Runaway MVP? Experts favor Jokic, Flagg and Wembanyama in 2025-26 NBA award forecasts
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ESPN’s annual Summer Forecast panel predicts Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic will reclaim the league’s top individual honor, while Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama are projected to headline other major award races in the 2025-26 season.
MVP
Jokic collected 83 points in the poll’s weighted system—five points for a first-place vote, three for second and one for third—nearly doubling the 46 points earned by last season’s winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic placed second with 62 points after an offseason conditioning overhaul. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) tied for fourth with nine points apiece, followed by newly signed Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant at eight.
Rookie of the Year
No. 1 overall pick Flagg was the runaway selection, amassing 121 points. San Antonio guard Dylan Harper (38 points) and Philadelphia 76ers wing VJ Edgecombe (25) round out the top three. Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (18) and Utah Jazz wing Ace Bailey (16) complete the top five.
Defensive Player of the Year
After falling short of the 65-game eligibility mark last season, Wembanyama is the clear favorite with 95 points. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is next at 31 points, followed by Thunder center Chet Holmgren (20), Antetokounmpo (16) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (14).
Sixth Man of the Year
Oklahoma City guard Alex Caruso leads early balloting with 66 points despite averaging 7.1 points last season. Minnesota’s Naz Reid (52) and Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (39) rank second and third. Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (18) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (17) close out the list.
Most Improved Player
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson tops the projections with 59 points as he prepares for a larger role alongside Durant. Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (40) is second, followed by Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson (18). Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson each receive 14 points.
Coach of the Year
Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic earns 48 points after back-to-back playoff berths and an offseason roster upgrade. Atlanta’s Quin Snyder (24), Rockets coach Ime Udoka (22), New York Knicks coach Mike Brown (21) and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson (16) follow.
The Summer Forecast panel of reporters, editors and analysts will continue its preseason series with conference win-loss projections on Wednesday.
Source: ESPN
