By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The NBA has officially announced the finalists for its 2024–25 season awards, spotlighting standout performances across the league. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
Most Valuable Player (MVP):
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game, propelling the Thunder to a league-best 68–14 record. Jokić averaged a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, while Antetokounmpo contributed 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
Defensive Player of the Year:
- Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
- Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
- Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Daniels, Green, and Mobley have been recognized for their exceptional defensive contributions throughout the season. citeturn0news14
Most Improved Player:
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
- Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
- Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers)
These players have shown significant development in their performances, earning them spots among the finalists.
Rookie of the Year:
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
- Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Castle, Risacher, and Wells have made notable impacts in their debut seasons, showcasing their potential for the future.
Sixth Man of the Year:
- Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons)
- Ty Jerome (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics)
Pritchard, in particular, has been recognized for his contributions off the bench, leading all NBA reserves with 1,079 total bench points and setting an NBA record by hitting 246 three-pointers as a reserve.
Clutch Player of the Year:
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
These players have demonstrated exceptional performance in high-pressure situations throughout the season.
Coach of the Year:
- Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
- J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)
Udoka has been particularly lauded for leading the Rockets to a 57–25 record, transforming the team into one of the league’s top defensive units. citeturn0search4
As the season progresses, these finalists continue to showcase their talents, making the upcoming award announcements highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
