2026 NBA Awards Preview: SGA’s Repeat Quest and the Wemby Era of Defense

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As the 2025–26 NBA regular season concludes this weekend, the races for the league’s most prestigious individual trophies have crystallized. While some awards feel like a foregone conclusion, others are coming down to the final ballots.

Here is a preview of the frontrunners for the 2026 NBA postseason awards.

Most Valuable Player (Michael Jordan Trophy)

The Favorite: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

SGA has been the definition of consistency, leading the Thunder to a West-best 64 wins. He is currently the heavy betting favorite ( $-10000$ ) to win his second consecutive MVP.

The Case: Averaging 31.1 PPG, 6.6 APG, and 4.3 RPG on an ultra-efficient 55.3% from the field.
The Challengers: Nikola Jokić remains the advanced-stat king, keeping Denver in the hunt for a top-three seed. Cade Cunningham has emerged as a dark horse after leading the Detroit Pistons to a shocking 59-win season and the #1 seed in the East.

Defensive Player of the Year (Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy)

The Favorite: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

The question isn’t if Wembanyama will win, but if he will be the first unanimous DPOY in history. He has met the 65-game threshold and has transformed the Spurs into a top-tier defensive unit.

The Case: Leading the league in blocks (3.1 per game) and anchoring a defense that holds opponents to nearly 10% worse shooting in the paint when he is on the floor.
The Challengers: Chet Holmgren (OKC) is the clear “best of the rest,” serving as the backline eraser for the league’s top-rated team defense.

Rookie of the Year (Wilt Chamberlain Trophy)

The Favorite: Cooper Flagg (Utah Jazz)

The 2025 #1 overall pick has lived up to the massive hype. While the Jazz have struggled in the standings, Flagg’s individual brilliance has been undeniable, especially during a late-season scoring surge where he nearly put up 100 points over a two-game span.

The Case: He is the primary engine of the Jazz offense and has shown elite “stocks” (steals + blocks) potential on the other end.
The Challengers: Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) has made it a tighter race than expected with his high-level shooting and playmaking, helping the Hornets stay relevant in the play-in race.

Sixth Man of the Year (John Havlicek Trophy)

The Favorite: Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs) or Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat)

This is the most volatile race. Keldon Johnson has embraced a bench role in San Antonio to devastating effect, providing the scoring punch needed to support Wembanyama.

The Case: Johnson provides elite energy and veteran leadership for a young Spurs second unit.
The Challengers: Jaime Jaquez Jr. has seen his odds surge late in the season as he’s closed out games for the Heat. Ajay Mitchell (OKC) was the early favorite after a scorching start to the season.

Other Award Watch

Most Improved Player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the current favorite for his leap in offensive production and defensive versatility.
Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzulla (Celtics) and Mitch Johnson (Spurs) are in the conversation, but J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons) may take it home for orchestrating Detroit’s historic turnaround.

Key Award Tracker

Award	Leading Candidate	Primary Rival
MVP	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Nikola Jokić
DPOY	Victor Wembanyama	Chet Holmgren
ROTY	Cooper Flagg	Kon Knueppel
6MOY	Keldon Johnson	Jaime Jaquez Jr.