The NBA has announced the finalists for its end-of-season awards, featuring Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Finalists for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year will be revealed during the halftime show of Game 1 of the playoff series.
Key points
NBA announced award finalists during 'NBA Showtime' pregame show
Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are highlighted
Finalists for MVP and other major awards will be revealed later
Analysts include Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady
Announcement coincides with playoff series Game 1
Mentioned in this story
Carmelo AnthonyTracy McGradyVince CarterMaria Taylor
Victor WembanyamaShai Gilgeous-AlexanderDetroit PistonsOrlando Magic
Who are the finalists for NBA awards? Victor Wembanyama, SGA headline lists
Each in-studio analyst — Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Maria Taylor — read the names of the top three for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year and Most Improved Player.
The finalists for MVP, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year will be revealed during the halftime show.
Here are the finalists announced for the NBA's individual awards:
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Q&A
Who are the NBA award finalists for 2026?
The finalists include Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others for various awards.
When will the MVP finalists be announced for the NBA awards?
The MVP finalists will be revealed during the halftime show of Game 1 of the playoff series on April 19.
What awards are being announced for the NBA playoffs?
The awards include Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player.
Who are the analysts announcing the NBA award finalists?
The analysts include Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Maria Taylor.
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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
4 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
5 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Here are some notable players who were ineligible for end-of-season individual awards and All-NBA teams due to not meeting the league's 65-game requirement:
Though Edwards only played in 59 games this season, Clutch Player of the Year does not have a 65-game requirement.
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham both fell just short of 65 games, but are eligible for awards after being granted an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge exception.
