Introduction: NBA Predictions 2024-25

As the 2024-25 NBA season draws to a close, it’s time
to make predictions! Who will win the individual prize
this year? Our authors participate.
Who is the Rookie of the Year?

Dan Devine

Reed Shepard. I trust
Shepard to generate turnovers through
a combination of knockdowns, pick-and-rolls

and on-ball defense while drafting Zach Eadie
to start a title contending team. He gave Houston
enough minutes to maximize production and
lead the Rockets back to the postseason.

Kevin O’Connor

Zach Eddy. Eddie plays a key role as a point guard for the Grizzlies, a threat to Za Morant and a spacer in the corner. Defensively, Edey will be an excellent rim handler and rebounder.

Vincent Goodwill

Reed Shepard. It’s not about the best player or the best talent, because it’s not that kind of draft. But it all depends on who can put the ball in his hands best immediately. Shepard is a good shot and a good decision maker. Houston should at least compete for a spot in the game and Shepard could get the ROY instead of his Day 1 superstar.

Tom Haberstraw

Zach Eddy. I firmly believe Reid Shepard will be even better this year, but Eadie has a clearer path to the big time. The Grizzlies need Eddie to play 30 minutes at center, but Shepard has Fred Venolith and Jaylen Green ahead of him on the depth chart. Stephen Curry failed similarly to Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans.

Dan Titus

Zack Eddy. Eadie is the only one who gets early minutes from day one. This is a big advantage over the field, as the Rookie of the Year award emphasizes productivity. He is expected to play more than 20 minutes a night and average a career-low double-double while also being an effective fullback on defense. In a draft class with no immediate impact, a player like Malcolm Brogdon could only average 10-11 points per game in the 2016-17 season before winning the award.

Ben Rohrbach

Reed Shepard. This kid is an electric shooter who shot over 50 percent from 3-point range as a freshman at the University of Kentucky. He will get plenty of opportunities to play in Houston, where a number of promising talents should help the Rockets reach the playoffs. It’s not often that a rookie of the year combines individual and team success. He has a chance.