NBA announces end-of-season award finalists for 2026: Star power and rising talent highlight list 

The National Basketball Association has officially unveiled the finalists for its 2026 end-of-season awards, with the announcement made early Monday morning, April 20 (Philippine Standard Time). As the regular season draws to a close, the league’s top individual honors are once again at the center of attention, highlighting the standout performers across multiple categories.

As is customary, NBA studio analysts revealed the top three finalists for each major award, including Most Valuable Player (MVP), Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and Clutch Player of the Year. This year’s list features a compelling mix of established superstars and emerging talents who have made significant impacts throughout the season.

NBA awards finalist list:

Complete list of awards finalists for the 2025-26 NBA regular season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LQj5YeouZ5

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 19, 2026

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MVP

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Defensive Player of the Year 

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
• Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)

Coach of the Year

• Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics)
• J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)
• Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)

Rookie of the Year

• Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
• Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
• VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)

Sixth Man of the Year

• Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)
• Jaime Jaquez (Miami Heat)
• Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver Nuggets)

Clutch Player of the Year

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
• Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

Notably, the league’s 65-game minimum requirement once again played a major role in determining award eligibility. Several high-profile stars were ruled ineligible for end-of-season honors and All-NBA team consideration after failing to meet the threshold. 

Top players ineligible for NBA awards this season:

• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
• Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
• Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
• Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
• Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)

However, exceptions were granted in certain cases. Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham were both deemed eligible despite falling short of the 65-game requirement after successfully receiving an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge exception. Additionally, while Edwards played only 59 games this season, he remained eligible for the Clutch Player of the Year award, as that specific honor does not fall under the same participation rule.

With a diverse pool of finalists and several storylines shaping the race, this year’s NBA awards season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The winners are expected to be announced during the playoffs, adding further excitement as the league transitions from regular-season accolades to postseason intensity.

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