NBA award finalists 2025: Full list of candidates for MVP, Defensive Rookie of the Year, more
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NBA award finalists 2025: Full list of candidates for MVP, Defensive Rookie of the Year, more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Eyes are turned to the NBA playoff games, but with these games also comes Awards season.
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Sunday marks the evening where finalists are announced for each of the major award categories, including Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and everything in between.
With the votes all calculated from the team of sportswriters who decide this end-of-season honor, announcements are set to begin.
Here are the finalists as they are announced, as well as the last ten years of winners in each category.
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Most Valuable Player
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
SeasonWinner2024-25Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder2023-24Nikola Jokic, Nuggets2022-23Joel Embiid, 76ers2021-22Nikola Jokic, Nuggets2020-21Nikola Jokic, Nuggets2019-20Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks2018-19Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks2017-18James Harden, Rockets2016-17Russell Westbrook, Thunder2015-16Stephen Curry, WarriorsRookie of the Year
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
SeasonWinner2024-25Stephon Castle, Spurs2023-24Victor Wembanyama, Spurs2022-23Paolo Banchero, Magic2021-22Scottie Barnes, Raptors2020-21LaMelo Ball, Hornets2019-20Ja Morant, Grizzlies2018-19Luka Doncic, Mavericks2017-18Ben Simmons, 76ers2016-17Malcolm Brogdon, Bucks2015-16Karl-Anthony Towns, TimberwolvesDefensive Player of the Year
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
SeasonWinner2024-25Evan Mobley, Cavaliers2023-24Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves2022-23Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies2021-22Marcus Smart, Celtics2020-21Rudy Gobert, Jazz2019-20Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks2018-19Rudy Gobert, Jazz2017-18Rudy Gobert, Jazz2016-17Draymond Green, Warriors2015-16Kawhi Leonard, SpursSixth Man of the Year
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
SeasonWinner2024-25Payton Pritchard, Celtics2023-24Naz Reid, Timberwolves2022-23Malcolm Brogdon, Celtics2021-22Tyler Herro, Heat2020-21Jordan Clarkson, Jazz2019-20Montrezl Harrell, Clippers2018-19Lou Williams, Clippers2017-18Lou Williams, Clippers2016-17Eric Gordon, Clippers2015-16Jamal Crawford, ClippersMost Improved Player
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
SeasonWinner2024-25Dyson Daniels, Hawks2023-24Tyrese Maxey, 76ers2022-23Lauri Markkanen, Jazz2021-22Ja Morant, Grizzlies2020-21Julius Randle, Knicks2019-20Brandon Ingram, Pelicans2018-19Pascal Siakam, Raptors2017-18Victor Oladipo, Pacers2016-17Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks2015-16CJ McCollum, Trail BlazersClutch Player of the Year
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19
Previous winners
This award was introduced during the 2022-23 NBA season.
SeasonWinner2024-25Jalen Brunson, Knicks2023-24Stephen Curry, Warriors2022-23De'Aaron Fox, KingsCoach of the Year
Finalists
To be announced at 6 PM ET on April 19