CBS Sports NBA experts project award winners for 2024-25 season

CBS Sports' NBA staff have released their projections for the league's major individual honors in the 2024-25 season. The analysts note that the previous year saw a record number of first-time winners across all major awards, a trend they expect to continue.

Most experts agree that Victor Wembanyama is the leading candidate for both Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year, provided he reaches the 65-game threshold. > "Wemby will officially take over the league this year," wrote Brad Botkin, adding that a unanimous MVP vote is unlikely. John Gonzalez echoed the sentiment, calling Wembanyama a "lock" for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Rookie of the Year race is described as highly competitive, with several analysts favoring different prospects. Cam Maloney and Sam Quinn each identified Cam Boozer as a strong contender, while others highlighted Caleb Wilson and other young players based on preseason performance.

For Most Improved Player, suggestions ranged from Dylan Harper to Scoot Henderson, reflecting the difficulty of forecasting that category. The Sixth Man award saw nominations such as Ayo Dosunmu and other bench contributors.

Coach of the Year predictions focused on teams expected to exceed expectations. Boston and Toronto were frequently mentioned, with Joe Mazzulla and Darko Ružić receiving nods for guiding their squads to top seeds.

The Clutch Player award was deemed the hardest to predict, with analysts noting its reliance on late-game opportunities. Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were among those cited as potential winners.

Overall, the consensus underscores the league's parity and the impact of the 65-game rule on award voting, while emphasizing the uncertainty that remains in several categories.