Green, Kuminga headline ESPN’s 2024-25 awards predictions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The basketball world has remained silent since Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals and Warriors superstar Steph Curry dominated the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics to win gold for Team USA.
SO, Prediction season is getting stronger.
ESPN recently published a column estimating Superlatives for the 2024-25 NBA seasonwith a handful of interesting stories from the Golden State. The network, as voted by its experts, shared more predictions On Tuesday, some Warriors players will also be present:
Who will win Defensive Player of the Year?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs:76 points (67% of first place votes)
2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves: 29 points (5%)
3. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat: 26 points (14%)
4. Anthony Davis, The Los Angeles Lakers: 14 points
5. Mikal Bridges, The New York Knicks:10 points (5%)
6. Jrue’s HolidaysBoston Celtics: 8 points (5%)
7. Joel Embiid, The Philadelphia 76ers:5 points (5%)
T-8. Draymond GreenGolden State Warriors: 4 points
T-8. OG AnunobyNew York Knicks: 4 points
T-8. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 4 points
T-9. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 points
T-9. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies: 3 points
T-9. Evan Mobley, The Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 points
T-10. Herbert Jones, The New Orleans Pelicans: 1 point
T-10. Jaylen BrownBoston Celtics: 1 point
T-10. Chet HolmgrenOklahoma City Thunder: 1 point
Green, 34, is no longer the two-way star he once was.
However, the four-time NBA champion never backs down from a challenge, especially on defense.
Green won Defensive Player of the Year honors for the 2016-17 season after averaging two steals, 1.4 blocks and 7.9 rebounds.
Green makes ESPN’s list because he was an eight-time All-Defensive selection during his 13-year NBA career.
Warriors fans would love to see the four-time All-Star return to defensive form. Golden State, as a team, would appreciate it, too.
Who will win the Most Improved Player title?
T-1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: 26 points (14% of first-place votes)
T-1. Jalen WilliamsOklahoma City Thunder: 26 points (10%)
3. Coby White, The Chicago Bulls: 25 points (14%)
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons: 22 points (14%)
5. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets:14 points (10%)
T-6. Devin VassellSan Antonio Spurs: 12 points (5%)
T-6. Alpen Sengun, Houston Rockets:12 points (5%)
7. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers:11 points (5%)
8. Jonathan KumingaGolden State Warriors: 10 points (10%)
9. Jalen suggests, Orlando Magic: 7 points
T-10. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors:5 points (5%)
T-10. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks:5 points (5%)
T-10. Jalen GreenHouston Rockets: 5 points (5%)
The fact that Wembanyama tops this list… after being the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and the reigning Rookie of the Year… is indicative of what the Most Improved Player award has become.
That said, Kuminga is worth considering.
The rising star had a phenomenal fourth NBA season, averaging a career-high 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds — big improvements from his 9.9 and 3.4 numbers, respectively, the previous season.
Kuminga should see his leash extended again with Klay Thompson gone and Golden State also needs points, making him a potential NBA All-Star candidate if things go well.
1. Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks: 29 points (19% of first-place votes)
2. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder: 24 points (19%)
3. Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: 22 points (19%)
4. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs: 18 points (5%)
5. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers: 16 points (14%)
6. Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers: 15 points (5%)
7. Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies: 14 points (10%)
8. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat: 13 points (5%)
9. Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets: 12 points (5%)
10. Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic: 8 points
Others who received votes: Ty Lue, Los Angeles ClippersDoc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix SunsMike Brown, Sacramento KingsChris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves, Steve Kerr, Golden State WarriorsJason Kidd, The Dallas Mavericks
Kerr won NBA Coach of the Year honors with the Warriors in 2015-16. He was a finalist the year before.
Kerr has won Coach of the Month eight times in his career. 11-year NBA coaching career — all with Golden State.
Selected to the “15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History” list in 2021-22, Kerr has the opportunity to pad his resume by helping a struggling and aging Warriors team — built to be carried by Curry — surpass its performance.
Golden State missed the playoffs last season. If Kerr can turn the franchise around, he could win a second Coach of the Year award.
