2024-25 Early NBA Award Predictions

The 2024-25 NBA season will be upon us in less than two months but we have already decided to provide some predictions for the most important awards. Nikola Jokic is coming off his third NBA MVP award but will it be possible that he could win a fourth award in five years? Will Victor Wembanyama break through and win his first major individual trophy? Who will reign as NBA champions at the end of the year? Let’s find out by going through our list of predicted winners.

NBA Champions: Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are primed to capture the 2024-25 NBA Championship in back-to-back fashion by boasting one of the deepest rosters in the league. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continuing to develop as elite players, alongside the veteran presence of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis , the Celtics have the balanced team in the NBA capable of excelling on both ends of the floor.

Boston’s road to the title will be a testament to their resilience and experience. After only losing three postseason games last year en route to the championship, the Celtics have learned from their past playoff shortcomings and are more prepared than ever to finish the job. Their ability to match up against any opponent, combined with strong leadership from Tatum and head coach Joe Mazzulla, positions them as the team to beat in 2024-25.

Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is expected to shine brightest on the biggest stage, earning the Finals MVP award. It will be Tatum’s turn to win the coveted postseason trophy after his co-star Jaylen Brown captured the award last year by averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while playing some elite defense against Luka Doncic.

In 2024-25, however, Tatum’s journey to the Finals MVP will highlight his growth as a leader and superstar. While Jaylen Brown will be his usual All-Star self, Tatum is ready to take the next step in his career by adding a Finals MVP to his resume. Expect the superstar forward to take more of an offensive role in the upcoming Finals to make it clear he wants the Finals MVP award.

Eastern Conference Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is also predicted to earn the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, further cementing his status as the driving force behind the Celtics' success. Similar to last season with Jaylen Brown, we expect the Eastern Conference MVP to also win Finals MVP. It will likely be Jayson Tatum’s turn to win the award.

Tatum averaged 25.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game in the playoffs last year so similar numbers in the Eastern Conference Finals will elevate his status for the coveted postseason trophy that is still relatively new to the NBA. Expect the 2024-25 campaign to be Jayson Tatum’s year in terms of accolades.

Western Conference Finals MVP: Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is poised to break out in a big way during the 2024-25 season, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year and earning his first Western Conference Finals MVP award after Luka Doncic took the award home last year. The superstar’s fearless play and ability to take over games will be the driving force behind Minnesota’s deep playoff run in 2024-25.

Edwards had a great series against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-24 Western Conference Finals, posting 24.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game but Luka Doncic and the Mavericks were too much for him and the Timberwolves. Expect Edwards to bounce back to claim his first major trophy while guiding the team to the NBA Finals.

NBA MVP: Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic is predicted to win the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, continuing his ascent as one of the most talented and impactful players in the league. Doncic has been on the cusp of MVP honors for several seasons (finishing third last season), but this year, he is expected to finally break through.

Doncic’s statistical dominance will be a major factor in his MVP campaign. Expect him to put up eye-popping numbers in points, assists, and rebounds (33.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.8 APG in 2023-24), all while leading the Mavericks in a competitive Western Conference. Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have a say in the trophy race but Doncic should finally spectacularly win his first MVP trophy.

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is set to make a major impact in his second season, with the most potential to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Standing at 7’4” with an incredible wingspan and defensive instincts, Wembanyama will be a game-changer on the defensive end for the San Antonio Spurs. He led the NBA in blocks per game last season (3.6), finished second in DPOY voting, and made the All-Defensive First Team as a rookie in 2023-24.

A superstar in the making, Wembanyama’s presence in the paint will anchor the Spurs’ defense, allowing them to contest shots and protect the rim at an elite level. As he continues to adapt to the NBA game, Wembanyama’s defensive impact will only grow, and his standout performances will make him a strong candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Rookie of the Year: Reed Sheppard

Reed Sheppard is predicted to take home the Rookie of the Year award, emerging as the top newcomer in the 2024-25 season. As a versatile guard with a high basketball IQ, Sheppard has the skill set and opportunity to make an immediate impact in the NBA for the Houston Rockets because he has elite shooting ability and the playmaking to set him apart from the rookie class.

Sheppard’s transition to the NBA is expected to be seamless, thanks to his well-rounded game and maturity beyond his years. We still don’t know what to expect from Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher who will likely have their ups and downs. The Rockets believe in Sheppard and he will likely answer the call with the most consistent numbers in 2024-25.

Most Improved Player: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley is set to take a significant leap in his development, making him the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award in the 2024-25 season. Mobley has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, particularly on the defensive end, but this year, he is expected to elevate his offensive game to match his defensive prowess. After signing a five-year, $224 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the big man will showcase his elite two-way play.

Mobley’s growth will be reflected in his increased scoring, improved efficiency, and greater impact on games. With a more polished offensive repertoire and continued excellence on defense, he will play a central role in his team’s success and the Cavaliers will be sure to capitalize on that in the Eastern Conference.

Sixth Man of the Year: Malik Monk

Malik Monk is poised to win the Sixth Man of the Year award, thanks to his scoring punch and ability to change the game off the bench. Monk has established himself as one of the league’s premier bench scorers, capable of putting up points in bunches and providing instant offense for his team. Last season, the guard averaged 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game while finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Naz Reid.

Monk’s contributions off the bench will be crucial in tight games, where his scoring ability can swing momentum in his team’s favor. Whether it’s hitting timely three-pointers or creating his own shot, Monk’s offensive versatility will be on full display for the Sacramento Kings who will want to make noise in the playoffs in 2024-25.

All-Star Game MVP: Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is predicted to take home the All-Star Game MVP, showcasing his talent on one of the biggest stages of the season. Edwards, already recognized as one of the league’s brightest young stars, will use the All-Star Game as an opportunity to demonstrate his scoring prowess and electrifying athleticism. With his ability to put on a show and light up the scoreboard, Edwards will capture the attention of fans and fellow players alike.

In a game that often rewards high-scoring performances and flashy plays, Edwards’ dynamic skill set will shine. Expect him to be a focal point of the action, whether it’s throwing down dunks or hitting deep threes. We might see the rise of Edwards as the best shooting guard in the NBA in the upcoming season.

In-Season Tournament MVP: De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox is projected to emerge as the MVP of the NBA’s relatively new In-Season Tournament, leading his team with his speed, playmaking, and clutch performances. Fox has steadily developed into one of the league’s top point guards, and the In-Season Tournament will provide him with the perfect platform to showcase his abilities.

The Sacramento Kings have made a massive offseason splash this summer by acquiring DeMar DeRozan and they will have enough bodies to endure the In-Season Tournament and capture their first team award since 1951 when they won their last NBA championship. Expect their leader, De’Aaron Fox, to win Tournament MVP honors.

Coach of the Year: Ime Udoka

Ime Udoka is predicted to win the Coach of the Year award, leading the Rockets to exceed expectations in the 2024-25 season. Udoka, known for his defensive acumen and ability to connect with his players, will guide his team to a strong record in the Western Conference thanks to the growth of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and rookie Reed Sheppard.

Udoka’s ability to get the best out of his players and maximize the potential of his roster will be key to his Coach of the Year campaign. The Rockets won’t be title contenders per se but they will have enough depth to compete with any team in the West and their improvement will see their coach capture his first Coach of the Year trophy.

Related: Top 10 NBA Players Who Have The Most To Prove In 2024-25 Season

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