NBA Announces Finalists for 2025-26 Season Awards

The National Basketball Association has revealed the three finalists for each of its seven major individual honors. The rookie class, led by top draft picks Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, has drawn significant attention, with both players being named finalists for the Rookie of the Year award.

2025-26 NBA Award Finalists

Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs).
Defensive Player of the Year: Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons).
Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers).
Sixth Man of the Year: Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver Nuggets), Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat).
Coach of the Year: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons), Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs), Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics).
Most Improved Player: Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks), Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers).
Clutch Player of the Year: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets).

Additional Award Notes

The NBA ruled that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham remain eligible for awards and All-NBA consideration despite not meeting the 65-game threshold for the season.

In a final straw poll conducted by ESPN, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received 88 first-place votes for MVP, while Victor Wembanyama received eight votes. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points and 6.6 assists, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 64-18 record.

Rookie of the Year Spotlight

The three finalists for Rookie of the Year had notable statistical seasons.

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): The first overall pick averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 70 games. He missed eight total games, including a stretch of four consecutive games due to a sprained left foot.
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets): The fourth overall pick averaged 18.5 points and shot 42.5 percent from three-point range. His team finished with a 44-38 record.
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers): Edgecombe averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was named the Rising Stars MVP during All-Star weekend.

Knueppel and Flagg: Background and Rookie Race

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel were teammates during the 2024-25 season at Duke University before entering the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, while Knueppel was chosen fourth by the Charlotte Hornets.

On-Court Performance:

Kon Knueppel set a blistering pace for three-point shooting, making 201 three-pointers in his first 58 games—faster than any player in NBA history. He is close to surpassing the rookie record of 206 three-pointers.
Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks in scoring, rebounds, and assists as a rookie. He handled point guard duties early in the season, averaging 29.8 points per 100 possessions.
In a Kia Rookie Ladder ranking from late February, Knueppel was listed first and Flagg second. The ranking noted Flagg was sidelined at that time with a foot injury.

Personal Background:
Both players were described as having grounded personalities by Duke general manager Rachel Baker. They share similarities such as growing up in cold-weather regions and coming from families with multiple brothers. They maintain a close friendship and speak regularly.

Review of Other Notable Rookies

Analyses of the 2025-26 rookie class highlighted several other first-year players who made significant impacts.

Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans): Noted for his offensive creation and footwork, Queen led all rookies in rebounds and assists per game according to one ranking.
Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings): The 42nd overall pick proved to be a productive scorer and rebounder, recording 11 double-doubles.
Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies): A lottery pick, Coward provided strong defensive presence and connective passing, though he missed time with a knee injury.
Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs): The second overall pick contributed off the bench, demonstrating strong facilitating skills and efficient rim driving.
Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz), Egor Dëmin (Brooklyn Nets), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors), Ryan Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets), and Hugo Gonzalez (Boston Celtics) were also cited for various contributions, ranging from defensive play to scoring.