NBA's Crystal Ball: Picking the 2026 Hardware

Look, trying to project NBA awards this far out is usually a fool's errand. Injuries happen, players unexpectedly pop, and some guys just fall off a cliff. But what the hell, it’s a slow Tuesday. Let's fire up the ol' crystal ball and see what the 2025-26 season might hold for the league's top individual honors.

**The MVP Race: A New King on the Throne?**

For MVP, Nikola Jokic has been running the show, but I'm sensing a shift. My top pick for 2025-26 MVP is Luka Doncic. He'll be entering his prime at 26, fresh off a deep playoff run with the Mavericks in 2025, and ready to truly assert himself. I'm seeing a season where he averages 34.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 10.8 assists, leading the Mavs to a top-two seed in the West. His PER will hover around 29.5, reflecting his insane usage and efficiency.

Coming in second, I've got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He just keeps getting better, and by '25-26, the Thunder will be a bona fide contender. SGA will put up 31.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.3 steals, with an incredible 50/40/90 shooting split. Third place? Still Jokic. He might not get the narrative push, but his numbers will be undeniable: 26.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.5 assists, and a league-leading 30.1 PER. My hot take for MVP? Anthony Edwards. If the Timberwolves finish as a top seed and Edwards jumps to 30+ PPG, he'll get serious consideration.

**DPOY: The Reign of the Bigs Continues**

Defense, baby. That's where championships are won, and usually, it's a big man taking home the hardware. My pick for Defensive Player of the Year is Victor Wembanyama. By 2025-26, he'll be a physical force, not just a lanky shot-blocker. He'll average a mind-boggling 4.8 blocks per game, along with 1.5 steals, and anchor a top-5 defense in San Antonio. His defensive rating will be elite.

Second on my list is Jarrett Allen. He's quietly one of the best rim protectors in the league, and if the Cavaliers are still a top-tier defensive squad, he'll get recognition. Expect him to average 1.8 blocks and grab 10.5 boards a night. In third, I'm going with a perimeter guy, Jrue Holiday. Even at 35, his defensive intensity and ability to guard multiple positions will be unmatched. He'll still be snagging 1.5 steals and locking down opposing guards nightly for Boston. Hot take DPOY? Scottie Barnes. If he fully embraces the defensive end and averages over a block and a steal, his versatility could win voters over.

**Most Improved Player: The Leap is Real**

MIP is always a fun one because it's about potential realized. My top pick for Most Improved Player is Amen Thompson. He’ll make a massive jump in his third season. After two years of finding his rhythm, he'll become a primary playmaker for the Rockets, boosting his averages from around 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists to 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, with a noticeable improvement in his shooting splits.

Second, I'm looking at Jabari Smith Jr. He'll finally put it all together consistently for Houston, pushing his scoring to 20.0 PPG and grabbing 9.0 RPG while shooting 38% from three. Third for MIP is Keegan Murray. The Kings will give him more responsibility, and he'll respond with 19.0 points and 6.0 rebounds, becoming a more consistent offensive threat. My hot take MIP? Keyonte George. If he cleans up his shot selection and averages 20+ points and 6+ assists for the Jazz, that's a huge leap.

**Rookie of the Year: The Next Big Thing**

Predicting ROY two years out means guessing draft picks. Based on current projections, my pick for Rookie of the Year in 2025-26 is Cooper Flagg, assuming he goes number one in 2025. He's got the all-around game and the hype to back it up. Playing for a lottery team, he'll get huge minutes and put up impressive numbers: 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks.

Second, if he goes high, is Ace Bailey. His athleticism and scoring punch would translate quickly. I see him averaging 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. Third, I'm taking a flier on a potential sleeper: whoever ends up being the most NBA-ready big man in the 2025 draft. Let's say it's Khaman Maluach. He could average 12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks for a rebuilding team. Hot take ROY? Isaiah Evans. His smooth scoring could net him some serious buckets and surprise people.

**Sixth Man of the Year: Bench Bosses**

Sixth Man is often about pure scoring off the bench. My choice for 6MOY is Malik Monk. He's already proven he can do it, and if he re-signs with a contender, he'll be a microwave scorer. He'll average 18.0 points and 4.0 assists, providing instant offense for his squad.

Second, I've got Immanuel Quickley. If he's still coming off the bench somewhere, his energy and scoring punch will be invaluable, posting 17.0 points and 5.0 assists. Third, I'm looking at Norman Powell. He's a consistent bucket-getter, and he'll give you 15.0 points on efficient shooting. My hot take for 6MOY? Brandin Podziemski. If he improves his shooting and averages a triple-double off the bench, he'd be an interesting candidate.

**Coach of the Year: Steering the Ship**

For Coach of the Year, it's usually about exceeding expectations or leading a top-tier team. My pick is Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz. By 2025-26, the Jazz will be a legitimate playoff team, maybe even pushing for home-court advantage, thanks to their player development and cohesive system. Hardy will have elevated a young roster significantly.

Second, I'm going with Mark Daigneault. If the Thunder secure the #1 seed in a loaded Western Conference, he's a no-brainer. Third, Joe Mazzulla. If the Celtics continue their dominance and win 60+ games again, he deserves credit. My hot take for COTY? Ime Udoka. If he guides the Rockets to a top-four seed in the West, that's a massive turnaround and worthy of the award.

And there you have it. Luka for MVP, Wemby for DPOY. Mark it down.