Picking NBA awards was as tough as ever this year. The 65 game requirement meant that usual pen-in selections like Luka Doncic for All-NBA or now Victor Wembanyama for All-Defense/DPOY were no longer eligible, leaving races much more wide open and tough to decide. And, even with the games played restriction, there was still a long list of deserving candidates and mentions for each award. That said, I’ve narrowed down my final picks. Here are the official 2024-25 Bench Mob Blog NBA awards, including all the real awards as well as the annual Bench Mob Player of the Year and All-Bench-Mob teams.
(Note: the results of the BMB fan award survey will be included under each of my picks, where my friends and followers on X submitted their votes for each award.)
(Second note: for brevity, ineligible players such as Doncic and Wembanyama will not be listed anywhere. Honorable mention lists will only include eligible guys.)
(Third and final note: my Clutch Player of the Year pick is Jalen Brunson, with Nikola Jokic and Tyrese Haliburton as the runner-ups. Didn’t feel the need to write a whole section for the award.)
Coach of the Year
Honorable Mentions: J.B. Bickerstaff, Tyronn Lue, Joe Mazzulla, Jordi Fernandez
Finalist: Kenny Atkinson
In his first season back as a head coach after 4+ years of being an assistant, Kenny Atkinson proved to be arguably the best in the biz. He maximized Cleveland’s roster on both ends of the floor and turned them into a two-way juggernaut. This year’s Cavs won the second most games in the history of the franchise, and Atkinson’s guidance is one of the biggest reasons for their success.
Finalist: Mark Daigneault
The Thunder were an utterly dominant force this year, holding onto the one seed with basically no sweat despite the depth and competitiveness in the West. They did so with Chet Holmgren playing just 32 games and Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell missing major time as well. Mark Daigneault’s coaching turned a young, hungry, and shorthanded OKC squad into an all-time good team and he deserves a ton of credit for it.
Finalist: Ime Udoka
Few coaches in recent years have done a better job of establishing a culture than Ime Udoka. He transformed a once unstructured and immature Rockets squad into a polished defensive goliath. Houston surged to heights many didn’t expect from them this year, and Udoka’s orchestration sent them on that trajectory.
2024-25 Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson
(BMB Fan COTY: Kenny Atkinson. Also receiving votes: J.B. Bickerstaff, I. Udoka, M. Daigneault, T. Lue, J. Redick, J. Fernandez, J. Mazzulla)
Sixth Man of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Ty Jerome, Naz Reid, Caris LeVert, Keldon Johnson, Aaron Wiggins, Buddy Hield, Gary Trent Jr.
Finalist: Malik Beasley
Five players in NBA history have made 300+ threes in a season: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Anthony Edwards, and Malik Beasley. Only one of them came off the bench when they did it. Beasley was the best pure shooter in the league this season, and the work he did from behind the arc was instrumental in Detroit’s shocking turnaround. Not only was he a huge contributor on the court, the journeyman wing was also a high-quality vet who brought great leadership and vibes to Detroit’s youthful locker room. No other sixth man was as important to their team in 2024-25 as Malik Beasley.
Finalist: De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter led the association in bench points per game this season. He started the year on a heater with the Hawks, turning himself into one of the most coveted assets on the trade market. Before the All-Star break, the former 4th overall pick averaged 18.8 points. In December, he put up 22.7 points on 52/49/87 splits. Once he landed in Cleveland, Hunter didn’t miss a beat and continued to be a highly effective scoring option. While he isn’t the All-Star some may have envisioned him becoming when he was drafted, Hunter has become a star in his role.
Finalist: Payton Pritchard
While Hunter led the league in bench points per game, it was Payton Pritchard who surpassed all other sixth men in total points. The little guard made a massive impact for a Celtics team that won 61 games. Any given night, Pritchard can catch fire and cook like a number one option. In 10 games without Jayson Tatum this season, he averaged 19.0 points and 5.3 assists. Pritchard is the definition of a microwave and the ideal sixth man.
2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year: Malik Beasley
(BMB Fan 6MOY: Payton Pritchard. Also receiving votes: M. Beasley, T. Jerome, D. Hunter, C. LeVert, N. Reid, R. Westbrook)
Most Improved Player
Honorable Mentions: Evan Mobley, Tyler Herro, Ty Jerome, Ochai Agbaji, Deni Avdija, Quentin Grimes, Aaron Wiggins, Shaedon Sharpe
Finalist: Christian Braun
When Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency, it was clear that another Nugget would need to step up and fill his place to help the team remain in contention. Christian Braun made that leap. The third-year wing fits like a glove in lineups next to Nikola Jokic because of his willingness to cut, run the floor in transition, and cash in big triples. Braun averaged career-highs in every single category, including field goal percentage (58.0%) and three-point percentage (39.7%), while appearing in 79 games. His improved play was integral in Denver’s playoff push.
