The 2024-25 NBA season may only be a month old, but it’s never too early for pundits to speculate about who will take home the league’s most prestigious individual awards. In a season already marked by surprises, our panel of NBA experts weigh in with their early picks for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year.
MVP: Nikola Jokic Aims for Four-Peat
Despite the high bar set by winning three of the last four MVP awards, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic appears poised to make it four out of five according to our experts. The Serbian sensation has been nothing short of dominant, outshining rivals like the Lakers’ Anthony Davis.
“The gap between Joker and the field was illustrated quite well during the Nuggets’ road blowout over the Lakers on Sunday night. Jokic had a pretty typical performance by his standards while dominating Anthony Davis, the runner-up in this award category.”
– NBA Insider Tim MacMahon
Rookie Surprises: McCain and Knecht Outpace Top Pick
While Memphis’ Zach Edey entered the season as the ROY favorite, it’s the 76ers’ Jared McCain and Lakers’ Dalton Knecht, drafted 16th and 17th overall, who are impressing most. Despite Philly’s early struggles, McCain has shone as their lone bright spot, leading all rookies in scoring. Knecht isn’t far behind, showcasing the dynamic skills that have many touting him as a draft night steal.
DPOY: Wembanyama Makes His Case
After winning Rookie of the Year last season, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama looks primed to snatch the Defensive Player of the Year crown from perennial contender Rudy Gobert. The towering Frenchman has racked up blocks at a prodigious rate for a young San Antonio squad still finding their footing. His ability to erase shots and wreak havoc on the defensive end has him leading the DPOY pack in our expert poll.
Sixth Man Spark: Pritchard, Hield Light It Up
In the race for the league’s top reserve, the Celtics’ Payton Pritchard and Warriors’ Buddy Hield are locked in a tight battle. Pritchard has been a model of consistency for Boston, while Hield has thrived in a Klay Thompson-esque role alongside Stephen Curry. Both are proving invaluable to their title-contending teams.
Most Improved: Daniels’ Defensive Transformation
Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels has made the leap in his third year, emerging as an ideal backcourt partner for Trae Young. The 21-year-old guard’s defensive prowess has been a revelation, with his knack for generating deflections and steals setting him apart. Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams and Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas also warrant MIP consideration for their significant strides this season.
Coach of the Year: Atkinson Leads Cavs Resurgence
After a rocky end to his Nets tenure, Kenny Atkinson has found the perfect opportunity to rebuild his reputation in Cleveland. With the Cavs bursting out of the gates to a 15-0 start, the best opening to a season since the 2015-16 Warriors, Atkinson appears to have unlocked the young squad’s immense potential. The Cavs boast the NBA’s top-rated offense and a sturdy defense, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with under Atkinson’s stewardship.
As the 2024-25 campaign marches on, the races for the NBA’s top individual honors only figure to intensify. While early returns point to some surprising frontrunners, there’s ample time for the league’s brightest stars to state their cases and surge ahead in the awards chase. As the season unfolds, stay tuned to see which standout performers separate themselves from the pack and etch their names into the NBA record books.
