The Denver Gazette’s predictions for the 2024-25 NBA season:

Vinny Benedetto, Nuggets beat writer

MVP: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves

Executive of the Year: Sam Presti, Thunder

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Knicks

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Sixth Man of the Year: Naz Reid, Timberwolves

Rookie of the Year: Bub Carrington, Wizards

Most Improved Player: Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors

NBA Finals: Thunder over Celtics in 6

The Nuggets will… get back to the conference finals, despite finishing with the 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Denver beats the Kings in the first round, gets revenge against the Timberwolves in the second round but ultimately fall to an Oklahoma City team with an abundance of depth.

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Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

MVP: Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Executive of the Year: Sam Presti, Thunder

Coach of the Year: Ime Udoka, Rockets

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Sixth Man of the Year: Malik Monk, Kings

Rookie of the Year: Reed Sheppard, Rockets

Most Improved Player: Josh Giddey, Bulls

NBA Finals: Celtics over Thunder in six games

The Nuggets will… be the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and won’t have to play the Lakers in the playoffs. Denver will beat the surprising Houston Rockets in the first round and then win a rematch with the Timberwolves. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will be too much for the Nuggets in the conference finals.

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Paul Klee, sports editor

MVP: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Executive of the Year: Anthony Parker, Magic

Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley, Magic

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Sixth Man of the Year: Donte DiVincenzo, Timberwolves

Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Most Improved Player: Jalen Suggs, Magic

NBA Finals: Boston Celtics over Denver Nuggets in 6

The Nuggets will… win 51 games to earn the No. 4 seed in the West. Michael Malone waffles between tearing out his final hairs over Russell Westbrook’s shot selection and praising the vet for mentoring the young bulls. After a five-game quickie vs. the upstart Grizzlies, Jokic carries the Nuggets past the T-wolves and Thunder. The Celtics proves themselves as an all-time outfit with a NBA Finals triumph over the Nuggets, who find hope in 2026 Sixth Man of the Year in Julian Strawther, yet another Gonzaga great.

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Tyler King, college sports reporter

MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder

Executive of the Year: Daryl Morey, 76ers

Coach of the Year: Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Sixth Man of the Year: Donte DiVincenzo, Timberwolves

Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Most Improved Player: Jalen Williams, Thunder

NBA Finals: Celtics over Thunder in 7

The Nuggets will… finish behind OKC, a surprisingly-good Memphis team and Minnesota in the regular season standings, setting up a 4-5 matchup against Jokić’s buddy Luka Doncić and the Mavericks in the first round. After Denver loses Game 6 and is eliminated, an offseason of change gets underway, starting with coach Michael Malone, who loses a power struggle in the organization to GM Calvin Booth.