Who will sweep up the big NBA awards this season? Aaron Rose breaks down the early contenders.

As the 2024-25 NBA season crosses the quarter mark, the race for the league’s most prestigious individual awards is heating up. From Nikola Jokić redefining dominance to Victor Wembanyama’s defensive brilliance, the season has been a showcase of exceptional talent. Let’s take a closer look at the front-runners for each award and the narratives shaping their campaigns.

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Nikola Jokić’s Masterpiece (+375)

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić is delivering another historic season, averaging 30.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Jokić is hitting an incredible 52.2% of his three-point attempts, showcasing his ability to dominate from anywhere on the court.

Denver is scoring a historic 125.5 points per 100 possessions with Jokić on the court—a figure that outpaces even the best offensive teams in league history. Without him, that number plummets to just 94 points, a figure well below even the NBA’s worst offenses.

Despite Denver’s 11-8 record, Jokić’s transformative impact is undeniable. His court vision, creativity, and scoring prowess make him a once-in-a-generation player. If he continues at this pace, Jokić could secure his fourth MVP trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.

Rookie of the Year: Jared McCain Steals the Spotlight (-160)

Jared McCain has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting rookies. The 20-year-old guard is averaging 16.5 points per game for the Philadelphia 76ers, providing scoring for a 76ers team that’s been tending to injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George.

McCain’s contributions have been a bright spot for what’s been the league’s most disappointing team so far. His 34-point performance against Cleveland highlighted his scoring potential, showcasing his smooth shooting mechanics. Though still early in his career, McCain has demonstrated flashes of the offensive talent that made him a top prospect.

While the 76ers have struggled to meet expectations, McCain’s production has stood out. As he continues to develop, his growth will be pivotal in solidifying his Rookie of the Year case and providing hope amid a disastrous season.

Most Improved Player: Franz Wagner’s Offensive Ascent (+150)

Franz Wagner has been the steadying force for the Orlando Magic’s offense, helping keep them competitive during Paolo Banchero’s absence. While the Magic’s offense remains a tad disappointing, Wagner’s scoring and playmaking have made it effective enough to pair with their elite defense during an impressive 12-1 stretch.

The key factor in Wagner’s growth has been his resurgence as a three-point shooter. After struggling from deep last season, he has significantly increased his efficiency, forcing defenses to respect him beyond the arc. Combined with his ability to attack the basket and create for teammates, Wagner has kept Orlando’s offense afloat.

If Wagner can sustain this level of play when Banchero returns, the Magic could transform from an exciting up-and-comer into a truly dangerous team. His improvement makes him the clear front-runner for Most Improved Player and a key figure in Orlando’s bright future.

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama’s Game-Changing Presence (-190)

Victor Wembanyama has emerged as one of the NBA’s most dominant defenders. The 7-foot-4 center leads the league in blocks again this season, using his extraordinary size, mobility, and instincts to anchor San Antonio’s defense.

Wembanyama can shut down the paint with elite shot-blocking while also switching onto guards and wings, using his agility to contest shots across the court. His ability to alter shots and deter drives makes him the cornerstone of a Spurs defense that has exceeded expectations with a respectable defensive rating slightly above league average.

San Antonio has taken a big step forward since last season with Wembanyama’s brilliance playing a significant role. His presence forces opponents to rethink their offensive strategies, making him invaluable. This season, Wembanyama is positioning himself as the Defensive Player of the Year favorite—a title that could be the first of many for the young superstar.

Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard’s Instant Impact (-260)

Payton Pritchard has emerged as the league’s top bench scorer, averaging 16.5 points per game for the Boston Celtics. His consistent scoring has been critical for one of the NBA’s best teams, solidifying his case as the front-runner for Sixth Man of the Year.

Pritchard’s efficiency has been key to his success, as he’s hitting an astonishing 42.8% of his three-point attempts. His ability to score in bursts has been on full display, with 10 games featuring five or more made threes this year. Pritchard has become an offensive weapon that few teams can match off the bench.

As the season progresses, his elite shooting and scoring will continue to play a pivotal role in the Celtics’ success, making him the clear favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Coach of the Year: Ime Udoka’s Defensive Revolution (+500)

Ime Udoka has positioned himself as a top candidate for Coach of the Year by transforming the Houston Rockets into one of the best teams in the Western Conference so far this season. Houston’s success has been driven by a defense that ranks second in the NBA, marking a remarkable turnaround for a team that won just 22 games two years ago and missed the playoffs last season.

Udoka’s emphasis on discipline and effort has reshaped Houston’s identity. Young players like Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason have thrived, while Alperen Şengün has emerged as one of the most skilled offensive centers in the league. By blending emerging talent with improved team cohesion, Udoka has elevated the Rockets from rebuilding to respectability.

While the Rockets may not quite be legitimate contenders yet, their start under Udoka has been undeniably impressive. Exceeding expectations, Houston has emerged as one of the NBA’s most exciting teams to watch in the West. If they continue to build on this foundation, Udoka’s case for Coach of the Year will only strengthen, underscoring his transformative impact in just two seasons.