The Race for MVP
The 2025-26 NBA season has featured a remarkable quartet of elite talent, all of whom have made a strong case for league supremacy. Ultimately, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder earns the top spot on this ballot.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force behind the league's best team, maintaining a 68-win pace in games he has played. His efficiency is historic; he is currently recording the second-most efficient 30-point scoring season in NBA history, trailing only Stephen Curry’s 2015-16 campaign. Furthermore, his defensive contribution to the NBA’s top-ranked defense solidifies his position as the most impactful player this season.
Following closely are:
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): Though he played fewer minutes than other candidates, Wembanyama’s defensive dominance is unprecedented. He leads the league in blocks and defensive rebounding, significantly reducing opponent scoring opportunities.
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets): Continuing his reign as the world’s premier offensive force, Jokić has once again averaged a triple-double, propelling Denver to the top of the offensive efficiency charts.
Rounding out the top five are Luka Dončić in fourth and Jaylen Brown in fifth, the latter being recognized for his heavy workload and consistent performance for a high-performing Celtics squad.
Defensive Player of the Year
The race for top defensive honors is tightly contested, but Victor Wembanyama holds the edge. His ability to stifle opposing offenses at the rim is an «extinction-level event for your offense’s best-laid plans.»
- Victor Wembanyama: Leads the league in impact metrics and defensive presence.
- Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder): As the anchor of the league's best defense, Holmgren holds opponents to a league-best 57.5% shooting at the rim.
- Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons): Recognized as the league's best perimeter defender, Thompson excels in playmaking, steals, and deflections.
Rookie of the Year
The competition between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg has been the story of the rookie class. While Flagg has shown immense individual potential as a lead option in Dallas, Knueppel’s historic shooting efficiency and impact on a winning Charlotte team give him the slight edge.
- 1st: Kon Knueppel – Led all rookies in advanced metrics and became the first rookie in NBA history to lead the league in 3-pointers.
- 2nd: Cooper Flagg – A formidable young talent who thrived as a primary offensive creator.
- 3rd: VJ Edgecombe – A reliable starter who provided balanced production for a postseason-bound Philadelphia team.
Coach of the Year
Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics) takes the top honor for navigating significant roster adversity. Despite missing key players for long stretches, Mazzulla maintained Boston's core principles and developed a deep rotation of contributors. J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons) and Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs) round out the top three for their respective roles in cultural turnarounds and winning efforts.
Sixth Man and Most Improved Player
Keldon Johnson (Spurs) earns the nod for Sixth Man of the Year, providing an instant offensive spark off the bench. In the Most Improved Player category, Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks) takes first place for his massive leap in scoring and efficiency, followed by Jalen Duren and Neemias Queta, both of whom have transformed into essential starters.
Clutch Player of the Year
The top spot goes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the league in clutch scoring percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio during the final five minutes of close games. Jamal Murray and Tyrese Maxey are recognized for their cold-blooded shot-making when the game is on the line.