As the NBA season is upon us, let’s make some award predictions that will certainly not age well!
Most Valuable Player: C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Denver has been making move after move this offseason, and the addition of Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valančiūnas will give extra spacing for Jokic and the offense. This, combined with the controversy behind his MVP loss in 2025, will likely bring a swing in his favor from the voters. As long as Jokic can put up numbers anywhere near his 2025 campaign, he will likely take home the 2026 MVP award.
Defensive Player of the Year: C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Injuries aside, this one is a no-brainer. When healthy, Wemby has been the best defensive player in the league for his entire career. Despite playing just 56% of his possible games last season, he still led the league in total blocks. At 7’5”, Wemby is the tallest player in the NBA, and he is getting stronger by the day. Now that there is some real talent around Wemby, his defensive impact should really shine through in 2026.
Rookie of the Year: PF Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Another easy one. Flagg was the best player in college basketball last season and was expected to be the number one overall pick since before the season even started. He is going to a Mavericks team that will give him plentiful opportunities, but will be good enough to contend in the stacked Western Conference. Playing alongside Anthony Davis and the eventual return of Kyrie Irving, Flagg will start his career on a bang.
Most Improved Player: SG Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Thompson is coming off an excellent Sophomore season, and with the addition of Kevin Durant, his shooting struggles will be masked. On the other hand, with the unfortunate loss of point guard Fred VanVleet, his passing chops will be shown on full display, as he will likely carry the role of point guard for a significant portion of Houston games. His offensive capabilities, combined with his defensive impact, will result in an MIP candidacy.
Sixth Man of the Year: SG Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder
A big part of the Thunder’s dominance rests on the shoulders of Alex Caruso. Caruso has been one of the best perimeter defenders since he entered the league, and will continue to be in 2026. While he started rough offensively, his shooting splits were back on track by the end of the season and into the playoffs. If Caruso can continue to be a top-tier defensive talent and a capable shooter, he will certainly be in the running for top Sixth Man this season.
Clutch Player of the Year: PG Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta will likely be in many close games this season, which will force Young into a lot of game-winning shot opportunities. As long as Trae Young continues his “ice cold” play, he will take home the title as clutchest player in the NBA.
Coach of the Year: Mike Brown, New York Knicks
Coach Brown won Coach of the Year back with the Kings and is now in his first season with New York. Brown was able to turn a mediocre core in Sacramento into a competitive playoff contender, and the Knicks’ core is miles better. Time will tell what he will be able to do with Brunson, Anthony-Towns, Anunoby, and the rest of this star-studded group.
