CBS Sports Predicts Wembanyama to Win Two NBA Awards

Victor Wembanyama is the leading choice for both Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year in the 2026-27 NBA season, according to predictions from CBS Sports analysts published October 20, 2026. The panel also identified Cameron Boozer as a leading Rookie of the Year candidate, highlighting a competitive awards race shaped by player development, roster changes and eligibility requirements. The predictions reflect a recent pattern of first-time award winners across the league.

According to CBS Sports, every major individual award in the 2024-25 season went to a first-time winner, marking the first occurrence of that outcome since 2014-15. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only repeat winner in the following season's major award races, earning his second MVP honor. Six of the 15 All-NBA selections in the most recent season were also first-time honorees: Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham.

CBS Sports cited the NBA's 65-game eligibility threshold and frequent roster changes as factors influencing the awards landscape.

Wembanyama received broad support from the panel for Defensive Player of the Year, with several analysts also selecting the San Antonio Spurs center for MVP. The defensive prediction, however, depends on his availability and meeting the league's minimum games requirement.

Brad Botkin predicted that Wembanyama would win both awards, while acknowledging that a unanimous MVP result would be unlikely. Botkin also expected Bailey to make a significant impact in Utah, selecting him as his Most Improved Player candidate despite considering Dylan Harper a strong contender. John Gonzalez also backed Wembanyama for both honors, describing the defensive award as especially likely if the center reaches the 65-game threshold. Gonzalez selected Boozer for Rookie of the Year, citing the opportunity available to the prospect in Memphis.

Robby Kalland similarly projected Wembanyama to win Defensive Player of the Year if he plays at least 65 games. Kalland also identified the center's potential offensive improvement as a factor in his MVP outlook. The Rookie of the Year race drew more varied predictions. Although Boozer emerged as a popular selection, Kalland backed AJ Dybantsa, arguing that his anticipated role in Washington and the opportunity to play alongside Trae Young could strengthen his candidacy.

CBS Sports' panel also considered Ajay Mitchell, Devin Vassell, Ayo Dosunmu and Daniss Jenkins for Sixth Man of the Year. The selections reflected differing expectations for player roles and team performance during the upcoming season. For Coach of the Year, the analysts selected Joe Mazzulla, Darko Rajaković, Mitch Johnson and Will Hardy.

Gonzalez backed Rajaković, predicting that the Toronto Raptors could reach 50 wins and challenge expectations in the Eastern Conference. The Clutch Player of the Year predictions included Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson. Botkin favored Dončić, expecting the Los Angeles Lakers star to shoulder significant responsibility in close games as the team manages defensive limitations.