The Mavericks’ prized No. 1 pick likely won this award before even playing in an actual NBA game. NBA talent evaluators pegged Flagg as this year’s best rookie because of his positional versatility as a scorer and defender, his adaptability to various roles and his disciplined work habits.

The Charlotte Hornets went 2-3 in the NBA preseason. If extrapolated, that would amount to a 33-win season this year. The Hornets would be thrilled with 33 wins

The Thunder would like to be the ones to put at least a temporary halt to parity, and with basically everyone back from a 68-win team that won the crown last season, it's easy to see why BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Thunder as favorites to win the 2026 title.

Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals last season, his third in the NBA. He jumped from 47.3 percent from the field his first two seasons to 58.0 percent. He’s a 38.4 percent 3-point shooter for his career and a solid defender.

With a new NBA season finally here, our experts are here to make some bold predictions, pick the next MVP, and more.

Ahead of the season's start, some major extensions got done, while some players and teams couldn't make a deal

San Antonio Spurs players — Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Stephon Castle in 2024 — have won the award the past two years. It’s possible Spurs guard Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, makes this a closer race than many are anticipating. But it’s hard not to bet on Flagg, who so far has won everywhere he goes. — Christian Clark