NBA has revealed the list of players finalists for the NBA Awards, including the MVP, who will be decided between two former winners (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from 2025, Nikola Jokic from 2021, 2022, 2024), and a first time nominee, Victor Wembanyama, leader of blocked shots for third year in a row, and will likely win Defensive Player of the Year.
The finalists for the rest of awards, including Clutch player of the year (most decisive player) were also announced during the first weekend of the play-offs. Anthony Edwards was nominated for Clutch Player despite not playing the required 65 matches because that's the award that is selected by the votes of the league's coaches.
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham did successfully appeal to be included in the list despite playing 64 and 63 games respectively, although they were not nominated and will have to do with a selection for the All-NBA honours.
The only nominee from the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, the no. 1 pick last year, is nominated for Rookie of the Year, alongside Kon Knueppel VJ Edgecombe. The winners will be announced this week, alongside the All-NBA Teams.
Most Valuable Player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Clutch Player of the Year
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Rookie of the Year
VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Defensive Player of the Year
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Most Improved Player
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Sixth Man of the Year
Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
Coach of the Year
J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons
Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
Teammate of the Year
Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Pat Connaughton, Charlotte Hornets
De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Jeff Green, Houston Rockets
Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers
DeAndre Jordan, New Orleans Pelicans
Duncan Robinson, Detroit Pistons
Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Garrett Temple, Toronto Raptors
Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder