Overview
- The column picks Denver to win the 2025–26 championship over Oklahoma City, pointing to depth moves and Nikola Jokic’s superiority.
- The forecast contrasts with the Oct. 9 NBA GM poll that favored the Thunder as title favorites.
- Nikola Jokic is the MVP selection on the strength of his sustained dominance and expectations for a high Nuggets win total.
- Victor Wembanyama is projected for Defensive Player of the Year, with the note that reaching roughly 65 games would be pivotal for voting.
- Cooper Flagg is the Rookie of the Year pick, while Chet Holmgren, Joe Mazzulla, and Josh Hart are slated for Most Improved, Coach of the Year, and Sixth Man.