NBA Announces Major 2024-25 Award Finalists

The NBA has announced the finalists for its major individual awards for the 2024-25 season, including MVP and Rookie of the Year. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) are competing for MVP, with Jokic aiming for his fourth award in five years. For Rookie of the Year, the finalists are Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), and Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies), with Castle considered the leading candidate after a standout season. Wells impressed as a second-round pick with his shooting and consistency, while Risacher had a notable post-All-Star break. Winners for these and other awards, such as Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, will be announced later during the playoffs. If Castle wins, the Spurs will have back-to-back Rookie of the Year recipients following Victor Wembanyama's 2023-24 win.