ESPN has their Summer Forecast panel that makes predictions and answers questions about the upcoming NBA season. In an article posted on Tuesday, they were asked to name who they believe will be the award winners in the 2024-25 season. Each ‘expert’ gave their top-three choices. A first-place vote received five points, second-place received three, and third-place received one. Here are the results.
ESPN Predicts NBA Award Winners For 2024-25 Season
MVP – Luka Doncic (61 points)
Still just 25 years old, Luka Doncic has been in the running for MVP for quite some time, but has yet to win the award. He had his highest finish of third last season and finished between fourth-eighth in the previous four. Fresh off a scoring title and NBA Finals appearance, this could be the season that Doncic finally wins.
Others receiving votes: Nikola Jokic (40), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (37), Anthony Edwards (15), Giannis Antetokounmpo (13), Joel Embiid (8), Jayson Tatum (5), Anthony Davis (3), Ja Morant (2), Kevin Durant (1)
Rookie of the Year – Reed Sheppard (74 points)
Reed Sheppard was selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He won this vote pretty handily, despite looking like he will be outside the starting lineup, at least to begin the season. The 20-year-old shot an incredible 52.1% from three-point territory in his one year playing collegiately at Kentucky.
Others receiving votes: Zach Edey (40), Donovan Clingan (27), Stephon Castle (23), Rob Dillingham (10), Alex Sarr (8), Zaccharie Risacher (8)
Defensive Player of the Year – Victor Wembenyama (76 points)
As a 19/20 year old rookie last season, Victor Wembanyama was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. The seven-foot-four pogo stick led the league averaging 3.6 blocks per outing. Wembanyama finished second in the NBA with his 105.8 defensive rating and fifth with 4.4 defensive win shares.
Others receiving votes: Rudy Gobert (29), Bam Adebayo (26), Anthony Davis (14), Mikal Bridges (10), Jrue Holiday (8), Joel Embiid (5), Draymond Green (4), OG Anunoby (4), Alex Caruso (3), Jaren Jackson Jr. (3), Evan Mobley (3), Herbert Jones (1), Jaylen Brown (1), Chet Holmgren (1)
Sixth Man of the Year – Malik Monk, Alex Caruso (38 points)
Malik Monk may have been the favorite to win this award last season. That was until a sprained MCL sidelined him for the last eight games for the Sacramento Kings. He still finished as the runner-up and was fifth in voting in 2022-23.
It’s unclear whether Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigenault will insert newcomers Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting lineup. If the Thunder keep Luguentz Dort in the starting lineup, that allows Caruso to handle the ball more with the second unit. He is also one of the best defensive backcourt players currently playing.
Others receiving votes – Naz Reid (29), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18), T.J. McConnell (13), Bobby Portis (11), Russell Westbrook (7), Bogdan Bogdanovic (7), Jose Alvarado (6), Norman Powell (6), Josh Hart (5), Austin Reaves (5), Bojan Bogdanovic (3), CJ McCollum (3)
Most Improved Player – Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Williams (26)
Victor Wembanyama was already talked about a bit. All to say here is that if he improves enough to win this award, the whole NBA is in a lot of trouble.
Jalen Williams was a borderline All-Star last season. He was arguably the second-best player on an Oklahoma City team that was the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Entering his third season, another step forward for Williams could result in an NBA Finals appearance for the Thunder.
Others receiving votes – Coby White (25), Cade Cunningham (22), Cam Thomas (14), Devin Vassell (12), Alperen Sengun (12), Tyrese Haliburton (11), Jonathan Kuminga (10), Jalen Suggs (7) , RJ Barrett (5), Jalen Johnson (5), Jalen Green (5)
Coach of the Year – Tom Thibodeau (29 points)
Tom Thibodeau has already won Coach of the Year twice before. He won in his first season as a head coach with the Chicago Bulls in 2010-11 as well as his first year with the New York Knicks in 2020-21. The Knicks were already the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, so it would take a truly special season for Thibodeau to win the award again.
Others receiving votes – Mark Daigenault (24), Joe Mazzulla (22), Gregg Popovich (18), Kenny Atkinson (16), Nick Nurse (15), Taylor Jenkins (14), Erik Spoelstra (13), Ime Udoka (12), Jamahl Mosley (8)
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