As every year, ESPN gave the floor to members of the NBA, whether they are executives, coaches or scouts. They were tasked with answering a number of questions, particularly about the upcoming season. Here is a summary of the predictions!
Some time ago, ESPN had set up an internal survey to predict the different awards of the 2024-25 NBA season. This time, it was people working for certain teams of the Major League who were involved. 18 members of a panel formed for the occasion and the questions were more diverse.
Starting with this one of the best player in the world currently and the results are clear; 15 voted for Nikola Jokic. The Serbian largely dominates “the race” ahead of Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards. However, the Denver giant only appears in third position in Votes for the 2025-26 MVP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most cited with seven votes ahead of Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum accompany the “Joker” on the third step of the podium.
Then come the collective questions and according to this panel, Boston Celtics to win Eastern Conference next season (13 routes) and Oklahoma City Thunder to be crowned West champion (14). The Celts are slight favorites for the title with eight ways just ahead of the seven of Mark Daigneault’s gang. The Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves have also been mentioned.
Finally the panel looked at the 2024 Draft class and according to them, Zach Edey will win Rookie of the Year trophy at the end of the season (8 ways). He is ahead of Reed Sheppard, Alex Sarr, Stephon Castle, Rob Dillingham and Tristan da Silva. Finally, the votes indicate that the new Rockets point guard will be the best player in the class in five yearsa ranking in which seven players appear, but none of the five French drafted.
Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Boston Celtics, Zach Edey and Redd Sheppard win the honors on paper. But in the end, it’s always the court that speaks. Game On!
Source text: ESPN
2024-08-27 10:40:16