The 2024 edition of the USA Basketball Annual Awards is generating significant buzz as fans and basketball insiders eagerly anticipate the nominees. This year’s awards season holds special significance, as two of the sport’s greatest icons, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, are among the contenders for top honors. What makes this year’s awards especially intriguing is a major change in the voting process that sets it apart from previous editions.

For the first time in 2024, USA Basketball is allowing fan participation in the voting process, opening up the selection of winners to basketball enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to players, coaches, administrators, and media members, fans will now have a direct influence in recognizing basketball excellence.

This shift aims to create a more inclusive and transparent awards experience, bringing fans closer to the action and giving them a voice in the recognition of the sport’s best. Voting for the 2024 USA Basketball Annual Awards will begin on December 21 and run through January 5. During this period, fans can cast their vote once per day, generating an exciting build-up to the winners’ announcement. The awards cover various categories, including Male and Female Athlete of the Year, as well as Coach of the Year.

Key Categories and Nominees

The primary awards include the 5-on-5 format, and this year along with fan voting, the 3×3 format will make its debut with the 3×3 Athlete of the Year Award. Here are the nominees for all of the formats-

5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year – LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Mikel Brown Jr., and AJ Dybantsa

5-on-5 Female Athlete of the Year – Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson

5-on-5 Coach of the Year – Steve Kerr and Cheryl Reeve

3×3 Athlete of the Year – Jimmer Fredette (Male) and Mikaylah Williams

The main attraction for this year’s USA Basketball Annual Awards is the highly anticipated showdown between LeBron James and Stephen Curry for the 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year. At 39 years old, LeBron has continued to defy age, delivering an outstanding performance during the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the semifinal matchup against Serbia, James recorded his second Olympic triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading his team to victory and securing his third Olympic gold medal.

On the other hand, Stephen Curry achieved a major milestone by finally capturing his first Olympic gold medal. His electrifying performance in Paris included a 36-point explosion in the semifinals against Serbia, which featured an incredible nine three-pointers. This achievement solidified his place among basketball’s greatest stars.

In addition to LeBron and Curry, Kevin Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, is also in the running for the prestigious award for the fourth time. Durant holds the record for the most wins of this honor, having previously earned it in 2010, 2016, and 2021.

As the countdown to January 5 continues, the excitement surrounding the 2024 USA Basketball Annual Awards only grows. With such a dynamic pool of nominees, this year’s awards promise to be unforgettable. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action—head to the USA Basketball website and cast your vote to help determine the winners of these prestigious honors. Your vote will help celebrate the excellence of both seasoned icons and emerging talents in the world of basketball. Make sure you’re part of this historic moment!