by The NBA regular season is just weeks away, and this is shaping up to be one of the most interesting seasons in recent memory. The MVP race is looking to be a nail-biter between Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo β each with their own unique case. Other awards seem to be tightly contested, while others seem like a one-man race.
Most Valuable Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Despite finishing top-4 in MVP voting every year since 2021, Giannis has had little thought as the MVP since his back-to-back wins. There are several reasons for this β voter fatigue, meaning voters are seemingly numb to his greatness, and another key reason is that he has been paired with All-NBA player Damian Lillard for the past two seasons.
This season, Giannis has no superstar teammate; in fact, he has one of the weaker supporting casts in the entire league. With this in mind, along with an injury-depleted Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks have a great chance to secure a premier playoff seed, with Giannis leading the way with his otherworldly numbers. With this in mind, he would be the prime candidate for MVP.
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
Wemby would’ve run away with the DPOY last season before his blood clot cut his season short. At 21 years old, he is already the best defender in the league and one of the best shot-blockers in NBA history.
Wemby’s combination of length, timing, and paint presence is unparalleled, making him well-positioned to be one of the best defenders in league history.
Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg
The first overall pick landed in one of the best situations in the league. Flagg is surrounded by talent, which limits his offensive responsibilities and maximizes his capabilities. He is already an outstanding playmaker and has excellent dump-off options with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II.
Flagg’s all-around game will make him an elite role player from his first game, and he has already shown his potential in the preseason.
Most Improved Player: Andrew Nembhard
The Indiana Pacers will be without premier point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the 2025-26 season, and Nembhard will step up to the occasion. In his young career, Nembhard has shown flashes of stardom, providing great on-ball defense, solid playmaking, and consistently making tough shots.
Nembhard’s responsibilities will significantly increase this season, and with his talent, his production is sure to skyrocket, making him a key reason the Pacers can maintain their playoff status.
Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is in prime position to go back-to-back. Pritchard was the only player in the association last season to score over 1,000 points off the bench (1,079). His elite range and overall offensive game are invaluable to the Boston Celtics.
With the Celtics’ star departures this offseason, along with Jayson Tatum‘s injury, Pritchard is likely to get even more usage and production. He has a great chance to run away with the award this year and be one of the defining sixth men of the decade.
Coach of the Year: Rick Carlisle
In the depleted Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers, despite Haliburton’s injury, have a solid chance at making the playoffs. In this case, Carlisle deserves endless praise and would be a firm favorite for Coach of the Year.
The Pacers still have a well-constructed roster β led by All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam and getting potential leaps from Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin. With the loss of Myles Turner, Indiana made a good addition in the high-riser Jay Huff. Their depth and the improvement of their young talent leave Indiana and Carlisle in solid playoff position.
