2026 NBA Awards: Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama Lead MVP Race

Mumbai, April 14: The NBA postseason awards are always a source of intense debate among voters. Each year, certain awards keep voters awake at night, particularly when it comes to recognizing players who have had outstanding seasons. This year, the competition for the Most Improved Player title was particularly fierce.

Here’s my official ballot for the NBA’s end-of-season awards. Note that this ballot assumes Luka Doncic is eligible despite playing only 64 games, one short of the league’s threshold. It would be detrimental for the league’s image to exclude Doncic for missing games due to the birth of his child.

NBA Most Valuable Player

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
2. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
3. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
4. Luka Doncic (Lakers)
5. Jaylen Brown (Celtics)

This year’s MVP race featured an impressive lineup. However, Gilgeous-Alexander stood out as the most consistent performer throughout the season. Wembanyama returned from injury but faced limitations, while Jokic and Doncic struggled with injuries at critical moments. Gilgeous-Alexander not only excelled in scoring but also showcased his defensive skills, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s top record in the league.

All-NBA Teams

First Team

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
2. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
3. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
4. Luka Doncic (Lakers)
5. Jaylen Brown (Celtics)

Second Team

1. Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
2. Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
3. Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
4. Kevin Durant (Rockets)
5. Jalen Brunson (Knicks)

Third Team

1. Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
2. Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
3. Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
4. Jalen Duren (Pistons)
5. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)

It was tough to leave out players like Scottie Barnes and Deni Avdija, both of whom had significant impacts on their teams.

NBA Rookie of the Year

1. Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
2. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
3. VJ Edgecombe (76ers)

Knueppel had the most efficient rookie season in NBA history, playing more games and contributing to his team’s success, which ultimately earned him the award over Flagg.

NBA All-Rookie Teams

First Team

1. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
2. Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
3. VJ Edgecombe (76ers)
4. Dylan Harper (Spurs)
5. Cedric Coward (Grizzlies)

Second Team

1. Ace Bailey (Kings)
2. Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets)
3. Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans)
4. Derik Queen (Pelicans)
5. Maxime Raynaud (Kings)

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
2. Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
3. Ausar Thompson (Pistons)

Wembanyama and Holmgren dominated the defensive categories, with Thompson rounding out the top three.

All-Defensive Teams

First Team

1. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
2. Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves)
3. Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
4. Bam Adebayo (Heat)
5. Ausar Thompson (Pistons)

Second Team

1. Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
2. OG Annunoby (Knicks)
3. Derek White (Celtics)
4. Cason Wallace (Thunder)
5. Dyson Daniels (Hawks)

NBA Coach of the Year

1. Joe Mazzulla (Celtics)
2. J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons)
3. Jordan Ott (Suns)

Mazzulla’s leadership and the culture he established in Boston set him apart this season.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year

1. Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
2. Jaime Jaquez (Heat)
3. Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Johnson’s leadership in the locker room was crucial for the Spurs’ success.

NBA Most Improved Player

1. Jalen Duren (Pistons)
2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks)
3. Neemias Queta (Celtics)

Duren’s significant improvement on both ends of the court earned him this award.

NBA Clutch Player of the Year

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
2. Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
3. Tyrese Maxey (76ers)

Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance in clutch moments solidified his MVP candidacy.