NBA Awards Predictions 2024-25
- Anthony Ellis
- Sep 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Individual award predictions ahead of the upcoming season.
MVP
Luka Doncic (G - Mavs)
23-24 Stats - 33.9 Pts, 9.8 Ast, 9.2 Reb, 1.4 Stl, 49 Fg%, 38 3pt%
Runner-Ups - Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards
This is the year that the superstar finally gets the coveted award. After proving himself as one of the best talents in basketball since entering the league, it's time for him to start adding to a trophy case. Following a fantastic season and helping lead his team to the WCF, expect him to be more of the same offensively as he nearly averages a triple double once again. With most of the team returning and adding some key pieces such as Klay Thompson, Doncic should be able to be at the top of the league in scoring and passing as the Mavs spacing increases. Assuming he improves defensively, the Mavs should once again be a contender out west additionally.
DPOY
Victor Wembanyama (C - Spurs)
23-24 Stats - 3.6 Blk, 1.2 Stl, 4.4 Dws*, 3.3 Dbpm*, 10 Blk%*
Runner-Ups - Rudy Gobert, Chet Holmgren, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo
As we saw in his rookie season, the young Frenchman is going to be something special. Playing on a struggling Spurs team isn't ideal for him, but they should be much better this season with their young roster. With that being said, Wemby was the standout for the squad as he proved he can be dominate on both sides of the ball. Winning ROTY and finishing as a finalist in the DPOY race in just his first season. As much as his offensive skillset impresses, the defensive side is where he will help his team win games. Showing his presence on defense becoming one of the leagues best shot blockers already, proving he can defend in the paint and perimeter. His length shows great importance as he can be versatile for a team defensively, which proves to be key in this league for a big man.
6MOY
Bennedict Mathurin (G- Pacers)
23-24 Stats - 14.5 Pts, 2.0 Ast, 4.0 Reb, 45 Fg%, 37 3pt%
Runner-Ups - Ayo Dosunmu, Malik Monk, Naz Reid, Caris LeVert
After missing a good portion of the season for Indiana, the young guard is poised for a good season for a rising team. Impressing in his rookie season, he proved he can score at a high level in the league. With Nembhard having a fantastic season, it is believed Mathurin will come off of the bench, which means he will be leaned on to score the ball for the second unit. Expect Mathurin to average closer to 18-20 points this upcoming season as the bench unit certainly lacks their aggressive scorer, which he brings in his third season.
MIP
Deni Avdija (F - Trail Blazers)
23-24 Stats - 14.7 Pts, 3.8 Ast, 7.2 Reb, 51 Fg%, 37 3pt%
Runner-Ups - Andrew Nembhard, Immanuel Quickley, Jonathan Kuminga, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
A fresh start for the young forward getting moved to Portland this offseason. With that should mean better production being surrounded by better players compared to Washington. With his improvement he made this past season, there is no reason he can't increase production once again on both sides of the ball. Increasing his scoring and becoming more of a playmaker is something that Avdija is working on, which can be highly valuable at the forward spot. He can certainly surprise people this season with how talented he truly is.
ROTY
Stephon Castle (G - Spurs)
23-24 Stats - 11.1 Pts, 2.9 Ast, 4.7 Reb, 47 Fg%, 27 3pt%
Runner-Ups - Jared McCain, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Zach Edey
The young guard from Uconn is poised for a great NBA career following his one season in college. A proven winner as he was a huge piece in helping the Huskies win the championship last season for the second time in a row. Though he will only be turning 20 this season, his upside is very high for a guard. Standing at 6'6", he has great length for a guard and has shown promise of being a versatile defender. Along with this he can come in a run the offense for San Antonio if need be, obviously having Victor Wembanyama to facilitate to. He will need to work on his perimeter shooting as his splits were not great. Regardless, expect him to have a solid outing in his first season in the league.
COTY
Ime Udoka (HC - Rockets)
23-24 Record - 41-41
Runner-Ups - Taylor Jenkins, Tom Thibodeau, Nick Nurse, Mike Brown
After parting ways with Boston, Udoka found himself in Houston last season where he surprised many people. The Rockets were not supposed to win the amount of games they did, or look as promising. They are certainly ahead of schedule with all of their young talent on the roster. Proving he can be a good coach, as he has found success with both of his coached teams in the league. With the Rockets gaining more experience and adding more pieces to the roster, expect them do even better this season. With that it will show how good of a coach Udoka is, and how special the Houston team can be.
Key:
Dws* - Defensive win shares
Dbpm* - Defensive box plus/minus
Blk%* - Percent of two point attempts blocked by the player
Written by Anthony Ellis. 2024
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