We’ve reached the midpoint of the NBA season – a reminder that “time waits for no one,” just like The Rolling Stones said – and not only have teams shown their potential to win titles, but individual players are also emerging as award contenders.

A key takeaway from this period: Seize the moment and minimize regrets.

So, who will carve their name into NBA history?

Will another international player take home the MVP award? Is Victor Wembanyama on track to win multiple Defensive Player of the Year titles? Can a second-round draft choice secure the Rookie of the Year honors? Will a new coach lead a team to Coach of the Year accolades?

Here are our selections for YSL News’s NBA midseason awards:

2024-25 NBA Midseason Awards

MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference with a remarkable record of 33-6. After finishing as the MVP runner-up last season, he continues to shine on both ends of the court, averaging 31.4 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. With shooting percentages at 52.8% from the field, 35.6% from beyond the arc, and 89.5% at the free-throw line, he is central to his team’s success, which ranks first in offense and sixth in defense. When Gilgeous-Alexander is on the court, the Thunder outscore opponents by an impressive 17.5 points per 100 possessions. If he wins the MVP award, it would mark the seventh consecutive year that an international player claims this honor.

Rookie: Jaylen Wells, Forward, Memphis Grizzlies

Among rookies who have appeared in at least 25 games, Wells tops the list with an average of 11.7 points per game. Shooting 43.8% from the floor, 37.8% from three-point range, and 81.3% from the charity stripe, the 6-foot-7 forward also contributes 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Selected as the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 draft, he aims to become just the second second-round pick, since the lottery era began in 1985, to win Rookie of the Year. The first was Malcolm Brogdon in 2017.

Sixth Man: Payton Pritchard, Guard, Boston Celtics

While a few bench players may score more points than Pritchard, the fifth-year guard has become an essential part of the Celtics’ rotation. He is having a career season, averaging 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, with impressive shooting stats of 46.2% from the field, 41.3% from three-point land, and 84% on free throws. Pritchard is on track to break the record for most three-pointers made off the bench in a season (currently 218 set by Wayne Ellington in 2017-18) with 133 threes at the season’s midpoint.

Most Improved Player: Cade Cunningham, Guard, Detroit Pistons

Cunningham is having his breakout season in his fourth year, achieving career-best stats of 24.5 points, 9.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game, along with improved shooting efficiency at 46% from the field and 38.2% from three. Notably, he has recorded seven triple-doubles this season, overshadowing the two he achieved in his first three campaigns. His performance is propelling the Pistons toward a playoff berth, which the franchise hasn’t seen since 2019. Recently, he followed a stellar game with 22 points, 17 assists, and 10 rebounds against Toronto with a 36-point effort in a win at New York.

Defensive Player: Victor Wembanyama, Forward-Center, San Antonio Spurs

In only his second season, Wembanyama is poised to claim his first Defensive Player of the Year award. He leads the league in blocks with an impressive average of 3.9 per game while also securing 1.1 steals. At 7-foot-3, he is capable of guarding the perimeter and ranks among the top players in contested attempts per game. When he’s on the floor, the Spurs hold opponents to 107.2 points per 100 possessions, placing him just behind the league’s top defensive teams. Uniquely, Wembanyama ranks in the top 20 for deflections per game among big men.

Clutch Player: Darius Garland, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA defines clutch games as those within five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime. The Cavaliers are leading the league in clutch performance with a record of 14-2. Between two standout guards for the Cavs—Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell—Garland has excelled in those pressure-packed moments. In 47 minutes of clutch time, he has netted 53 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 65.5% (19-for-29 shooting), including 50% from three (4-for-8) and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Coach: Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers

After leading the Cavaliers to the playoffs last season, coach Kenny Atkinson has transformed them into a championship contender, boasting the best record in the Eastern Conference at 34-5. With a similar roster that features Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers have significantly improved. They rank first in offense, tenth in defense, and second in net rating. Their three-point shooting has seen improvement, while Garland has returned to All-Star caliber performance, and Mobley has also seen substantial growth under Atkinson’s leadership.

Executive: Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder

Renowned Thunder executive vice president Sam Presti has yet to be named NBA executive of the year, but that might change this season. He has built a championship-worthy roster, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Although this award often reflects long-term achievements, Presti made significant moves in the recent offseason, including signing Isaiah Hartenstein, acquiring Alex Caruso (later extending his contract), and securing favorable contracts for Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. He also drafted Ajay Mitchell, who is making an impact as a rookie on a deep roster. Presti has crafted a squad poised for success now and in the future.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt