NBA Announces Finalists for 2024-25 Season Awards
NEW YORK (April 21, 2025) – The National Basketball Association on Sunday unveiled the finalists for its annual regular-season awards, setting the stage for a highly anticipated proclamation of the league’s top performers.As was to be expected, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic headline the list, vying for the coveted Most Valuable Player award.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic Canadian guard, has propelled the Thunder to a surprising top-seed in the Western Conference with his electrifying scoring and playmaking. Averaging a career-high 31.4 points per game, along with 6.5 assists and 5.6 rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a frontrunner for the MVP trophy.
Jokic, the Serbian superstar and two-time MVP, continues to dominate the league with his exceptional all-around play. The Nuggets’ big man is averaging 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, orchestrating denver’s offense with unparalleled court vision and skill. Jokic aims to join an elite group of players, including Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell, who have won at least three MVP awards.
Also in contention for the MVP award is Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, the Milwaukee Bucks’ dominant forward and former two-time MVP. Antetokounmpo’s imposing physical presence and relentless drive have made him a perennial MVP candidate.
The finalists for the other major NBA awards include:
Defensive Player of the Year:
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Victor wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Rookie of the Year:
victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Coach of the Year:
Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma city Thunder
Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
The NBA is expected to announce the winners of each award throughout the playoffs. The MVP award, in particular, is generating significant buzz, with basketball analysts and fans debating the merits of each finalist. Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence alongside the established dominance of Jokic and Antetokounmpo sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the NBA awards season.