Finalist: Dyson Daniels
The Pelicans acquired the more talented player, but it’s safe to say the Hawks feel like they won the Dejounte Murray-Dyson Daniels swap they made in the offseason. Daniels did things we’ve never seen before on defense this season, leading the league with 3.0 steals (1.2 more than second place) while also swatting 0.7 shots per game. Along with becoming an All-Defensive lock, the Great Barrier Thief also took big strides on offense. His 14.1 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 49.3% field goal percentage were career highs, and he showed strong poise as a driver and playmaker.
Finalist: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers didn’t just tread water without Kawhi Leonard for most of the season, they swam like Michael Phelps. Outside of James Harden, no one on the team was more crucial to their success than Ivica Zubac. The big fella played at an all-league level at both ends, converting layups and hook shots at video game rates and wardening the paint for a top-three defense. Zubac’s 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists were all career-bests.
2024-25 Most Improved Player: Christian Braun
(BMB Fan MIP: Dyson Daniels. Also receiving votes: C. Braun, T. Jerome, Q. Grimes, C. Cunningham, I. Zubac, C. Johnson, T. Herro, E. Mobley, S. Aldama)
Defensive Player of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Amen Thompson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Dyson Daniels, Jarrett Allen, Luguentz Dort
Finalist: Draymond Green
An all-time great defender, Draymond Green is still locking up (and letting you hear about it) at a best-in-the-world level in his post-prime years. He averaged over one steal and one block per game for the seventh time in his career this year. The disdain surrounding his personal push to win DPOY is unfortunately covering up the fact that he should have been in the race all along. The Warriors were one of the best defenses in the league throughout the season with Draymond as the anchor, and the post-Butler trade stretch of dominance is just the cherry on top of a convincing campaign for the Dancing Bear.
Finalist: Evan Mobley
The two most important defensive attributes in today’s NBA are rim protection and versatility. Evan Mobley is elite in both areas. He won two Defensive Player of the Month awards this season while finishing fifth in the league in blocks per game and ranking in the 66th percentile of defensive versatility across all positions (Stat via CraftedNBA. Amongst just bigs, he’s even higher). Mobley was the nucleus of the 64-win Cavaliers and their eighth-ranked defense. In 2023, he was DPOY runner-up, but this year, he’s on track to finish first.
Finalist: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers built their foundation on defense this year, finishing third in the NBA in defensive rating. That wouldn’t have been possible without Ivica Zubac. A mammoth in the interior, Zubac walled up the rim and deterred or altered countless shots with his combination of size and flawless fundamentals. Los Angeles allowed 6.9 fewer points per possession defensively when Zubac was on the court versus off it. Big Zu’s block numbers don’t jump off the screen (1.1 per game), but his impact does.
2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley
(BMB Fan DPOY: Evan Mobley. Also receiving votes: D. Green, D. Daniels, Am. Thompson, I. Zubac, L. Dort, J. Jackson Jr., J. Allen, O. Anunoby, B. Adebayo)
Rookie of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Wells, Kel’el Ware, Yves Missi, Zach Edey, Jared McCain
Finalist: Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle carried a bigger load than any other rookie this season. He ranked 41st in the entire league in usage rate, largely a result of injuries to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. That’s a daunting load for a 20-year-old guard, but Castle confidently accepted the responsibility and showcased star upside. The UConn product led all rookies in points and steals, getting it done on both ends. His tact as a driver, playmaker, and defender made him look like a veteran at times. Castle had some growing pains, as most one-and-dones do, but he proved that his potential is limitless.
Finalist: Zaccharie Risacher
No rookie was more polished than Zaccharie Risacher this season. As a starter for the Hawks, he did so many little things to help them win, from cutting, to relocating, to junking things up on defense. He did loud things too, like scoring 30+ points four times, more than any other freshman. Risacher finished the season second amongst rookies in total points, fourth in three-pointers, and fifth in minutes played. He may not be the superstar number one pick we’ve become accustomed to seeing, but he has a high floor and hasn’t even begun scratching his ceiling.
Finalist: Alex Sarr
Two Frenchmen in the top three? You betcha! Alex Sarr was Bench Mob Blog’s number one prospect in the 2024 class, and he lived up to the hype in year one. His offense was raw as expected, but he did some encouraging stuff on that end, averaging 13.0 points and 2.4 assists while flashing high-level stretch big and passing hub chops. It was defensively where he really shone, though. Sarr ranked seventh in the NBA in blocks per game. He’s a versatile monster with the potential to become an Evan Mobley type stopper. Sarr is a lump of clay who could be molded into something spectacular.
2024-25 Rookie of the Year: Zaccharie Risacher
(BMB Fan ROTY: Stephon Castle. Also receiving votes: Z. Risacher, J. Wells, A. Sarr, B. Carrington, Y. Missi, M. Buzelis, K. Ware)
Most Valuable Player
Honorable Mention: Jayson Tatum
Finalist: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The greatest player Milwaukee has ever seen put his team on his back this season. He tore up the competition on both ends of the floor, putting up Wilt Chamberlain numbers regularly on his way to a second consecutive 30+ PPG, 60+ FG% campaign. On top of his otherworldly interior scoring and defense, Giannis has officially added elite playmaking to his bag. He closed out another MVP worthy campaign with five triple doubles in his last six games and is now in full go mode for the playoffs.
