The 2026 NBA Awards Are Here, and One Writer's Ballot Says Everything About This Season

The NBA just dropped its official ballots for end-of-season honors, and Tim Bontemps from ESPN is ready to make his picks across seven individual awards. But here's the thing: this year hit different. The league ruled Thursday that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham successfully challenged the 65-game rule for major postseason awards, opening the door for both to be eligible. Now the voting is on, and Bontemps is one of 100 voters casting ballots due by 3 p.m. ET on Friday.

MVP: It's Gilgeous-Alexander's to Lose

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tops Bontemps' MVP ballot, and frankly, it makes sense. The Thunder guard just like he did in ESPN's final MVP straw poll of the season, sits at number one on the ballot. His individual brilliance, combined with driving the Thunder to 64 wins while navigating injury issues and the Spurs down the stretch, kept him in the top spot. If he wins, he becomes the 16th multiple-time MVP in league history. That's the kind of company that changes a legacy.

The real fireworks are below him. Nikola Jokic made the case for second with something ridiculous: he became the first player to lead the NBA in rebounds and assists per game while averaging a triple-double for a second consecutive season. But Victor Wembanyama is right there too. Both have impressive cases, and the debate between them for the second spot on the ballot is the one everyone will be talking about heading into the awards show.

The Full Picture: Seven Awards, Three Teams, Two Debates

Beyond MVP, Bontemps' full ballot includes Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Clutch Player of the Year. There are also three All-NBA teams, two All-Defense units, and two All-Rookie squads to fill out. It's a massive ballot that requires voters to evaluate the entire league across every dimension of the game.

The Doncic and Cunningham eligibility rule change is the wildcard here. Both made successful challenges to the 65-game minimum, which means they're in the conversation for awards that typically require more games played. That opens up the debate in ways the NBA hasn't had to consider in years.

Bontemps made it clear that ESPN's Stats department helped inform every choice on this ballot. When the dust settles Friday at 3 p.m. ET, we'll have clarity on who the league thinks deserves the hardware.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.