The Athletic NBA Daily: “Who are the MVP Favorites Next Season?” – Detailed Summary
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Special Guest: Sam Vicini
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFore, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni, alongside special guest Sam Vicini, delve into predictions for next season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) race. Filmed live from the Summer League, the discussion revolves around top contenders, their current odds, and the factors that could influence the awards.
MVP Favorites for Next Season
Top Contenders
The conversation kicks off with a focus on the leading MVP candidates. Sam Vicini outlines the odds from MGM Sportsbook, highlighting Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Shay) as front-runners.
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Nikola Jokic: Priced at +220, Jokic remains a strong favorite due to his consistent performance and significant impact on the Denver Nuggets.
Sam Vicini [22:37]: “They have Nikola Jokic plus 220.”
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Shay): Currently at +280, Shay's exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities position him as a serious MVP contender.
Sam Vicini [22:37]: “They have Nikola Jokic plus 220. Shay it plus 2.280.”
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Giannis Antetokounmpo: With odds at +1,000, Giannis’s potential to average 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists could propel him back into the MVP conversation, especially if the Milwaukee Bucks secure a playoff spot.
Sam Vicini [23:07]: “If Giannis averages 35, he's probably going to win the MVP.”
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Luka Doncic: Positioned at +700, Luka’s performance with the Lakers could make a significant impact, especially if he returns to peak physical condition and leads his team deep into the playoffs.
Sam Vicini [27:02]: “Luka made first team all NBA, like five times in his first six years in the NBA.”
Factors Influencing MVP Race
The hosts discuss how team success, individual statistics, and narrative elements play crucial roles in MVP voting. Jokic’s consistency and Shay’s rising star status are contrasted with Giannis’s potential resurgence and Luka’s quest for redemption.
Dave DeFore [26:23]: “How do you repeat that? I don't know.”
Zena Keita [25:09]: “The tide has switched and now everyone's getting into the... We don't appreciate Nikola Jokic enough.”
Rookie of the Year Candidates
Dylan Cooper Flag: The Front-Runner
Dylan Cooper Flag emerges as the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, favored at -225, significantly ahead of other rookies.
Sam Vicini [02:35]: “Cooper is rightfully listed here as the clear favorite.”
Sam Vicini [04:35]: “If he takes 15 shots a game, he's winning.”
Other Notable Rookies
- Trey Johnson: At +900, Johnson is seen as a promising talent with the potential to ascend in the standings.
- Ace Bailey and VJ Edgam: Both standing at +10 to 1, they are recognized for their solid performances but lack the standout edge of Cooper Flag.
Barahenny raises concerns about Cooper Flag’s role and shot opportunities, questioning whether he'll secure sufficient playing time to maintain his frontrunner status.
Zena Keita [03:17]: “But Rookie of the year is not just, hey, you're really good. I think he's got to perform...”
Defensive Player of the Year
Victor Wembanyama: A Dominant Force
Victor Wembanyama is heavily favored to win Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), with odds at -180. His defensive prowess is unparalleled, though concerns about his ability to play 65 games due to a prior blood clot issue remain.
Sam Vicini [12:00]: “Victor Wembanyama -180.”
Dave DeFore [12:37]: “Wembanyama is generational. Genuinely one of the best defenders I've ever seen.”
Chet Holmgren: The Agile Defender
Chet Holmgren is another strong candidate at +6.5 to 1. His anticipation and defensive versatility make him a formidable opponent, potentially surpassing even Wembanyama in certain defensive metrics.
Sam Vicini [14:25]: “Chet Holmgren is one of the best defenders like at his age I've ever seen.”
Sam Vicini [15:01]: “Chet is always ahead.”
Draymond Green: The Veteran Leader
Draymond Green, although listed at +50 to 1, is lauded for his defensive intelligence and leadership. The hosts debate his chances, emphasizing the Warriors' defensive strategies and his critical role.
Sam Vicini [18:00]: “Draymond Green may or may not have been on the original list of 50, and I immediately hit the person and was like, no, Draymond Green.”
Dave DeFore [18:05]: “He really spurred this small ball revolution by being able to do what he does.”
Most Improved Player
Deandre Ayton: A Strong Contender
Deandre Ayton is discussed as a top candidate for Most Improved Player, reflecting his career growth and potential to significantly enhance the Phoenix Suns’ performance.
Zena Keita [30:35]: “It's about his career, not the expectations.”
Other Candidates
The episode also touches on other notable candidates, including Amen Thompson, Scoot Henderson, and Ben Matheran, highlighting their individual improvements and contributions to their respective teams.
Sam Vicini [32:17]: “Amen Thompson, Scoot Henderson, Andrew Demarten, Ben Matheran...”
Potential Dark Horse Candidates
Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant
Emerging as dark horse contenders, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant demonstrate exceptional skills and potential to surprise voters with their performances.
Sam Vicini [32:30]: “I am really excited to watch Cooper Flag.”
Zena Keita [33:05]: “He just switched his hips and got up. Recovery time is incredible.”
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The episode concludes with the hosts expressing excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the emerging talents and the evolving dynamics of MVP and other award races. They highlight the importance of performance consistency, team success, and the narratives that shape voters' decisions.
Zena Keita [35:19]: “I am a believer in Cooper Flag. I've seen enough.”
Sam Vicini [35:22]: “It's easy to be honest.”
The discussion underscores the unpredictability of the MVP race and the multitude of factors that will influence the outcome, making the next NBA season one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Sam Vicini [02:35]: “Cooper is rightfully listed here as the clear favorite.”
- Zena Keita [03:17]: “But Rookie of the year is not just, hey, you're really good. I think he's got to perform...”
- Sam Vicini [12:00]: “Victor Wembanyama -180.”
- Dave DeFore [12:37]: “Wembanyama is generational. Genuinely one of the best defenders I've ever seen.”
- Sam Vicini [14:25]: “Chet Holmgren is one of the best defenders like at his age I've ever seen.”
- Sam Vicini [18:00]: “Draymond Green may or may not have been on the original list of 50, and I immediately hit the person and was like, no, Draymond Green.”
- Sam Vicini [22:37]: “They have Nikola Jokic plus 220. Shay it plus 2.280.”
- Sam Vicini [27:02]: “Luka made first team all NBA, like five times in his first six years in the NBA.”
- Sam Vicini [32:17]: “Amen Thompson, Scoot Henderson, Andrew Demarten, Ben Matheran...”
- Zena Keita [35:19]: “I am a believer in Cooper Flag. I've seen enough.”
This comprehensive summary captures the depth and breadth of the discussion in The Athletic NBA Daily episode, providing listeners with valuable insights into the upcoming NBA season's award races.