The NBA revealed its three finalists for the 2025-26 awards Sunday.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder will again vie for the league's most coveted individual honor with three-time winner Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and first-time nominee Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Most Valuable Player
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| G | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder |
| C | Nikola Jokic | Nuggets |
| C | Victor Wembanyama | Spurs |
Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite to win back-to-back MVP honors after guiding the Thunder to an NBA-best 64-18 record. Jokic, who appeared in 65 regular-season games, just qualified for the award due to the league's 65-game eligibility requirement. Wembanyama was just as close to missing out, finishing with 64 regular-season games but also getting credit for playing in the NBA Cup final.
Rookie of the Year
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| G | Kon Knueppel | Hornets |
| F | Cooper Flagg | Mavericks |
| G | VJ Edgecombe | 76ers |
Former Duke teammates Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg are expected to contest a tight battle for Rookie of the Year. Knueppel became the first rookie in NBA history to lead the league in 3-pointers (273). Meanwhile, Flagg was tops among all first-year players in points (21) and assists (4.5), and second in rebounds (6.7). VJ Edgecombe is the sole finalist to reach the playoffs after bursting onto the scene in Philly.
Defensive Player of the Year
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| C | Victor Wembanyama | Spurs |
| C | Chet Holmgren | Thunder |
| F | Ausar Thompson | Pistons |
Two-time All-Star Wembanyama is the consensus pick to win Defensive Player of the Year after leading the NBA in blocks (3.1), defensive win shares (5), and defensive rating (101). Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson have both been nominated for a first time. Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley was named DPOY last season.
Sixth Man of the Year
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| F | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Heat |
| G | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Nuggets |
| F | Keldon Johnson | Spurs |
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been in the discussion for Sixth Man of the Year all season. He's joined by veteran Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spurs small forward Keldon Johnson for the distinction awarded to the league's best bench player. Boston Celtics playmaker Payton Pritchard was last year's winner.
Most Improved Player
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| F | Deni Avdija | Trail Blazers |
| G | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Hawks |
| C | Jalen Duren | Pistons |
Deni Avdija is the consensus favorite for Most Improved Player after taking a massive leap this season with the Portland Trail Blazers and earning a first All-Star selection. Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is being recognized amid a career year in his first season with the team, and Pistons big Jalen Duren had a breakthrough campaign, also receiving a maiden All-Star nod. Alexander-Walker's teammate Dyson Daniels won this award last season.
Coach of the Year
| Coach | Team |
|---|---|
| J.B. Bickerstaff | Pistons |
| Joe Mazzulla | Celtics |
| Mitch Johnson | Spurs |
While he may think the award is "stupid," Celtics boss Joe Mazzulla is nonetheless a legitimate contender to pick up his first Coach of the Year prize thanks to his success leading a substantially different Boston squad this season. J.B. Bickerstaff also makes a strong case to improve on last year's runner-up finish after returning the Detroit Pistons to the top of the East for the first time in nearly 20 years. Mitch Johnson gets credit for the Spurs' own transformation this year after officially succeeding Gregg Popovich behind the bench.
Clutch Player of the Year
| Pos. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| G | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder |
| G | Anthony Edwards | T-Wolves |
| G | Jamal Murray | Nuggets |
Minnesota Timberwolves leader Anthony Edwards is again nominated for the honor bestowed upon the league's best at crucial, late-game moments. Joining him are Gilgeous-Alexander and Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who was named an All-Star this season for the first time in his nine-year career. New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson won the award last season.
