As the 2024-25 NBA season reaches its climax, the MVP race has become a thrilling duel between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Both players are delivering historic performances, making this one of the most competitive MVP battles in recent memory.

The 2024-25 NBA season has been filled with drama. At the heart of this excitement is one of the tightest MVP races ever, primarily featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a revelation this season, leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference standings. Averaging a league-best 33.0 points per game, SGA has showcased an offensive arsenal that’s both efficient and relentless.

On the other hand, Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double with 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, trying to fight off voter fatigue.

Other award races are also tight, including Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, because there are multiple contenders for each award. Along with the other award races, we list the top five contenders for everyone so far in 2024-25.

Most Valuable Player

Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Current Leaders For The Most Valuable Player Award:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

2. Nikola Jokic

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

4. Jayson Tatum

5. Karl-Anthony Towns

Leading the charge for the MVP (albeit by a hair) is Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Averaging a league-best 33.0 points per game, his offensive prowess has been nothing short of spectacular.

His ability to take over games has propelled the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference, making them serious title contenders. The MVP race will go down to the wire for the rest of the season because Nikola Jokic is right on his heels.

The Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, continues to do magical things. Averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game while leading the league with 29 triple-doubles, his playmaking skills have been pivotal for Denver.

His consistent excellence keeps him firmly in the MVP conversation, and the Nuggets possibly capturing the 2nd seed could be the difference in him winning the award because we are talking about very fine margins here.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence (30.2 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 6.0 APG) has been the backbone of the Milwaukee Bucks. His two-way dominance has kept the Bucks in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference despite the team’s horrid start to the season.

Giannis’ impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable, and he remains a top-three MVP candidate because, without him, the Bucks would be in the lottery.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum has elevated his game this season (27.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.9 APG) and he has been on a mission to prove his individual brilliance after winning the NBA championship last year but losing out on Finals MVP.

His scoring versatility and defensive improvements have been instrumental in the Celtics’ strong season as the second seed in the East, solidifying his status among the league’s elite.

Since his move to the New York Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a revelation. Averaging 24.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, his presence in the paint has been transformative for the Knicks, making them a formidable force in the East.

The Knicks’ championship hopes have been revived because of Towns, and the big man has been the best player for the third seed in the East.

Rookie Of The Year

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Current Leaders For The Rookie Of The Year Award:

1. Stephon Castle

2. Zaccharie Risacher

3. Jaylen Wells

4. Zach Edey

5. Kel’el Ware

Stephon Castle has steadily improved as the months have gone by, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. His playmaking abilities and defensive instincts have been growing, making him the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

The Spurs’ guard is averaging 14.0 points and 3.5 assists per game and he has been the only rookie to truly meet or exceed expectations from the draft class.

Zaccharie Risacher’s improving shooting stroke and versatility have been standout features this season. His ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions has made him an invaluable asset, posting 11.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Risacher likely won’t catch Castle in the ROY race, but he has had a fairly solid campaign as a player who originally made his name overseas.

Jaylen Wells’ athleticism and scoring bursts have provided a significant boost off the bench. Holding averages of 10.7 points per game on 35.8% from deep, Wells has been one of the biggest surprises of the draft class and he has to be a top-three contender for the ROY award.

Standing tall, Zach Edey’s rim protection and rebounding have been excellent for the Grizzlies. His imposing presence in the paint has altered opponents’ driving to the rim, and he is proving to be a solid pickup as the No. 9 overall pick.

Averaging 9.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Edey is easily a top-5 ROY candidate.

Kel’el Ware’s energy and hustle have been infectious. His shot-blocking and ability to run the floor have added a new dimension to his team’s play, making him a great pickup by the Miami Heat.

Averaging 8.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, Ware has exceeded expectations as the No. 15 overall pick in a weaker draft class.

Defensive Player Of The Year

Mar 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Current Leaders For The Defensive Player Of The Year Award:

1. Evan Mobley

2. Draymond Green

3. Dyson Daniels

4. Jaren Jackson Jr.

5. Luguentz Dort

Evan Mobley’s defensive versatility has been a cornerstone for the Cleveland Cavaliers (0.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG), the team with the best record in the NBA.

His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim has anchored one of the league’s stingiest defenses (8th in defensive rating) and with Victor Wembanyama out of the running due to blood clots, it is Mobely’s DPOY award to lose.

The defensive savant who truly believes is the leading candidate for DPOY this season, Draymond Green continues to orchestrate Golden State’s defense with experience and intelligence.

His presence when it comes to reading the game has kept the Warriors’ defense formidable (7th in defensive rating), although the team’s uptick in their play is mainly due to the Jimmy Butler acquisition.

Leading the league with 3.0 steals per game, Dyson Daniels’ quick hands and anticipation have been disruptive for opposing offenses. His perimeter defense has been a key factor in Atlanta’s defensive schemes.

Nobody expected Daniels to become such a defensive stalwart at reading passing lanes but that has been a key factor in his improved play this year.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s shot-blocking prowess (1.6 BPG) has been on full display, even if his offense has been the standout aspect of his game this season (22.4 PPG).

His timing and defensive awareness have been critical for Memphis’ interior defense, a team with the 10th-ranked defensive rating.

