NBA Reveals Finalists for 2024-25 Regular Season Awards

Okay, so there I was, just casually hanging out on a Sunday evening — you know, typical lazy vibes. Anyway, I somehow stumbled upon this announcement from the NBA — felt like a big deal, at least to my half-awake brain. They rolled out their list of finalists, like, all the big shots that might just snag those coveted regular season awards. And let me tell you, it was quite the lineup.

First up, MVP talks. Now, I can’t decide if naming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is surprising or exactly what we expected. Like, maybe it was written in the stars or I’m just really good at guessing. Who knows?

And then they say the grand reveal will happen as the playoffs unfold. Keeps us on our toes, right? But back to the action, let’s unpack this.

MVP chatter brings us Giannis from the Milwaukee Bucks, Shai representing the Oklahoma City Thunder, and of course, the perennial powerhouse Nikola Jokić with the Denver Nuggets. One of these dudes is going to be the top dog. My gut tells me… actually, never mind, I won’t even try to predict.

Jumping over to Defensive Player of the Year, here we’ve got Dyson Daniels lighting up the Atlanta Hawks, Draymond Green throwing down his defensive magic with the Golden State Warriors, and Evan Mobley showing up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Who do you think picks it up? My crystal ball’s on the fritz.

Over in Rookie territory, Stephon Castle is holding it down for the San Antonio Spurs, with Zaccharie Risacher flying the flag for the Atlanta Hawks, and Jaylen Wells doing his thing with the Memphis Grizzlies. There’s some serious fresh talent in the game.

Moving on, the Most Improved Player lineup has Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Dyson Daniels (there he is again for the Atlanta Hawks), and Ivica Zubac from the LA Clippers. Talk about leveling up.

The Sixth Man award — such an underrated title, if you ask me — features Malik Beasley from the Detroit Pistons, Ty Jerome repping the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Payton Pritchard from the good ol’ Boston Celtics.

Then there’s this whole Clutch Player thing. Jalen Brunson’s name pops up here with the New York Knicks, along with Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nikola Jokić’s second mention (that guy’s everywhere) from the Denver Nuggets.

Last but not least, we’ve got those genius minds, the coaches. There’s Kenny Atkinson doing his thing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.B. Bickerstaff steering the Detroit Pistons ship, and Ime Udoka calling the shots for the Houston Rockets.

So what’s my take? I’m not entirely sure. Predicting is hard, and well, it’s more fun to just… you know, watch and see how it pans out. Anyway — did I forget something? Maybe. Probably. But hey, it’s more fun when there are surprises waiting around the corner, right? I’ll just let the games unfold and hope my subconscious jots down the right guess.