NBA 2025-2026 POSTSEASON AWARDS

MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA).  Shai is the most complete player in the NBA today.  And sorry, Nikola Jokić fans, but the Joker doesn’t bring much on the defensive end; he is an elite scorer but weak when his team doesn’t have the ball.  Alexander is a true multilevel scorer who can knock down threes, owns one of the league’s best midrange games, finishes efficiently at the rim, and still gets back on D.  On top of that, when the Thunder’s second-best player Jalen Williams missed 18 games with a strained hamstring, SGA carried the team throughout Jalen’s absence.

RUNNER-UP: Victor Wembanyama.  The 22-year-old led his team in points, rebounds, and blocks. If he stays healthy, he will win several titles and MVPs in his career.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Kon Knueppel.   This Milwaukee native has been a prolific shooter and standout scorer, driving his team toward a potential playoff berth.  On Friday April 17, 2026, the Hornets will take on the Orlando Magic to decide who claims the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

RUNNER-UP: Cooper Flagg.  Kon’s former college teammate at Duke is averaging 21 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks.  Cooper is one of the most exciting rookies in history.  However, the most important statistic is winning.  The Mavericks finished the regular season a dismal 26-55.  His individual success didn’t bring his team success, so he gets dinged for that.

COACH OF THE YEAR: J.B. Bickerstaff.   The Detroit Pistons improved from 44 wins last season to a remarkable 60 games this season, to be the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.  J.B Bickerstaff is one of major reasons – if not the major reason – for the impressive turnaround.

RUNNER-UP: Mitch Jonnson.   Coach Johnson has the surprising San Antonio Spurs playing inspiring basketball. They are the second seeded team in the Western Conference and are legitimate title contenders.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Nickeil Alexander-Walker.  This shooting guard for Atlanta increased his scoring by 11.4 points per game compared to last season and is one of the main reasons the Hawks are the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  And oh yeah, he is the cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

RUNNER-UP: Jalen Duran.  This 6’10” center is the perfect counterpart to Cade Cunningham, serving as the driving force and true heartbeat of the Detroit Pistons.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Victor Wembanyama.  Wemby will probably win more DPOY awards than any other player in NBA history. Players avoid driving to the basket when this 7’4” titan is stationed underneath.

RUNNER-UP: Chet Holmgren.  Chet was the cornerstone of the league’s best defensive squad.  As long as SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are healthy, the Oklahoma City Thunder are very tough to beat.

6th MAN OF THE YEAR: Keldon Johnson.  This “country boy” from Virginia leads the Spurs’ second unit and plays a key role in San Antonio’s success.

RUNNER-UP: Naz Reid.  Naz stands out as one of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most well-rounded players and delivers a crucial secondary scoring option behind Anothy Edwards. Not bad for someone who went undrafted when coming out of college in 2019.

In other NBA news, the play-in tournament wrapped up Friday, April 17, as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic.  Charlotte Hornets will move on to compete against Detroit Pistions in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.  In the second game, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors. Phoenix Suns will move on to compete against Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.