2024–25 Season Awards
3× MVP and possibly a 4th, Jokic was once again the best player in the league — averaging a triple-double on elite efficiency, something never seen from a center before.
The Celtics carried the highest combined Predicted Salary in the league, meaning not only the most expensive roster but the most talented. Their depth and balance made them the clear top team by the model's measure.
After a down year with the Clippers, Westbrook moved to Denver and thrived on and off the bench. His experience, positional value, and performance gave him the largest positive differential in the league.
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A brutal injury year decimated the Pelicans' roster depth. The model reflected their struggles with the lowest Mean Performance in the league — a roster paying for talent it could not keep on the floor.
The Spurs went back-to-back with Rookies of the Year. Castle showed elite defensive versatility and steadily improved on offense game after game, earning the model's top rookie performance score.
After losing Paul George, many wrote them off. But breakout seasons from Zubac and Powell, plus veteran leadership from Kawhi and Harden, gave the Clippers the highest Mean Difference — paying players well below their true performance value.
All-NBA Salary Predictor — 2024–25
Nikola Jokić
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jayson Tatum
James Harden
Original All-NBA 1st Team: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Evan Mobley, Anthony Edwards
Cade Cunningham
Stephen Curry
Karl-Anthony Towns
Donovan Mitchell
LeBron James
Original All-NBA 2nd Team: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Evan Mobley, Anthony Edwards
Tyler Herro
Anthony Edwards
Domantas Sabonis
Jalen Williams
Alperen Şengün
Original All-NBA 3rd Team: James Harden, Karl-Anthony Towns, Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Williams
All-NBA Salary Predictor — Rookie Teams 2024–25
Stephon Castle
Isaiah Collier
Kel'el Ware
Alex Sarr
Zaccharie Risacher
Original All-Rookie 1st Team: Stephon Castle, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher
Bub Carrington
Zach Edey
Jaylen Wells
Justin Edwards
Donovan Clingan
Original All-Rookie 2nd Team: Matas Buzelis, Bub Carrington, Yves Missi, Donovan Clingan, Kel'el Ware
2025–26 Season Awards
After a blockbuster trade to the Lakers, Luka put together arguably the best individual season in the model's history. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and usage rate pushed his performance score to the top of the league by a significant margin.
The Thunder's young core took a massive leap this season. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a deep supporting cast, OKC posted the highest combined Predicted Salary in the league.
For the second season in a row, Westbrook continued to outperform his contract. His veteran savvy and relentless motor gave him the highest positive differential in the model.
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The Nets' rebuild continued to grind along without a clear direction. They posted the lowest Mean Performance in the league this season, with a roster that couldn't match the production of its salary commitments.
Knueppel was the most productive rookie in the model this season by a clear margin. His shooting efficiency and off-ball movement translated immediately to the NBA level, letting him emerge as one of the best young players in the league.
The Bucks quietly assembled one of the most efficient rosters in the league relative to payroll. Highlighted by the emergence of Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr, Milwaukee posted the highest Mean Difference of any team this season.
All-NBA Salary Predictor — 2025–26
Luka Dončić
Nikola Jokić
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Cade Cunningham
Jamal Murray
Original All-NBA 1st Team: NA
Victor Wembanyama
Tyrese Maxey
Jaylen Brown
Donovan Mitchell
Jalen Johnson
Original All-NBA 2nd Team: NA
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kawhi Leonard
Kevin Durant
Austin Reaves
James Harden
Original All-NBA 3rd Team: NA
All-NBA Salary Predictor — Rookie Teams 2025–26
Kon Knueppel
Cooper Flagg
VJ Edgecombe
Cedric Coward
Derik Queen
Original All-Rookie 1st Team: NA
Dylan Harper
Maxime Raynaud
Ace Bailey
Jeremiah Fears
Tre Johnson
Original All-Rookie 2nd Team: NA
