Tim Bontemps, one of ESPN’s 100 NBA voters, released his 2025‑26 award ballot after the league confirmed Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham could compete for postseason honors. Bontemps names Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as MVP, citing Thunder’s 64 wins and his clutch play. He then ranks Jokic and Wembanyama for the second spot.

Voting for Defensive Player of the Year swings to Victor Wembanyama, who tops blocks, steals‑blocks, and averages 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game. Holmgren sits close behind, but Wembanyama’s minutes give him the edge. The decision also clears the way for Gobert to claim third place as a defensive anchor.

Coach of the Year narrows to Boston’s Joe Mazzulla after a rebuild that pivoted around new talent. Mazzulla steered the Celtics through a roster overhaul, integrated a recovering Jayson Tatum, and finished with a winning record. His performance eclipses Bickerstaff, Johnson, and Ott despite the Celtics’ injury challenges.

Other key votes highlight rookie Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year, Jalen Duren for Most Improved, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. for Sixth Man. These choices underscore a season where emerging talent reshaped teams and altered playoff trajectories, proving that individual brilliance and strategic coaching can overturn expectations and secure a championship‑caliber season.