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Predicting the 2024 NBA Award Winners

The 2023-24 NBA season is still a long way off, but that doesn't mean we can't start predicting who the award finalists will be.
Credit | NBA

The 2023-24 NBA season is still a long way off, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start predicting who the award finalists will be. Here are my predictions for the top three finalists in each of the major awards, with some analysis of why I think they have a good chance to win:

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

  • Nikola Jokic: The reigning MVP is the easy favorite to repeat. He’s still the best passing big man in the league, and he’s only getting better. He averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game last season, while leading the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals. He’s also a two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team selection.
    • Jokic is a triple-double machine, and he’s also one of the most efficient scorers in the league. He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses, and he’s the clear leader of the Nuggets.
    • If Jokic can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he’ll be a shoo-in for MVP again in 2024.
  • Joel Embiid: Embiid is another player who’s a lock to be in the MVP conversation. He’s one of the most dominant forces in the post, and he’s also a great playmaker. He averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, while leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He’s also a four-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection.
    • Embiid is a walking double-double, and he’s also one of the most clutch players in the league. He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses, and he’s the clear leader of the 76ers.
    • If Embiid can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he’ll be a major contender for MVP in 2024.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis is always a threat to win MVP, and he’ll be even more motivated after losing to Embiid this year. He’s still the most versatile player in the league, and he’s only getting better. He averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game last season, while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their second NBA championship in four years. He’s also a six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, and two-time MVP.
    • Giannis is a triple-double threat, and he’s also one of the best defenders in the league. He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses, and he’s the clear leader of the Bucks.
    • If Giannis can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he’ll be a major contender for MVP in 2024.

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)

  • Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson Jr. is the reigning DPOY, and he’s the favorite to repeat. He’s one of the best rim protectors in the league, and he’s also a very versatile defender. He averaged 1.6 blocks per game last season, while also averaging 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He’s also a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection.
    • Jackson Jr. is a shot-blocking machine, and he’s also very good at switching onto guards. He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses, and he’s the clear leader of the Memphis Grizzlies.
    • If Jackson Jr. can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he’ll be a shoo-in for DPOY again in 2024.
  • Evan Mobley: Mobley is another young defender who’s making a name for himself. He’s a great rim protector, and he’s also very mobile. He averaged 1.7 blocks per game last season, while also averaging 15.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He’s also a 2022-23 All-Rookie First Team selection.
    • Mobley is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He’s also very good at switching onto guards. He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses, and he’s got a great chance to make some big defensive moves this upcoming season.

    Most Improved Player (MIP)

    • Mikal Bridges: Bridges is already a very good defender, but he’s taken his offensive game to another level this year. He’s averaging 19.0 points per game, while shooting 40% from three-point range. He’s also a 2022-23 All-Star and a 2022-23 All-NBA Third Team selection.
      • Bridges is a good candidate for MIP because he’s shown significant improvement in his offensive game. He’s shooting the ball much better from long range, and he’s also become a more consistent scorer.
    • Tyrese Maxey: Maxey is another young player who’s making a big leap this year. He’s averaging 22.5 points per game, and he’s shooting 42% from three-point range. He’s also a 2022-23 All-Star.
      • Maxey is a good candidate for MIP because he’s shown significant improvement in his scoring and playmaking. He’s become a more aggressive scorer, and he’s also become a better passer.
    • Jordan Poole: Poole is a young player who’s been on a tear this year. He’s averaging 18.5 points per game, and he’s shooting 36% from three-point range. He’s also a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors’ championship run.
      • Poole is a good candidate for MIP because he’s shown significant improvement in his scoring and shooting. He’s become a more consistent scorer, and he’s also become a better shooter from long range.

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      Sixth Man of the Year (6MOY)

      • Jordan Poole: Poole is a rising star in the NBA, and he’s already shown that he can be a difference-maker off the bench. He averaged 18.5 points per game last season, while shooting 43.3% from three-point range. He’s also a very good playmaker, and he can create his own shot. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve, he’ll be a major contender for Sixth Man of the Year in 2024.
      • Cam Thomas: Thomas is another young player who’s making a name for himself. He averaged 27.4 points per game in the G League last season, and he showed that he can be a scorer at the NBA level. He’s also a very good shooter, and he’s not afraid to take tough shots. If he can get more playing time off the bench, he’ll be a major contender for Sixth Man of the Year in 2024.
      • Derrick White: White is a versatile player who can do a lot of things on the court. He can score, rebound, and pass, and he’s also a good defender. He averaged 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last season. If he can get more playing time off the bench, he’ll be a major contender for Sixth Man of the Year in 2024.

      Rookie of the Year (RoTY)

      • Victor Wembanyama: Wembanyama was the first overall pick this year, and he has the potential to be a generational talent. He’s 7’3″ with a 7’8″ wingspan, and he’s already a great defender and rim protector. He’s also a skilled scorer, and he has the potential to be a triple-double threat.
      • Scoot Henderson: Henderson is a 6’4″ guard with elite athleticism and a versatile skill set. He can score at all three levels, and he’s also a good passer and defender. Pick number 3, Henderson has the potential to be a star in the league.
      • Chet Holmgren: Holmgren is a 7’1″ forward with a unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism. He’s a great shooter and passer, and he’s also a good defender. With his injury, things are a little worrisome but he has the potential to be a Rookie of the Year contender.

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