California Post’s Early NBA Awards Forecast: Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and the Fight for Conference Glory

The offseason was nothing short of a blockbuster. Giannis headed south to the Miami Heat, LeBron packed his bags for Philadelphia, and Luka Doncic found himself in the bright lights of Los Angeles after the Lakers lost James to free agency. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs are still counting on a towering 7‑foot‑4 Victor Wembanyama to anchor both ends of the floor.

All that movement makes the upcoming season feel like a fresh page in a novel we can’t wait to read. With that in mind, here’s our early‑season crystal ball for the NBA’s biggest individual awards.

MVP – Luka Doncic
It’s hard to argue with the numbers. Doncic posted a league‑leading 33.5 points per game last year and was right up there with the best playmakers at 8.3 assists. Since landing in L.A., he’s taken an active role in shaping the roster – even nudging the front office toward a center like Walker Kessler. He even hosted a mini‑camp back home in Slovenia to build chemistry. The guy is hungry, wants that first ring, and feels a little slight after finishing fourth in the MVP voting despite the stats. If anyone can turn that motivation into a trophy, it’s him.

Sixth Man of the Year – Ajay Mitchell
Remember that second‑round thunderstorm the Thunder delivered to the Lakers in the 2026 playoffs? Mitchell was the one lighting it up, averaging 22.5 points in that series. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka even mentioned him as the kind of unexpected spark a team needs. In just his third season, we expect his game to keep expanding, making him a prime candidate for the bench award.

Defensive Player of the Year – Victor Wembanyama
Honestly, unless the French phenom gets injured or somehow drops below the 65‑game mark, the DPOY conversation is a foregone conclusion. At 7‑4 with an 8‑foot wingspan, he bends shots, protects the rim, and can even sprint the floor. Opponents look tiny next to him – it’s almost cinematic.

Rookie of the Year – Cameron Boozer
The buzz around the Grizzlies’ newcomer is real. Boozer’s summer‑league performances in Vegas and his early preseason flashes suggest a high‑usage, double‑double machine in the making. He could quickly become the team’s go‑to option.

Coach of the Year – Nick Nurse
If Nurse can mold the star‑packed 76ers into genuine championship contenders, the award will be his. Managing the egos of James, Brown, Embiid, and Maxey is a delicate balancing act. It’s a recipe that’s failed for other super‑teams – think the Nets’ mess with Irving, Harden, and Durant – but Nurse has the ingredients. We’ll be watching closely.

Most Improved Player – Amen Thompson
Thompson took a noticeable leap last season and, with Fred VanVleet back in the mix, his scoring opportunities should explode. He reportedly sharpened his jumper during the offseason, and his basketball IQ is already a cut above many peers. The Rockets’ competitive vibe could push him even further.

Western Conference Champion – San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama is already being touted as the next face of the league. After the Spurs’ heartbreaking collapse in the previous Finals against the Knicks, the French star vows it won’t happen again. With a supporting cast that includes Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Tobias Harris, the Spurs look primed to make a deep run.

Eastern Conference Champion – New York Knicks
Last season’s surprise champions are back with a vengeance. Jalen Brunson continues his All‑Star ascent, OG Anunoby is now a seasoned veteran, and the club retains ten of its twelve rotation players. Until proven otherwise, the Knicks sit atop the East.

All told, the season promises drama, fresh rivalries, and plenty of “what‑if” moments. Keep an eye on these storylines – they’ll shape the awards conversation as the year unfolds.