NBA Announces Finalists For 2025/26 End-Of-Year Awards

Key Points:

• The NBA announced finalists for end-of-season awards, including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man, Most Improved, and Clutch Player of the Year.
• MVP finalists are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), and Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), with Jokic notable for leading the league in rebounds and assists while averaging 27.7 points.
• Rookie of the Year contenders include Cooper Flagg (Mavericks), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), and VJ Edgecombe (Sixers), with the race expected to focus on Flagg and Knueppel due to their strong statistical performances.
• Coach of the Year finalists are Joe Mazzulla (Celtics), J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons), and Mitch Johnson (Spurs), recognized for leading over-performing teams despite roster challenges.
• Victor Wembanyama is the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, joined by Chet Holmgren (Thunder) and Ausar Thompson (Pistons); other award finalists include Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Most Improved), Tim Hardaway Jr. (Sixth Man), and Anthony Edwards (Clutch Player).