Wed May 21 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## NBA Awards Season Continues: MVP Race Tight, All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams Loom

**Phoenix, AZ** – Following the announcement of the All-Rookie teams, with Stephon Castle earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors, the NBA is gearing up to reveal its remaining regular season awards. The MVP race is expected to be a nail-biter, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP winner, emerging as the frontrunners.

The NBA held off on announcing the MVP until after the Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in a thrilling seven-game Western Conference Semifinals series. While the head-to-head stats from that series hold no sway in the voting, the close competition offers a glimpse into how tight the MVP race might be. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in the series, while Jokic put up 28.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.

Beyond the MVP, all eyes are on the All-NBA First Team. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely predicted to secure a spot alongside the MVP contenders. With the selection process being position-less, voters have flexibility in crafting their dream team. Contenders for the remaining two spots include Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers). Edwards and Mitchell are vying for their first ever First Team selections.

If the Defensive Player of the Year voting is any indication, the All-Defensive teams are also expected to showcase elite talent. Potential First Team members include Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Lu Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets). Possible Second Team selections include Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Fans eagerly await the official announcements, which are expected to arrive shortly. Remember that all these awards reflect regular season performance and eligibility requires competing in at least 65 games.

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*Duane Rankin of azcentral.com contributed to this report.*

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