Finalist: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After winning a league-best 68 games, Oklahoma City is in prime position to run through the league for a championship, and they wouldn’t be here without their homegrown superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Last year’s MVP runner-up, Gilgeous-Alexander has made it nearly impossible to deny him twice with the all-time season he just had. Not only did he pace the league with 32.7 points per game, he led the NBA in 20 point games, 30 point games, 40 point games, AND 50 point games while also making a real All-Defense case. Shai and his team are both on an all-time trajectory, and the Canadian guard is destined to win multiple MVPs (and FMVPs) in his career.
Finalist: Nikola Jokic
Every year, the Joker does things we’ve never seen before on a basketball court. In 2024-25, he became the first center and third player ever to average a triple double while nearly joining the exclusive 50/40/90 club. His final statline was 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals on 58/42/80 splits. That’s unfathomable stuff. Even if he doesn’t win MVP, Nikola Jokic is still the best player in the world, and he’ll be determined to hold on to his crown in the playoffs.
2024-25 Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(BMB Fan MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Also receiving votes: N. Jokic, G. Antetokounmpo)
Bench Mob Player of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Johnny Juzang, Jared Butler, Jamison Battle, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jeff Dowtin, Brandon Williams
Finalist: Moussa Diabate
Moussa Diabate’s Bench Mob Player of the Year case can be summed up with two stats. First, he became the first player in history to start the season on a two-way contract and lead his team in games played (shoutout to @hornetshoops_ on X for that one). Second, he ranked 18th in the league in total offensive rebounds despite finishing 226th in total minutes. In his limited playing time, Diabate was one of the most impactful reserves in the association. With Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic both having uncertain futures in Charlotte, he could be a starter as soon as next year.
Diabate won seven Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, tying him for second on the season leaderboard. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
Finalist: Jay Huff
Jay Huff came out of the gates hot this year. He averaged 9.6 points and 1.5 blocks on 54/44/69 splits through October and November, and the Grizzlies converted his two-way contract into a standard one in the first week of the season. While his emergence was surprising to many, those who had seen Huff play in the G League, Summer League, and with the Wizards in 2023 knew his breakthrough was inevitable. In his first real NBA season, the big man showed the world what he’s capable of. He’s one of the most valuable third-stringers in the sport with his 3&D capabilities, and he could play a much bigger role on many teams.
Huff won 10 Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, which not only led the league, but is also an all-time single season record dating back to the first year of Bench Mob awards, 2021-22. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
Finalist: Tyrese Martin
In 2023-24, Tyrese Martin wasn’t in the NBA at all. He was phased out of the league after a quiet rookie season with the Hawks. However, he earned a second chance on a two-way contract with the Nets in training camp, and he took the opportunity and showed why he deserves to stick. Martin’s coming out party was against the Suns on November 27th. He netted 30 points on 10/13 shooting with eight triples in that game and didn’t fall out of Brooklyn’s rotation after that. Like Diabate and Huff, Martin earned a contract conversion during the season. He finished sixth on his team in minutes played and seventh in total points.
Martin won seven Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, tying him for second on the season leaderboard. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
2024-25 Bench Mob Player of the Year: Jay Huff
(BMB Fan BM POTY: Moussa Diabate. Also receiving votes: J. Butler, L. Waters III, J. Huff, J. Battle, J. Juzang, T. Martin, B. Williams, T. Evbuomwan, J. Dowtin, J. Robinson-Earl)
All-NBA Teams
All-NBA First Team: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan MItchell
All-NBA Second Team: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden
All-NBA Third Team: Cade Cunningham, Karl-Anthony Towns, Evan Mobley, Pascal Siakam, Trae Young
All-Defensive Teams
All-Defensive First Team: Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, Ivica Zubac, Amen Thompson, Jaren Jackson Jr.
All-Defensive Second Team: Dyson Daniels, Toumani Camara, Luguentz Dort, Jarrett Allen, Rudy Gobert
All-Rookie Teams
All-Rookie First Team: Zaccharie Risacher, Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, Jaylen Wells, Kel’el Ware
All-Rookie Second Team: Yves Missi, Zach Edey, Isaiah Collier, Bub Carrington, Matas Buzelis
All-Bench-Mob Teams
All-Bench-Mob First Team: Jay Huff, Moussa Diabate, Tyrese Martin, Johnny Juzang, Jared Butler
All-Bench-Mob Second Team: Brandon Williams, Jeff Dowtin, Jamison Battle, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
All-Bench-Mob Third Team: Lindy Waters III, Jalen Wilson, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Karlo Matkovic, Gui Santos
So, those are my official 2024-25 awards picks. Let me know what you agree and disagree with by tweeting @finleykuehl. Thanks for reading— see you next time!
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