NBA Announces End-of-Season Award Finalists
The NBA has revealed the finalists for its end-of-season awards, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Clutch Player of the Year. These honors are among the most prestigious in the league, and the competition is fierce across all categories.
The MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year finalists were announced at halftime during the NBC broadcast of Game 1 between the Pistons and Magic, while the rest of the finalists were shared via the league’s official account on social media.
MVP Finalists
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Each of these players leads one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and they all have compelling cases for the MVP award. Nikola Jokic made history by becoming the first player to lead the league in rebounds and assists per game while averaging an impressive 27.7 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder, who finished atop the league, despite missing multiple key starters throughout the season. Victor Wembanyama, meanwhile, averaged 25.0 points per game and is also a strong contender for the Defensive Player of the Year.
Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
- Kon Knuepple (Hornets)
- VJ Edgecombe (Sixers)
This race is expected to be a close contest between Flagg and Knuepple. Knuepple was instrumental in helping the Hornets make a significant resurgence this season, becoming the first rookie to lead the league in made three-pointers. Flagg, despite playing for a weaker team, showcased tremendous potential with averages of 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. VJ Edgecombe provided consistent contributions, averaging 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 75 games.
Coach of the Year Finalists
- Joe Mazzulla (Celtics)
- J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons)
- Mitch Johnson (Spurs)
Both Mazzulla and Bickerstaff guided their teams to strong performances in the Eastern Conference, despite constant roster changes. Mazzulla led the Celtics to a dominant record, while Bickerstaff helped the Pistons exceed expectations. Mitch Johnson managed the Spurs’ challenging guard rotation and spacing issues, leading them to the second-best record in the league.
Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Ausar Thompson (Pistons)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Wembanyama is widely considered the favorite for this award, ranking first in total blocks, blocks per game, defensive rating, and defensive rebounding percentage. Holmgren came in second in blocks per game, while Thompson emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, combining off-ball defense with strong point-of-attack play.
Most Improved Player Finalists
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks)
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
All three players had breakout seasons. Deni Avdija and Jalen Duren both earned their first All-Star selections. Nickeil Alexander-Walker improved dramatically, raising his scoring average from 9.4 to 20.8 points per game, along with career-high shooting percentages.
Sixth Man of the Year Finalists
- Tim Hardaway Jr. (Nuggets)
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat)
- Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
Tim Hardaway Jr. achieved a career milestone by shooting over 40% from three-point range. Jaime Jaquez Jr. posted career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists off the bench. Keldon Johnson provided crucial scoring for the Spurs’ bench unit when the starters struggled.
Clutch Player of the Year Finalists
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Gilgeous-Alexander and Edwards ranked first and second in clutch scoring, respectively. Jamal Murray shot the most efficiently from three-point range among guards in clutch situations.
Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints noted that the awards will be announced one at a time, starting with the Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, April 20.
