{
  "id": 4385274,
  "title": "Early Predictions For 2027 NBA Awards: MVP, ROY, DPOY, And More",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/early-predictions-for-2027-nba-awards-mvp-roy-dpoy-and-more",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T09:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/early-predictions-2027-nba-awards-090012450.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Predicting major NBA awards for the 2026-27 season, several players have caught our attention. The Coach of the Year award could go to Will Hardy, who is fresh off a disappointing 2025-26 season with the Utah Jazz, who finished with a disappointing 22-60 record. Hardy's coaching skills are expected to shine as the team rebuilds, aiming for at least a doubling of their wins from the previous season.\n\nThe Clutch Player of the Year award is likely to be awarded to Anthony Edwards, who averaged an impressive 5.3 clutch points per game last season. Defending his title, Edwards will be supported by LaMelo Ball, creating a formidable duo that will be tough to beat in high-pressure situations.\n\nThe Most Improved Player award is predicted for Brandon Miller, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in his second season with the Hornets. If he can build on his impressive 2025-26 season, averaging 20.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 3.3 APG, Miller could make the jump to becoming a true star in the upcoming season.\n\nThe Sixth Man of the Year award is expected to go to Dylan Harper, who had a breakout rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs. Having averaged 11.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 3.9 APG in 69 games last season, Harper's ability to step up as a borderline starter makes him a strong contender for the award.\n\nThe Rookie of the Year award is predicted for AJ Dybantsa, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With his 6’9″ stature, 217 lbs of muscle, and the playmaking abilities of Trae Young, Dybantsa has the potential to be a superstar right out of the gates. His production is expected to translate into impressive numbers for the Washington Wizards.\n\nFinally, the Defensive Player of the Year award is predicted for Victor Wembanyama, who has been dominating the league on the defensive end. With an astonishing 25.0 PPG, 11.5 RPG, and 3.1 APG last season, Wembanyama's incredible length and ability to disrupt opponents make him an unstoppable force. As he continues to evolve, Wembanyama will also be competing for the MVP award.",
  "summary": "We provide our early 2027 NBA award predictions from MVP and Defensive Player of the Year to Clutch of the Year.",
  "key_points": [
    "Will Hardy favored for Coach of the Year despite 2025-26 Jazz's 22-60 record",
    "Anthony Edwards predicted for Clutch Player of the Year with 5.3 clutch points per game",
    "Brandon Miller predicted for Most Improved Player after 20.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}