NBA Early Season Awards: Experts Pick MVP, ROY, and More So Far
If the top NBA awards were handed out one month into the 2024-25 NBA season, which players and coaches would claim these coveted titles?
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Some MVP-caliber superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic have seen their teams struggle early in the season. Can they lift their teams out of the doldrums, or will these early-season hiccups prevent these former MVPs from reclaiming the prestigious title?
After what was considered a down year for the 2024 NBA draft class, a few surprising rookies have made an immediate impact, drawing attention across the league. Atlanta Hawks’ No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher, is still adjusting to the league’s pace, but Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht tied the rookie record for three-pointers off the bench.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, is looking to make the leap in his sophomore season and contend for Defensive Player of the Year, potentially unseating four-time winner Rudy Gobert. Or could another defensive stalwart, like Draymond Green or OG Anunoby, take home the award?
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We asked NBA insiders to rank their top three choices for six major awards at this point in the season. First-place votes earned five points, second-place votes earned three points, and third-place votes earned one point.
Who’s the NBA MVP?
Traditionally, Nikola Jokic faces a high bar to secure his fourth MVP in five seasons. But one month into the season, it’s difficult to make a reasonable argument for any other player over Jokic. The gap between “The Joker” and the rest of the league was starkly illustrated during the Nuggets’ commanding win over the Lakers on Sunday night. Jokic delivered what’s considered a routine performance for him—34 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and a block—while outplaying Anthony Davis, the runner-up in this category.
Results:
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- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 50 points (67% first-place votes)
- Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: 22 points (25% first-place votes)
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: 12 points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: 11 points (8% first-place votes)
T5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 6 points
T5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: 6 points
Who’s the NBA Rookie of the Year?
Zach Edey, a two-time national college player of the year at Purdue, entered the season as a favorite in Memphis. However, a pair of players selected back-to-back in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCain (No. 16) and Dalton Knecht (No. 17), have emerged as frontrunners among rookies.
Despite the Philadelphia 76ers’ struggles, McCain has been a bright spot, leading all rookies in scoring (16.6 PPG) while shooting 40% from beyond the arc on over six attempts per game.
Results:
- Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers: 56 points (83% first-place votes)
- Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers: 32 points (17% first-place votes)
- Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies: 12 points
T4. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs: 2 points
T4. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies: 2 points
T4. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks: 2 points
Who’s the Defensive Player of the Year?
Since the start of last season, no player has amassed more career games with at least five blocks than Victor Wembanyama, who has tallied three or more blocks in 11 of 14 outings this year for a young Spurs team learning to win close games. Wembanyama’s 51 blocks this season exceed the combined total of Anthony Davis and Draymond Green (46).
Results:
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: 43 points (67% first-place votes)
T2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: 16 points (8% first-place votes)
T2. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors: 16 points
Who’s the Sixth Man of the Year?
Often overlooked in Boston’s star-studded starting lineup, Payton Pritchard has become one of the Celtics’ most consistent contributors off the bench. Averaging nearly 15 points in 27 minutes per game, he’s taking eight three-pointers per game, hitting at a 41% clip, and has delivered crucial performances for Boston in tight games.
Results:
- Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics: 39 points (55% first-place votes)
- Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors: 31 points (27% first-place votes)
- Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves: 12 points
Who’s the Most Improved Player?
This category may look the most different compared to preseason projections. Dyson Daniels has thrived alongside Trae Young, leading the league in steals with 102, a significant margin over OG Anunoby in second place. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams continues to improve across all statistical categories, and Cam Thomas is delivering a career-best season for the rebuilding Nets.
Results:
- Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks: 25 points (33% first-place votes)
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder: 17 points (17% first-place votes)
- Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets: 11 points (17% first-place votes)
Who’s the Coach of the Year?
Four years after being dismissed by the Nets, Kenny Atkinson appears to have found his ideal second act in Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ 15-game winning streak to start the season has them as the league’s top offense and 10th-best defense.
Results:
- Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers: 60 points (100% first-place votes)
- Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: 16 points
- Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors: 8 points
