AJ Dybantsa
May 2026
AJ Dybantsa reflected on his journey as he awaits his NBA destination following the draft lottery results. Years of development and exposure have positioned him as a top prospect, with the next step depending on draft outcomes and team selection.
Taylor Jenkins
May 2026
Taylor Jenkins has been appointed head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, tasked with leading a rebuild following a disappointing season that ended a long streak of playoff appearances. Jenkins’ experience and track record earned him the role, with the franchise seeking a cultural reset. His appointment comes amid uncertainty over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, adding further significance to the team’s direction.
Moussa Diabate
May 2026
Moussa Diabate has been named the NBA Hustle Award winner after a standout season defined by effort plays, helping drive a major turnaround for the Charlotte Hornets. Diabate’s contributions in rebounds, screens, defensive contests and loose ball recoveries elevated team performance. His impact as a starter transformed Charlotte into one of the league’s most improved sides.
DeAndre Jordan
April 2026
DeAndre Jordan has been named the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, recognising his leadership, mentorship and selfless contributions both on and off the court throughout the season. Selected by fellow players from a group of finalists, Jordan’s influence as a veteran presence and role model earned him the honour, highlighting his impact beyond statistics and reinforcing his value within the Pelicans roster.
Tyran Stokes
April 2026
Top-ranked recruit Tyran Stokes has committed to Kansas, ending a long recruitment process and giving the Jayhawks a major boost as they rebuild their roster following key departures and NBA exits. Stokes chose Kansas over Kentucky after a prolonged evaluation process influenced by coaching stability, roster fit and NIL considerations. His scoring ability and versatility are expected to fill a critical gap in a reshaped Jayhawks lineup.
Darryn Peterson
April 2026
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and is widely projected to be among the first three selections. He joins a top freshman group that also includes Cameron Boozer and A.J. Dybantsa. Peterson averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 24 games while shooting 38.2 percent from three. Injuries and illness disrupted parts of his season, but his late-season form and overall scoring profile kept him near the top of draft boards.
Derrick White
April 2026
Derrick White has been named the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner, taking the Joe Dumars Trophy and giving Boston back-to-back winners after Jrue Holiday last season. The award is decided after each team nominates one player, league executives pick six finalists, and current NBA players vote on the winner. White finished ahead of T.J. McConnell and Harrison Barnes.
Keldon Johnson
April 2026
Keldon Johnson has been named the NBA’s 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year after playing all 82 games off the bench for San Antonio. He becomes only the second Spur to win the award after Manu Ginobili. Johnson averaged 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds while setting a Spurs record for points scored as a reserve in a season. He beat finalists Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the honor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
April 2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, beating Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray for the Jerry West Trophy. The NBA said Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 175 clutch points and helped Oklahoma City go 20-7 in clutch games he played. The finalists were chosen by coaches, with the final vote coming from a media panel.
Victor Wembanyama
April 2026
Victor Wembanyama has won the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and, at age 22, became the youngest player ever to receive it. AP also reported that he was a unanimous winner. Wembanyama led the league in blocked shots for a third straight season and finished ahead of Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson. The win also made him only the third player, after Michael Jordan and David Robinson, to win both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year
