Who deserves the 2024-25 NBA season MVP?

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

March 27, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder at Washington Wizards on January 11, 2022 All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

As the 2024-25 NBA season comes to an end, the chatter around potential MVP candidates is heating up. With a deep pool of talent across the league, fans and analysts alike are already speculating about who will take home the coveted Most Valuable Player award. In a league defined by its elite competition and shifting narratives, the MVP race promises to be as thrilling as the games themselves. With everything taken into account, here are the best choices to receive the prestigious award.

5. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)

A nomination that would have caught many off guard at the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, has now become a top contender to win the illustrious prize. Ever since being drafted with the thirteenth overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft to the Utah Jazz, Mitchell has demonstrated his ability to be an elite two-way player. Now averaging an impressive 23.7 points a game with a 44.0% field goal percentage in 2025, Mitchell has led Cleveland to the top of the Eastern Conference. As the team aims for its second NBA championship in franchise history, there is a growing argument that Mitchell is more than deserving of the MVP honor.

4. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)

Mitchell’s skills have impressed many throughout the year, but he isn’t the only first-round pick of the 2017 NBA draft to be a top contender for this award. Drafted third overall, by Boston in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, though eight years later, many in Philadelphia likely regret that decision. Since 2020, Tatum has consistently averaged over 25 points per game, captivating fans with his dynamic offense. This would all culminate with a win in a win in the 2024 NBA finals over the Dallas Mavericks. With many years still left in his career, it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone if Tatum added MVP to his list of accomplishments.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Unlike Boston, Milwaukee did not have the best start to the 2024-25 NBA season. However, throughout the injuries, upset losses, and eventually redemption of the team one thing stayed consistent. Currently averaging 30.2 points alongside an impressive 5.9 assists and 12.0 rebounds, Antetokoumpo has run through the NBA. Being drafted with the fifteenth pick of the 2013 NBA draft with no expectations, Antetokoump has had a remarkable career, highlighted by his 2021 NBA finals victory over the Devin Booker-led Phoenix Suns. With championship aspirations and two MVP awards to his name, many are left wondering if Antetokounmpo can achieve greatness once more?

2. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)

Similarly to Antetokoumpo, not much was expected out of Jokić when he was selected with the forty-first overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft. Now over a decade later, it would be hard to find many who disagree with giving Jokić his fourth MVP. While averaging a triple-double, the 2024-25 NBA season has arguably been the best of Jokić’s career. The Denver center has entered conversations about being the greatest offensive player, showcasing a unique style the league has never seen before. As he aims for his second NBA championship, few would contest that Jokić is a leading contender for the MVP award.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

While Jokić was a heavy contender for MVP at the beginning of the season, many would say post-all-star break that he has been overtaken. Drafted eleventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018 NBA draft, many say the potential of Alexander. This would be illustrated when he was traded to Oklahoma City, where he quickly made a name for himself, averaging over 30 points per game since 2022. Given his dominance in the Western Conference with a 52.2% field goal percentage, it seems only a matter of time before Alexander captures his first NBA championship. Additionally, it’s not hard to imagine him taking home the MVP award for the 2024-25 season.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer