NBA awards: Top candidates for MVP, Rookie of the Year, more - ESPN

Which NBA players will win the top awards in 2024-25? After earning his third MVP in four seasons, Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic has stiff competition that includes stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic looking for their first Michael Jordan Trophy.

Among the rookies, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey and Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard have the preseason buzz with No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher surprisingly flying under the radar.

And what awards can Victor Wembanyama win after a stellar rookie season? The San Antonio Spurs sensation should be in the mix for a lot of accolades, especially Defensive Player of the Year — and remarkably even for the Most Improved Player.

We asked NBA insiders Bobby Marks, Chris Herring and Jeremy Woo to rank their top two choices for each of the NBA's six major awards (including Sixth Man and Coach of the Year), with NBA analyst Neil Paine detailing one sleeper pick to watch this season.

Jump to an award:
Most Valuable Player | Def. Player of the Year | Rookie of the Year
| Sixth Man of the Year | Most Improved | Coach of the Year

Chris Herring's picks

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
2. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks

Is it really a stretch to think that Jokic would win this award for the fourth time? Not if he once again averages more than 25 points a game and nearly a triple-double on an effective field goal rate of 60% or better, and not if he stays healthy and continues to be a difference maker on the defensive end. In the aftermath of guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's departure for the Orlando Magic, the Nuggets are going to be more heavily reliant on their rotation, which could mean that Jokic may have to do more to keep Denver in contention.