As the 2025–26 NBA season tips off, several familiar names headline the race for individual honours, but a new generation is closing in fast.
From rookies ready to make an instant impact to MVP favourites chasing history, here's an early prediction on who's most likely to claim this year's biggest awards.
Most valuable player: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
At this point, it almost feels reckless to bet against Nikola Jokic.
The three-time MVP enters the new campaign as the overwhelming favourite among general managers, earning nearly 70 per cent of first-place votes in the 2025–26 NBA GM survey.
After averaging a triple-double last season with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists and finishing second in the MVP race behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic is primed to reclaim the throne this season.
With Denver retooled around him, adding Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway Jr, the Nuggets have the depth to push for the West's top seed again.
Luka Doncic and SGA remain his closest challengers, but unless Denver stumbles in the standings, Jokic's dominance and narrative bounce-back should carry him to MVP No. 4.
Other potential candidates
Luka Doncic (Lakers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks).
Rookie of the year: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
No rookie enters the league with more buzz than Cooper Flagg.
The No. 1 overall pick is already starting for Dallas and will have the ball in his hands early with Kyrie Irving sidelined to begin the season.
Flagg's blend of two-way skill, high energy, and advanced basketball IQ is rare for an 18-year-old. He's projected to make an immediate impact in Dallas, potentially posting strong all-around numbers while helping the Mavs stay competitive in the West.
In a deep class featuring Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, and Ace Bailey, Flagg's mix of production and responsibility gives him the clearest path to the award.
Other potential candidates
Dylan Harper (Spurs), VJ Edgecombe (76ers).
Defensive player of the year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
If health cooperates, this feels inevitable.
Victor Wembanyama led the league in blocks in each of his first two seasons and completely alters games with his presence alone.
As per NBA.com, the Spurs' defence in 2024 allowed 9.0 fewer points per 100 possessions with Wembanyama on the floor than with him off; the second-largest defensive differential among full-time starters with at least 1,000 minutes.
He still finished near the top of the DPOY voting despite missing the eligibility cutoff, and with De'Aaron Fox joining San Antonio and a stronger supporting cast protecting the perimeter, expect Wembanyama to anchor a top-10 defence and finally secure his first Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
Other potential candidates
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Myles Turner (Bucks).
Most improved player: Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
A year ago, Dyson Daniels shocked the league by winning MIP.
This season, it's Amen Thompson's turn to take the leap.
The Rockets guard has become the betting favourite for good reason; Fred VanVleet's injury opens the door for him to take full control of Houston's offence alongside Kevin Durant. Already an All-Defensive calibre player, Thompson's expected uptick in scoring, playmaking, and overall usage could push him into All-Star contention.
Meanwhile, players like Deni Avdija (who broke out late last year in Portland) and Andrew Nembhard (Indiana's evolving floor general) remain in the mix, but Thompson's ceiling and opportunity line up perfectly for a statement season.
Other potential candidates
Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Andrew Nembhard (Pacers), Ausar Thompson (Pistons).
Sixth man of the year: Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex Caruso's impact has always gone beyond the box score, and this could be the season voters finally recognise that.
His arrival in Oklahoma City gives the reigning champions a lockdown presence off the bench, a luxury few contenders have. Though he's unlikely to average double-digit points, his ability to swing games with defensive IQ, spacing, and leadership makes him a perfect candidate to break tradition.
If OKC maintains its dominance, Caruso could become the first ‘defence-first' player since Bobby Jones in 1983 to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Other potential candidates
Naz Reid (Timberwolves), Payton Pritchard (Celtics), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks).
Clutch player of the year: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Few players embody composure under pressure like Jalen Brunson, and he's favoured to prove it once again.
After winning the award last season, becoming the first Eastern Conference player to do so, the Knicks guard enters the new campaign as the leading contender to repeat as Clutch Player of the Year.
Brunson remains the benchmark for late-game execution, with his ability to take control in the final minutes separating him from the rest of the field. His blend of poise, efficiency, and decision-making has turned the Knicks' offence into one of the NBA's most reliable in tight situations.
With New York projected to stay near the top of the East, Brunson's confidence and leadership in clutch moments could see him hold onto the league's most dramatic award for a second straight year.
Other potential candidates
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Luka Doncic (Lakers).
Season outlook
This season's award races blend established greatness with rising youth.
- Jokic remains the gold standard of consistency.
- Flagg headlines a new generation ready to challenge it.
- And players like Amen Thompson and Wembanyama bridge the gap, blending potential with production.
If the early forecasts prove right, the 2025–26 NBA season could end with a familiar MVP and a new class of stars officially arriving.
