by After injuries to some of the best players in the 2025-26 season, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Cade Cunningham, many questions remain about the end-of-season awards.
Though some awards like Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year seem locked up, All-NBA teams, especially the first team, are left in question. With these superstar injuries, the door has opened for many players, including Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, and Jaylen Brown.
First-Team Locks
The first guarantee for the award is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA is having a year for the record books, having one of the most efficient scoring seasons in NBA history. Additionally, he is the anchor for a league-best 62-16 Oklahoma City Thunder despite their constant injury battles throughout the year.
Next is Nikola Jokic. Jokic is having a classic season by his standards. He is once again averaging a triple-double this year, with his prototypical hyper-efficiency. Even though his slight drop off after his injury took him out of serious MVP conversations, his place on the All-NBA first team is certain.
Finally, the third-year superstar Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is continuously taking abnormal leaps, this year staying healthy enough to be considered for these awards, and is on track to earn his first DPOY. This stellar season will be just the beginning of a legendary career, already getting the San Antonio Spurs to 60 wins and a serious title contender.
Donovan Mitchell’s Possible Career Year
Mitchell is continuing his yearly improvement with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is averaging nearly 28 points a night, while also showing improved playmaking. He is having the second-highest-scoring season of his career, placing him fifth in the NBA in total points. Also, his 5.7 assists per game are the second most in his career.
Despite the addition of James Harden, Spida has maintained his elite offensive production. His limitless bag of moves and lob pass-ability have made him unguardable. With him once again leading the Cavs to a 50-win season and hosting a playoff series, there is a strong argument for another first-team appearance.
Kawhi’s Dominance Propelling Clippers
After an atrocious start to the season for the Los Angeles Clippers, it was thought Kawhi and the team would finish near the bottom of the standings. Now, with Leonard’s superb efficiency, the Clippers are in playoff position.
In his past 50 games, Leonard is averaging 28.5 points with 63% true shooting. In that stretch, the team is 33-17. LA’s season turnaround is in large part due to his supreme offensive talent, and will be a season to remember for Kawhi Leonard’s legendary career.
Jaylen Brown’s Great Play for the Celtics
Jayson Tatum‘s injury in last season’s playoffs made many think this would be a recovery year for the Boston Celtics. But thanks to Brown’s high-volume offense and the well-built Celtics machine, they are right back to title contention.
Brown is having a career-best year, third in the NBA in total points. He has truly shown what he is capable of as a first option. Though his average efficiency and high turnovers leave him out of more serious discussions, his first-team All-NBA case is substantial.
Who Will Make it?
Aside from the three locks, Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell have the best arguments for first-team All-NBA.
Leonard propelling the Clippers to this drastic a turnaround is one of the most impressive feats of his career. The combination of the team’s newfound success and his excellent scoring gives him the strongest case of the three fringe candidates.
As for Mitchell, it is a true toss-up between him and Jaylen Brown. However, aside from the slight point differential in Brown’s favor, Mitchell is better in most statistical categories. The playmaking and efficiency differential is considerable, and is enough to overcome Brown’s better team success and raw scoring volume.
The award races have been exceptional this season, and the superstar play this year has been one for the ages.