Luguentz Dort’s tenacity on the defensive end has frustrated some of the league’s best scorers. His on-ball pressure and physicality have been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense (1st in defensive rating, 2nd in OPPG).

Dort also slightly beats out his teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for the final top-five spot.

Sixth Man Of The Year

Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Current Leaders For The Sixth Man Of The Year Award:

1. Payton Pritchard

2. Malik Beasley

3. De’Andre Hunter

4. Naz Reid

5. Ty Jerome

Boston’s spark plug off the bench, Payton Pritchard has been lights out from deep, shooting 41.8% from three while averaging 14.1 points per game.

His fearless shot-making and underrated playmaking have kept the Celtics’ second unit dangerous, often swinging momentum in key moments.

With Boston vying for the top seed or at least trying to close the distance to the Cavs, Pritchard’s contributions have been invaluable in keeping the offense humming when the starters rest.

Beasley has been the definition of instant offense for the Pistons, posting 16.2 points per game. He’s knocking down 3.9 threes per game, spreading the floor, and providing a much-needed scoring punch for a Detroit squad that lacks consistent shot-creators outside of Cade Cunningham.

Hunter has started only eight games this season for the Hawks and Cavaliers, posting an impressive 17.5 points per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down threes at a respectable clip (41.4%) easily puts him in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.

Naz Reid, the Wolves’ versatile big man is proving why he’s one of the best backups in the league, averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and play alongside either Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert has given Minnesota a luxury most teams don’t have. Reid’s impact cannot be overstated with Karl-Anthony Towns no longer with the team.

Ty Jerome’s efficiency and decision-making have made him a steadying presence for the Cavaliers’ second unit. He’s shooting 50.3% from the field while providing secondary playmaking and floor-spacing (11.9 PPG, 3.3 APG), making him a key part of Cleveland’s deep rotation.

His impact may not always show in the box score, but his ability to control pace and make winning plays has been crucial for the Cavs.

Most Improved Player

Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles as Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) defends in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Current Leaders For The Most Improved Player Of The Year Award:

1. Cade Cunningham

2. Dyson Daniels

3. Tyler Herro

4. Christian Braun

5. Evan Mobley

Cade Cunningham has taken the leap everyone expected, averaging 25.6 points, 9,3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game while finally looking like the franchise cornerstone Detroit envisioned.

Making his first All-Star Team, Cunningham has been one of the best guards in the NBA. If he continues at this pace, this award might be wrapped up before the season ends.

Daniels has emerged as one of the league’s best young defenders while also making major strides as a playmaker for the Hawks.

Leading the NBA in steals, Daniels is also adding 14.1 points and 4.3 assists per game. Even during a difficult campaign with the Hawks, Daniels’ impact is undeniable.

Tyler Herro has embraced more on-ball responsibility this season, turning into a dynamic playmaker for the Heat while maintaining his elite shooting touch.

He’s averaging a career-high in points (23.6 PPG) and assists (5.6 APG) while still knocking down 36.6% of his threes, proving he’s more than just a scorer. With Jimmy Butler gone, this could be Herro’s team going forward.

After playing a key role in Denver’s championship run last season, Christian Braun has stepped up in a bigger role this year, averaging double figures in scoring (15.1 PPG) while bringing elite defense and energy.

His ability to guard top wings, hit timely shots, and fit seamlessly into the Nuggets’ system has made him indispensable.

While Mobley has always been elite defensively, his offensive game has expanded significantly this season, making him a true two-way star.

He’s added a reliable mid-range jumper and improved his post moves, averaging 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while still anchoring Cleveland’s defense.

Coach Of The Year

Nov 9, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Current Leaders For The Coach Of The Year Award:

1. Kenny Atkinson (56-13)

2. Ime Udoka (45-25)

3. J.B. Bickerstaff (39-31)

4. Taylor Jenkins (43-27)

5. J.J. Redick (43-26)

Kenny Atkinson has orchestrated one of the most surprising sides in the NBA. The Cavaliers have held the best record in the NBA for most of the season, they play unselfishly and are a legitimate threat to make the NBA Finals.

We knew the Cavs would have been a strong side, but nobody expected them to be this dominant.

Ima Udoka has transformed the Rockets into one of the toughest defensive teams in the league, instilling a culture of accountability and physicality.

Houston’s young core has taken major leaps under his leadership to hold the second seed in the West, and their rapid development has made them a legitimate playoff team ahead of schedule.

The Detroit Pistons are not a great team, yet, but they have vastly improved compared to last season. Bickerstaff has helped Cade Cunningham become an All-Star while youngsters such as Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart have shown strides as well.

We don’t see Bickerstaff catching Atkingson or Udoka in the Coach of the Year race but he will finish top-three in all likelihood.

Jenkins has kept the Grizzlies competitive again, showcasing his ability to develop young talent and make in-game adjustments.

Memphis remains one of the toughest teams defensively, and Jenkins’ schemes have allowed them to remain competitive against elite teams. With a 43-27 record, the Grizzlies are playing very well because of their coach.

In his first year as an NBA head coach, Redick has brought a fresh perspective and a modern offensive system to the Lakers.

Sure, having Luka Doncic miraculously join the team before the trade deadline has done wonders for their 43-25 record, but Redick’s ideas and willingness to hold his players accountable have been more than refreshing.