NBA Awards Ballot Reveals Top Individual Selections

The 2025 NBA awards season is marked by fierce competition, particularly for the MVP honor, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver's Nikola Jokic leading the race after both delivered historic seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the league in scoring and propelled the Thunder to a franchise-best record, is a strong contender, while Jokic's all-around dominance keeps him in close contention. International players continue to make a significant impact, with statistical leaders representing five different countries and contributing to the NBA's global appeal. Other awards feature close contests: Stephon Castle of San Antonio and Zaccharie Risacher are frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, while Detroit's Cade Cunningham is favored for Most Improved Player after a breakout season. The Defensive Player of the Year race was disrupted by Victor Wembanyama's midseason injury, leaving the award wide open. Coaches and bench players, like Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson and Boston's Payton Pritchard, are also receiving recognition for their roles in their teams' successes.