The new NBA season brings another loaded field of MVP candidates, a wide-open rookie race and several players ready to take a major step forward.
Here are my picks for the six major individual awards in 2026-27.
MVP: Luka Doncic
Victor Wembanyama may enter the season as the obvious candidate, but my pick is Luka Doncic.
The biggest reason is opportunity. LeBron James has left Los Angeles for Philadelphia, making the Lakers unquestionably Doncic's team. He averaged 33.5 points per game last season, and another enormous statistical year looks likely with even more of the offence running through him. Oh, and he’s looking leaner than ever in the off-season, so expect a menace on the court.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won back-to-back MVPs, while Nikola Jokic will inevitably be involved again. But this could finally be Luka's year.
Rookie of the Year: Cameron Boozer
There is very little separating Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, but Boozer gets my vote.
The No.3 pick should receive a huge role immediately in Memphis, giving him the minutes and touches required to build a strong Rookie of the Year case.
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
This is the easiest prediction.
Victor Wembanyama won the award unanimously last season and has already become the league's most intimidating defensive presence. If he reaches the required 65 games, everybody else could be fighting for second place.
Most Improved Player: Cason Wallace
I'm going with Cason Wallace.
Oklahoma City have moved on from Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort, creating a bigger opportunity for Wallace. He averaged 8.6 points last season but showed his ceiling with 17 points and five three-pointers in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
A significant role on one of the NBA's strongest teams makes him a serious breakout candidate.
Sixth Man of the Year: Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso is hardly the traditional high-scoring Sixth Man winner, but his value to Oklahoma City goes far beyond points.
His defensive versatility gives the Thunder a player capable of changing games from the bench, and that could finally receive individual recognition. I already predicted OKC as champions, and Caruso’s impact can be huge, with depth as their main weapon.
Coach of the Year: Nick Nurse
Philadelphia will be one of the NBA's most fascinating teams.
Nick Nurse now has LeBron James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and new arrival Jaylen Brown.
Managing those personalities and expectations will not be simple, but if the 76ers make a major jump from last season's 45-37 record, Nurse will have a powerful Coach of the Year case.
