The first week of the 2025-26 NBA season is in the books and there aren’t enough words to describe how riveting it’s been. Overtimes, double overtimes, 50-point games after 50-point games; it’s been a hoops fans’ dream. All of that being said, there have definitely been a few players that have stood out over the others. As a result, it’s worth taking a look at who the early leaders for this season’s NBA awards will be.
Let’s go.
Early Award Leaders For 2025-26 NBA Season
MVP – Victor Wembanyama
Other finalists: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic
Even with De’Aaron Fox out, the San Antonio Spurs are 5-0. That’s the best start in franchise history and considering the success they had during their dynasty era, mightily impressive. 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, averaging 30.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.8 blocks, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, might already be the best player in the league. At the very least, he’s been the NBA’s most valuable player.
DPOY – Victor Wembanyama
Other finalists: Bam Adebayo, Bilal Coulibaly
A player averaging 6.2 stocks (steals + blocks), with a 95.1 defensive rating (third in the NBA) and anchoring the league’s top-ranked defense looks like a probable Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner on paper. Wembanyama looks even better between the four lines of the hardwood. Engulfing players with absurd length and mobility, he’s the biggest defensive game-changer in the NBA.
MIP – Ajay Mitchell
Other finalists: Matas Buzelis, Austin Reaves
In the tight Most Improved Player of the Year race, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (16.8 points per game) has nearly doubled his rookie scoring average (8.6 points per game). Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is averaging career-highs of 34.2 points and 10.0 assists per game. However, Reaves will likely fall back to earth when or before Luka Doncic and LeBron James return. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell –a second-round pick in 2024 –is playing near the level Reaves, averaging 18.5 points per game.
Rookie of the Year – VJ Edgecombe
Other finalists: Cedric Coward, Kon Knueppel
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe didn’t enter the season looking like he was going to be the hottest topic in the Rookie of the Year conversation. The noise around Dallas Mavericks point-forward Cooper Flagg was just that loud. However, after the first week of the season, Edgecombe looks like a potential All-Star. In five games, 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 per game. Not only has he made a defined two-way impact, he’s knocking down his 3s at a 42.9% rate.
Coach of the Year – Mark Daigneault
Other finalists: Billy Donovan, Nick Nurse
What the Thunder are able to accomplish under head coach Mark Daigneault season after season has been understated. Despite their heavy reliance on youth and key players constantly being in and out of the lineup, he has OKC at the top of the Western Conference once again. The way he develops, instills confidence in and maximizes his players needs to be studied. Coach of the Year.
Executive of the Year – Onsi Saleh
Other finalists: Daryl Morey, Rafael Stone
The Atlanta Hawks are 2-3 right now, so it seems strange to say Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh should be the frontrunner for the Executive of the Year award. However, the Hawks were able to acquire an All-Star-caliber big man in Kristaps Porzingis, a major free agent in Nickeil-Alexander Walker, one of the league’s best shooters in Luke Kennard, as well as an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans that looks very valuable right now in the offseason. Their future has a few question marks, but they’ve positioned themselves to be players in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The post Early Award Leaders For 2025-26 NBA Season appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.