As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, early discussions around key awards are already gaining momentum, with the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP prediction taking center stage. Last year’s Most Valuable Player and scoring leader, Gilgeous-Alexander, faces a challenging quest to secure consecutive MVP honors amid stiff competition from several superstar contenders.
The race for MVP is shaping up to be intensely competitive, as formidable rivals like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic prepare to make strong bids for the award. This landscape sets an intriguing backdrop for the basketball season and fuels excitement around whether SGA can replicate his previous success against a powerful field.
Assessing the MVP Battle: Jokic, Doncic, and Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic remains a dominant figure in MVP conversations, showcasing an extraordinary combination of skill and leadership that has earned him three MVP awards already. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s success last season, Jokic’s consistently remarkable performances, including his near triple-double averages, keep him in prime position as a favorite for a potential fourth MVP title.
The Denver Nuggets have strengthened their squad, adding key players like Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and benefitting from Jamal Murray’s return to health. This bolstered roster supports Jokic’s campaign to lead Denver back to prominence in the Western Conference. The narrative surrounding Jokic often emphasizes his seemingly effortless control of the game, a factor that resonates deeply with MVP voters.
Luka Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, promises to produce eye-catching statistics and will vie for the scoring title, further intensifying the MVP race. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a persistent threat given his All-Star capabilities. Kevin Durant could also be a dark horse candidate if the Houston Rockets exceed expectations by achieving 57 or more wins.
Predicting the Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg’s Rising Star
Cooper Flagg steps into the spotlight as one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year. Drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg is expected to fill the void left by Luka Doncic’s departure. Flagg’s unique blend of size, skill, and defensive instincts positions him as a pivotal piece alongside stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
While ambitious rookies like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper will also garner attention, Flagg’s role offers significant playing time, touches, and opportunities to showcase his versatility. The Mavericks’ rise could be closely tied to Flagg’s impact, making him a thrilling player to watch during his inaugural season.
Victor Wembanyama’s Defensive Player of the Year Outlook
Victor Wembanyama emerged as a defensive powerhouse last season until his campaign was cut short due to blood clots in his shoulder. His return in the upcoming season is highly anticipated, and many expect him to claim the Defensive Player of the Year title as a recognition of his generational defensive abilities.
Wembanyama’s rare combination of height, agility, and shot-blocking capability distinguishes him from traditional defensive contenders. The San Antonio Spurs plan to build their defensive system around him, highlighting his role as a rim protector and versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions on the court.
Though veterans like Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, Evan Mobley, and Bam Adebayo remain significant challengers with strong defensive résumés, Wembanyama’s impact and highlight-worthy plays are likely to sway voters in his favor.
Projected Sixth Man of the Year: Can Anfernee Simons Lead the Charge?
Anfernee Simons could bring surprise and excitement to the Sixth Man of the Year competition in 2025-26. Transitioning from a primary offensive option in Portland to a highly efficient scorer off the bench for the Boston Celtics may unlock his best season yet. By playing without the full pressure of a starter, Simons has the potential to deliver consistent, impactful scoring.
The contest for this award remains crowded, including contenders such as Malik Monk in Sacramento, Nickeil Alexander-Walker with the Atlanta Hawks, and emergent players like Tari Eason. Success in this category often depends on a player’s ability to change the flow of games regularly, and Simons’ scoring skills could fit that profile well.
If Simons can average around 17 points per game, particularly in covering minutes lost due to Jayson Tatum’s anticipated absences, he becomes a strong candidate to claim the award.
Most Improved Player Race Highlighting Amen Thompson’s Potential
The Most Improved Player (MIP) category presents unpredictability, but Amen Thompson stands out with significant upside heading into his third season. Thompson showed glimpses of his elite athleticism and versatility in previous seasons, and with a full offseason for development, there is optimism that he will elevate his game to star status.
Thompson’s role alongside Kevin Durant in Houston, combined with new coach Ime Udoka’s emphasis on structure and culture, makes the Rockets a team on the rise. If Thompson can enhance his offensive consistency, he could be a breakthrough player. Other candidates like Jalen Duren, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jaden Ivey also have intriguing potential, making the competition for MIP fierce.
Ime Udoka’s Bid for Coach of the Year with the Houston Rockets
Ime Udoka is positioned as a top contender for Coach of the Year after transforming Houston’s team culture during his second season as head coach. With Kevin Durant joining the roster, the Rockets are considered serious threats to earn a high playoff seed in the Western Conference.
Udoka faces formidable challengers, including Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, Mark Daigneault of Oklahoma City Thunder, and Quin Snyder with the Atlanta Hawks. However, if Houston achieves a significant leap and finishes as a top-two seed, Udoka’s leadership and strategic growth will likely earn him this prestigious coaching honor.
How the Award Predictions Reflect the Future of the NBA
The early award projections offer a dynamic snapshot of the NBA’s evolving talent and storylines. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pursuit of back-to-back MVP awards sets a compelling narrative amid a landscape packed with remarkable players like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama. These predictions are significant not only for the players involved but also for fans tracking the league’s competitive balance and future stars.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the battles for individual accolades will continue to intensify, highlighting rising talents and established superstars alike. Whether Gilgeous-Alexander can cement his legacy with consecutive MVP trophies or new challengers rise to the occasion will be a key storyline that shapes the league’s next era.