Our 10 predictions for 2025 in the NBA: Champion, individual awards, new All-Stars

Just starting the second week of the year 2025, we make some predictions about what we believe the end of the NBA season will bring. We predict who will be the champion, the winners of each and every individual award (MVP, DPOY, COY, MIP, ROY, and Sixth Man of the Year, as well as the Finals MVP). Finally, we also point out who we think will make their first All-Star appearance.

Boston will be the first team to achieve back-to-back titles since Golden State in 2018

Building a dynasty seems increasingly challenging in today's NBA. Partly because there is more talent spread throughout the league, which tends to raise the overall level of play, but also due to the current CBA and its various ramifications, with very high taxes for franchises determined to retain their top players.

Jayson Tatum will be the Finals MVP

A small extra prediction that goes hand in hand with the first one. Tatum is undeniably the best player on the best team in the world, yet he is not always recognized as such. While Jaylen Brown deserved the Finals MVP award last year, we must not forget that JT led Boston in scoring, rebounding, and assists during the Finals against Dallas, while also being the main focus of the Mavericks' defense. It all starts with him on the Celtics, and we must not overlook that.

Nikola Jokic will not be chosen as MVP...

The Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets is clearly the most talented and dominant basketball player on the planet. His averages since the start of the season are staggering: 31 points per game (third), 12.9 rebounds (third), and 9.5 assists (third). He could win his fourth MVP in five years, which would place him among the greatest of all time. We can already imagine that this will dishearten some, an argument that cost him the trophy in 2023.

... Because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to win the award

Everyone can see it coming. Undoubtedly, all upcoming MVP rankings will place the Canadian in the lead. For us, the strongest argument for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains that of being the best player on the best team. The collective achievements of the Thunder could weigh heavily in the voting. Especially if he leads Oklahoma City to its most successful season ever, which would be quite remarkable considering the franchise has had Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden on its roster.

Kenny Atkinson will be Coach of the Year

It already seems like a certainty. At the same time, the Cavaliers have to receive an award. Following the same principle as the Thunder, it would be incredible for Cleveland to have its best season ever outperforming a team led by LeBron James. Kenny Atkinson has revolutionized the way the Cavs play with the same roster as his predecessor. The natural progression of Evan Mobley and the other young players on the team has worked in their favor, but the coach is one of the main factors behind the incredible level of play shown by the Ohio team since the start of the season.

Payton Pritchard will be named the best sixth man

It's not exactly the boldest prediction. Also in this case, the Celtics' backup point guard stands out in this category. De'Andre Hunter might have something to say as he excels off the bench for the Hawks, but Payton Pritchard's impact is too significant to overlook.

Zach Edey will be named Rookie of the Year... if he plays at least 50 games

Otherwise, Stephon Castle seems to be the front runner. The issue is that the Spurs' guard comes off the bench and is quite inconsistent in terms of skill. Zach Edey is a statistical machine once he steps on the court. He could end the season averaging around 12 points and 8-9 rebounds, which should be enough. His teammate Jaylen Wells is intriguing, but not the top rookie. Neither are Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, although both are quite good in their roles.

Cade Cunningham will be the Most Improved Player

A close call with Jalen Johnson, whose progression is bringing a new dimension to the Hawks. However, Cade Cunningham, now healthy, is starting to understand how to help his Pistons win games. He is a potential All-Star, and his level of play matches his status as the number one draft pick. He is even the second-best passer in the league, with almost 10 assists per game in addition to his 24 points and nearly 7 rebounds on average.

Victor Wembanyama will be DPOY

The first of many DPOY awards for the French prodigy. His second individual trophy in two seasons. His second-place finish in the best defender rankings might have been somewhat premature and driven by hype last year, but the young player has taken another huge leap this season. Wembanyama has already influenced how opponents attack the rim since his debut in the big league, but now he understands even better what happens on the court. This makes him the ultimate rim protector.

Wembanyama, Cunningham, Jalen Williams, Tyler Herro, and Alperen Sengun will be All-Stars for the first time

A baptism for young stars in the midst of the generational shift taking place in the NBA. As for Wembanyama, there is no doubt that he will be one of the best players in the league. Cunningham is benefiting from several factors: the relative weakness of the Eastern Conference, the Pistons' progress, the decline of Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers, and stats worthy of the best. His numbers could even rise after Jaden Ivey's terrible injury. Herro is establishing himself as the new face of the Heat. He is more complete and prolific than ever.

As for Sengun, he represents the rise of the Rockets, whose position in the top four of the Western Conference should almost guarantee them a selection. However, the competition is stiff in this part of the country. Even so, his presence is not entirely assured. The same goes for Jalen Williams, who would undoubtedly be a leader in quite a few franchises.

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