The Ringer’s 2024-25 NBA Awards Predictions

Getty Images/Ringer illustration Will Luka, Ant, or Shai win MVP? Can anyone challenge Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year? Plus, one made-up award from each of our writers. The last six MVP awards have gone to frontcourt players. Can a guard break the streak this season? With the 2024-25 NBA regular season tipping off, the Ringer NBA staff assembled to hand out its official awards predictions. Will this be Luka Doncic's year to win MVP? Who will win Most Improved Player? And who is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year? Most Valuable Player Howard Beck: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks. This feels like Luka's year. He's coming off his first Finals appearance, his first scoring title, and his highest MVP finish (third). He's poised for another monster season statistically. Just as critically, the Mavericks are poised to finally crack the top four in the West—historically, a prerequisite to win the award. Rob Mahoney: Doncic. Luka has been operating at an MVP level for years, but now the Mavs have the shine of a Finals run and a supporting cast that should put them in prime position for awards contention. Moreover: Every trip down the floor is a reminder of Luka's...