Nuggets' Jokic Wins MVP, Wembanyama Rookie of the Year

Debate over top individual awards, but race for NBA title still wide open

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:45am

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Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive season, cementing his status as one of the league's elite players. Meanwhile, French phenom Victor Wembanyama was awarded Rookie of the Year after a standout debut campaign with the San Antonio Spurs.

Why it matters

Jokic's MVP three-peat solidifies his place among the NBA's all-time greats, while Wembanyama's immediate impact has fans and analysts buzzing about the Spurs' bright future. However, the race for the NBA championship remains wide open, with several contenders vying for the title.

The details

Jokic, the versatile big man for the Nuggets, averaged a triple-double this season, leading Denver to the top seed in the Western Conference. Wembanyama, the highly touted 7-foot-4 prospect, lived up to the hype, putting up impressive numbers and showcasing his unique skillset for the Spurs.

  • Jokic won his third straight MVP award on April 5, 2026.
  • Wembanyama was named Rookie of the Year on the same day.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who has now won the NBA MVP award three years in a row.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted French rookie who was selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs and won Rookie of the Year.

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What they’re saying

“Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world. His combination of skill, vision, and competitiveness is unmatched.”

— Michael Malone, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

“Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent. The sky is the limit for what he can accomplish in this league.”

— Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

What’s next

The focus now shifts to the NBA playoffs, where Jokic and the Nuggets will look to capture their first championship, while Wembanyama and the Spurs aim to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Jokic's third straight MVP award cements his status as one of the NBA's all-time greats, while Wembanyama's Rookie of the Year honor suggests the Spurs have found their next superstar. However, the real prize remains the NBA title, and several teams will be vying for that coveted trophy in the coming weeks.