Basketball: 2025-26 NBA Midseason Awards Watch: MVP, DPOY, Rookie of the Year, and More
As the NBA regular season reaches its midpoint, Olympics.com takes a closer look at the frontrunners in various player award categories, including Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player.
By William Imbo
January 16, 2026
With 30 NBA teams having played 41 games, January 15 marked an unofficial halfway point in the season. As the All-Star Weekend approaches, discussions about end-of-season awards are heating up. This year, injuries to top players and the NBA's 65-game minimum for award eligibility have made the races more open and, in some cases, more unpredictable.
Let's dive into the midseason favorites in each major NBA player award category for 2025-26.
Most Valuable Player
Midseason Favorite: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Top Challengers: Luka Dončić, Lakers; Nikola Jokić, Nuggets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has built a strong MVP case, averaging 31.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently at 54.7% from the field, 39.6% from three, and 88.8% at the line. His playmaking and low turnover rate make him a strong candidate for back-to-back MVP awards, which would make him just the 16th player in NBA history to achieve this feat.
However, Nikola Jokić's knee injury in December has created a more open race. Before his injury, Jokić was having an historic campaign, including a record-breaking 56-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist performance. Despite potential returns in late January or early February, Jokić's extended absence may have already impacted his chances.
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
Midseason Favorite: Chet Holmgren, Thunder
Top Challengers: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs; Bam Adebayo, Heat
Chet Holmgren is the top contender for DPOY, as the Thunder's defense has been the league's best, with a defensive rating of 105.4. Holmgren's rim protection and overall team performance make him a strong candidate for this award.
Rookie of the Year (ROY)
Midseason Favorite: Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Top Challengers: Kon Knueppel, Hornets; Derik Queen, Pelicans
The Rookie of the Year race is tight, with Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel leading the way. Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft, has adapted well to an expanded role on the Mavericks, averaging impressive numbers. Knueppel, the No. 4 pick, is also making a strong case with his scoring and three-point shooting.
Sixth Man of the Year
Midseason Favorite: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat
Top Challengers: Naz Reid, Timberwolves; Reed Sheppard, Rockets
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the top contender for Sixth Man of the Year, leading in scoring among clear qualifiers while maintaining a sixth-man role. Naz Reid and Reed Sheppard are also strong contenders, with Reid producing efficiently and Sheppard combining scoring and playmaking.
Most Improved Player (MIP)
Midseason Favorite: Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers
Main Challengers: Keyonte George, Jazz; Jalen Johnson, Hawks
Deni Avdija has made significant improvements, expanding his role and improving in scoring, assists, and free-throw attempts. Keyonte George and Jalen Johnson are also making strong cases for Most Improved Player, with both posting career-best performances.
