NBA Predictions: Jokic, Flagg, and Wembanyama Favorites for MVP, ROY, and DPOY

What players will take home the most important NBA awards this season? At Alofoke Deportes, we bring you the predictions of our experts.

The Race for the NBA Individual Awards

Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since LeBron James in 2015 to win Finals MVP and league MVP in the same season. This year, the competition for the most important individual awards promises to be intense, not only for the MVP, but also for other outstanding awards. Cooper Flagg, the promising first draft pick, aims to win the Rookie of the Year award. However, in a rookie class full of talent, he will face challenges, including Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs, who could win the award for the franchise for the third consecutive season. Additionally, the Defensive Player of the Year race will be a key point, as Victor Wembanyama, last season’s favorite, returns to the court after not meeting the 65-game threshold to be eligible. Our NBA expert panel, including reporters, editors, and analysts, has evaluated the options for the six most important NBA awards, awarding five points to the first option, three to the second, and one to the third. Here are the results:NBA MVP:

• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 83 points
• Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers: 62 points
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: 46 points
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks / Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: 9 points
• Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets: 8 points

Voter fatigue doesn’t seem to affect Nikola Jokic, who is the favorite to win his fourth MVP award. Luka Doncic, with a notable physical transformation, is in second place. Team success also plays an important role, so Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in third place. Will the young Oklahoma City team be able to reach a new level?

Cooper Flagg was selected No. 1 in the 2025 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.

Rookie of the Year:

• Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks: 121 points
• Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs: 38 points
• VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers: 25 points
• Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets: 18 points
• Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz: 16 points

Cooper Flagg leads the voting, thanks to his versatility and his key role on a team with playoff aspirations. Harper and Edgecombe complete the top three positions, but the role they can play on their teams will be crucial for their aspirations.Defensive Player of the Year:

• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: 95 points
• Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers: 31 points
• Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder: 20 points
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 16 points
• Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves: 14 points

Wembanyama, after missing eligibility last season, is the favorite if he plays the required 65 games. Evan Mobley and other contenders like Chet Holmgren and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also strong candidates.

NBA experts predict Alex Caruso will win the Sixth Man of the Year award.Sixth Man of the Year:

• Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder: 66 points
• Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves: 52 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks: 39 points
• Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics: 18 points
• Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies: 17 points

Will subtlety be valued over numbers? Alex Caruso could be the winner, despite averaging few points. His defensive impact and playoff performance are undeniable. However, the competition is high, and players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also have chances.

Will Amen Thompson win the Most Improved Player award for the 2025-26 season?Most Improved Player:

• Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets: 59 points
• Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers: 40 points
• Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons: 18 points
• Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers: 14 points
• Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks: 14 points

Amen Thompson is the favorite, with an important role in the Rockets and a notable improvement in his game, especially in defense. His offense has also shown progress, and playing alongside Kevin Durant could further enhance his performance.

With an open Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic could quickly become a playoff contender in the 2025-26 season.Coach of the Year:

• Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic: 48 points
• Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks: 24 points
• Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets: 22 points
• Mike Brown, New York Knicks: 21 points
• Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs: 16 points

Jamahl Mosley, after developing the young Magic core, could be rewarded with the Coach of the Year award. The Orlando Magic, with the additions of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, will seek to surpass 50 wins. The team’s health, especially that of Jalen Suggs, will be crucial.