NBA Awards Panel Tabs Jokic as Early MVP Favorite; Antetokounmpo Leads Forward List
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Nikola Jokic is the consensus pick to capture a fourth Most Valuable Player trophy in 2025/26, according to a survey of ESPN Insiders released on August 26. The group placed Luka Doncic second and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander third in its preseason voting.
Award forecasts
The same panel projected No. 1 overall draft choice Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year. Alex Caruso and Naz Reid garnered the most support for Sixth Man of the Year. Predictions were also offered for four other major honors.
Best forwards ranking
The Athletic’s Zach Harper ranked Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo alone in Tier 1 of “The Bounce’s Top 40 Forwards.” Tier 2, labeled “Still Elite, Just Not Giannis,” features Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero and Zion Williamson. Draymond Green tops a six-player group that begins Tier 3 and completes the top 10.
Shift in free-agency landscape
HoopsHype’s Alberto De Roa highlighted the diminishing impact of NBA free agency, noting that only one player who changed teams this summer—new Bucks center Myles Turner—signed a contract worth at least $100 million guaranteed.
Cui Yongxi eyes NBA return
Guard Cui Yongxi, also known as Jacky Cui, is working toward an NBA comeback after tearing his ACL in December while playing for the G League’s Long Island Nets. The 22-year-old free agent has been training in Brooklyn and is currently taking part in full 5-on-5 scrimmages in Los Angeles. Cui appeared in five games with the Brooklyn Nets on a two-way deal before the club waived him following the injury.
Source: Hoops Rumors
