NBA: Offseason Analysis, MVP, LeBron and title favorites

Deep Dive into the 2025-26 NBA Season: Expert Predictions

The new NBA season is just around the corner. With the Media Days being held and the league ready to start, several experts have shared their predictions about the most impactful market moves and the future of the competition. Alofoke Deportes presents a detailed analysis, with the opinions of coaches, scouts and league executives.

Who Will Be the Most Outstanding Players?

The race for the MVP promises to be exciting. These are the bets:

• Nikola Jokic: 7 votes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 5 votes
• Luka Doncic: 4 votes
• Victor Wembanyama: 2 votes
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 1 vote
• Anthony Edwards: 1 vote

Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who have dominated in recent seasons, lead the preferences, although Luka Doncic is emerging as a strong contender. Experts expect a close duel.

The Future of the NBA: Who Will Shine in 2030?

The long-term view highlights emerging talent:

• Victor Wembanyama: 16 votes
• Luka Doncic: 2 votes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 1 vote
• Jayson Tatum: 1 vote

Victor Wembanyama is the safe bet, with a clear advantage. Jayson Tatum’s versatility also receives recognition, despite his injury.

The Best American Players: Present and Future

Currently, the leadership is:

• Stephen Curry: 11 votes
• Anthony Edwards: 8 votes
• Donovan Mitchell: 1 vote

Stephen Curry remains a constant threat, despite his age. As for the future, Anthony Edwards is the undisputed favorite:

• Anthony Edwards: 11 votes
• Cooper Flagg: 5 votes
• Jayson Tatum: 2 votes
• Paolo Banchero: 1 vote
• Jalen Williams: 1 vote

Edwards, after his successful summer with Team USA and his outstanding performances with the Timberwolves, is established as the leader of the future.

Rookie of the Year and Class of 2025: Who are the Stars?

Cooper Flagg dominates Rookie of the Year predictions:

• Cooper Flagg: 19 votes
• Kon Knueppel: 1 vote

As for the class of 2025, Flagg is also the favorite:

• Cooper Flagg: 18 votes
• Dylan Harper: 1 vote
• Ace Bailey: 1 vote

The Future of LeBron James

Opinions on LeBron James’ future are divided:

• Los Angeles Lakers: 7 votes
• Retired: 5 votes
• Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 votes
• Golden State Warriors: 2 votes
• Dallas Mavericks: 1 vote
• Miami Heat: 1 vote

Although there is no consensus, the majority believes he could stay with the Lakers or even retire.

Season Movement Analysis

The transfer market has generated expectations. These are the teams that have stood out the most and the least.

Which teams have had the best and worst offseason?

The teams that have stood out the most:

• Atlanta Hawks: 7 votes
• Denver Nuggets: 4 votes
• Houston Rockets: 3 votes
• Oklahoma City Thunder: 2 votes
• Orlando Magic: 2 votes

The teams that have convinced the least:

• New Orleans Pelicans: 9 votes
• Phoenix Suns: 4 votes
• Sacramento Kings: 2 votes

Most Notable Plays

Kevin Durant’s transfer to the Rockets was considered the best move, while the Pelicans’ draft pick was the worst.

• Rockets sign Durant: 11 votes
• Magic sign Desmond Bane: 5 votes

The worst play:

• Pelicans trade an unprotected pick: 11 votes

Off-Season Surprises

Myles Turner’s signing with the Bucks and Damian Lillard’s decision to forgo the rest of his contract were the biggest surprises.

• Turner to the Bucks/Lillard waives his contract: 16 votes

Off-Season Trends

The most notable trend is the teams’ effort to avoid the “second salary cap” and prioritize size in their rosters.

• Teams trying to avoid the salary cap: 7 votes
• Teams prioritizing size: 6 votes
• Teams prioritizing youth and depth: 4 votes

Predictions for the Season

Experts predict that the Thunder will dominate the Western Conference and win the NBA championship. In the East, the Cavaliers and Knicks are the favorites, although the competition seems more open.

• Eastern Conference: Cleveland Cavaliers (9 votes), New York Knicks (7 votes)
• Western Conference: Oklahoma City Thunder (18 votes)
• NBA Champion: Oklahoma City Thunder (18 votes)