After a summer filled with blockbuster trades, free-agent signings and the end of a 53-year championship drought, the 2026–27 NBA season is upon us.
My prediction is that the New York Knicks will defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games in the 2027 NBA Finals, becoming back-to-back NBA champions.
The Knicks enter the season looking to defend their championship, but several teams have made major offseason moves in hopes of taking the Larry O’Brien Trophy away from New York.
LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards should team up to be one of the most exciting backcourts in basketball after Ball was traded to the Timberwolves.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will be a fun frontcourt to watch in Miami, while Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto, where he helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship in 2019.
With new faces in new places, the NBA has plenty of exciting storylines heading into the new season.
Major Award Predictions
Most Valuable Player: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson helped lead the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years.
I believe Brunson will lead New York to one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. Brunson has become one of the best leaders in basketball and his ability to deliver in important moments makes him my favorite to win the award.
Rookie-of-the-Year: Darryn Peterson or A.J. Dybantsa
My Rookie-of-the-Year prediction comes down to two players: Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson and Washington Wizards forward A.J. Dybantsa.
Peterson showed tremendous scoring ability during his lone season at Kansas, averaging 20.2 points per game.
There are questions about Peterson’s build and how his game will translate to the physicality of the NBA, but when he was on the court for the Jayhawks, he showed why he was one of the nation’s top prospects.
Then there is Dybantsa, who was selected first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after an impressive college career at BYU. Dybantsa brings size, athleticism and scoring ability that could make him an immediate contributor for the Wizards.
I believe both players will have opportunities to make an impact – this could be one of the closest Rookie-of-the-Year races in recent memory.
Defensive Player-of-the-Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the most intimidating defenders in basketball.
His combination of size, length and athleticism makes it difficult for opposing players to attack the basket. Wembanyama can change the outcome of a game without even touching the basketball, simply because opponents have to account for his presence in the paint.
Most Improved Player: Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
With LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota, Brandon Miller will have an opportunity to become the clear leader of Charlotte’s offense. Miller averaged 20.2 points per game last season and I believe he has the potential to take another major step forward.
Sixth Man-of-the-Year: Anfernee Simons, Philadelphia 76ers
Anfernee Simons joined Philadelphia during the offseason. With so much star power in the 76ers’ starting lineup, Simons could be one of the most valuable players coming off the bench in basketball.
He has shown throughout his career that he can score in bunches and provide an offensive spark with his three-point shooting. I believe his scoring ability will play an important role in Philadelphia’s success.
Coach-of-the-Year: Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
Ime Udoka has helped Houston develop into a competitive team in the Western Conference, and the Rockets have the talent to take another step forward this season.
With Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun leading the roster, Houston has the pieces to compete with the best teams in the league. If the Rockets finish near the top of the Western Conference, I believe Udoka will earn Coach of the Year honors.
