leader and inspiration right now.Â
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