The Luka Doncic snub: NBA GMs pick clear MVP for 2025-26

The NBA has released the results of its annual survey of the league’s 30 general managers ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The poll asked 64 questions covering everything from who will win MVP to which international players are the best outside the U.S., as well as the top moves of the summer’s free agency and trade market.

Thunder tipped to repeat as champions

According to 70% of general managers, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to take home the NBA title this season. If they succeed, they would be the first team to repeat as champions since the Golden State Warriors won back-to-back Larry O’Brien Trophies in 2017 and 2018. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets are distant alternatives, each receiving 7% of the votes.

Jokic the clear MVP choice

The MVP race mirrors the championship consensus. Nikola Jokic is the favorite to claim his fourth regular-season MVP award, according to 67% of GMs. If he wins, the Serbian center would tie Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James with four MVPs, trailing only Bill Russell and Michael Jordan by one, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains ahead with six. Other MVP candidates include Luka Doncic (10%), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (8%), and Victor Wembanyama (7%).

Durant’s blockbuster trade dominates headlines

The summer’s trade and free agency market was as lively as ever. For 73% of GMs, the biggest move was Kevin Durant’s arrival in Houston, a massive deal involving seven franchises, 13 players, six draft picks, and over $4 million in cash.

Rookie of the year clear choice

There is little debate over the top rookie. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick of the Dallas Mavericks, is expected to shine, earning 93% of votes as the season’s best debutant. Meanwhile, Kasparas Jakucionis is considered the draft steal of the year, receiving 17% of votes after being selected 20th overall by the Miami Heat.

Wembanyama seen as foundational player

When asked which player they would build a team around from scratch, GMs overwhelmingly chose Victor Wembanyama. The French star received 83% of the votes, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 13% and Jokic at 3%.

Doncic dominates wing but not top pick

Luka Doncic was not selected as a foundational piece, despite being recognized as the NBA’s best wing by 40% of respondents. He is also viewed as the league’s second-best point guard (17%) behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (73%) and the third-best shooting guard (7%), with Anthony Edwards leading that category at 70%.

Top international talent

Outside the NBA, Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos was named the best player by 44% of GMs. Isaac Bonga (Partizán) and Cedi Osman (Panathinaikos) tied for second with 10%, while Nikola Mirotic (Monaco), Kendrick Nunn (Panathinaikos), and Edy Tavares (Real Madrid) tied for third at 7%. Other votes went to Real Madrid players Trey Lyles and Theo Maledon, as well as Evan Fournier (Olympiacos), Vasilije Micic (Hapoel), and Miikka Muurinen (Partizán).

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.