Early Award Leaders For 2025-26 NBA Season

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.