As the aroma of freshly polished hardwoods fills the air and teams gear up for media day, the NBA offseason often leaves fans with more questions than answers. Yet, for those within the league`s inner sanctum – the coaches, scouts, and executives – a clearer picture of the upcoming 2025-26 season is already taking shape. A recent survey of these 20 seasoned professionals offers a fascinating, and at times, startling, look into the collective mindset of the NBA, revealing the expected titans, the strategic gambles, and the underlying currents set to define the year ahead.
The Shifting Throne: MVPs, Prodigies, and Enduring Legends
The immediate future of the MVP race remains a contest among familiar faces. Nikola Jokic, with his maestro-like court vision, leads the pack, closely followed by the electric Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the ever-brilliant Luka Doncic. Their consistent dominance makes them safe, if not entirely surprising, bets for individual glory.
However, the longer-term view paints a more singular picture. When asked who will be the league`s best player in 2030, the answer was, quite frankly, a runaway. Victor Wembanyama garnered an overwhelming 16 votes, establishing his future coronation as seemingly inevitable. It appears the league has already decided who will wear the crown in the next decade, with the only lingering question being: how many records will he shatter along the way?
The “best American player right now” category delivered a nostalgic nod. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury, the 37-year-old Stephen Curry still commands the respect of the league, proving that even as the guard shifts, true legends find a way to remain at the apex. Looking five years down the line, the narrative pivots to youth. Anthony Edwards, fresh off international gold and deep playoff runs, is the clear choice for future American supremacy. Hot on his heels, and also a unanimous pick for Rookie of the Year and the best player from the 2025 draft class in five years, is phenom Cooper Flagg. The hype is real, and the insiders are buying in wholeheartedly.
LeBron`s Last Dance or Another Encore?
The career of LeBron James is a saga unlike any other, and as he enters his 23rd season, the speculation around his future continues to be a storyline unto itself. Insiders offered a delightfully varied “choose your own adventure” for where LeBron might land at the start of the 2026-27 season. While the Los Angeles Lakers received the most individual votes, a significant portion believe retirement is on the horizon, with others scattering their bets across Cleveland, Golden State, Dallas, and Miami. The consensus, if one can call it that, is that while no single team outside the Lakers holds a strong enough pull, the field is wide open, reflecting the unique and unpredictable path of a player still defying father time.
The Art of the Deal: Offseason Victors and Head-Scratchers
Every offseason brings its share of masterstrokes and questionable decisions. The Atlanta Hawks emerged as the darlings of the summer, earning praise for their aggressive maneuvering, including the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis and a valuable, expected lottery pick from the Pelicans. As one executive noted, “I think they`ll be one of the best teams in the East and they utilized every tool in their toolbox.” The Denver Nuggets also received plaudits for intelligently bolstering their bench, while the Houston Rockets` bold move to acquire Kevin Durant was widely hailed as the “best move of the offseason,” instantly addressing their need for a go-to playoff scorer.
On the flip side, the New Orleans Pelicans found themselves in the unenviable position of having the “worst offseason,” largely due to a puzzling unprotected pick swap on draft night and the acquisition of Jordan Poole. “I just don`t get what they are doing,” one East executive lamented, a sentiment shared by many. The Trail Blazers` trade for Jrue Holiday also raised eyebrows, with an assistant coach questioning, “You can`t get enough time for all of their guards.”
Perhaps the most surprising maneuver of the summer belonged to the Milwaukee Bucks, whose move to sign Myles Turner involved the unprecedented waiving and stretching of Damian Lillard`s colossal contract. This feat of financial gymnastics, leaving a record amount of dead money on their books, underscored the extreme lengths teams will go to in pursuit of competitive advantage.
Beyond the Court: Trends Shaping the League`s Strategy
Beneath the surface of trades and free-agent signings, broader strategic currents are dictating team-building philosophies. For the third consecutive year, the dreaded “second apron” was identified as the biggest trend. This complex financial threshold is forcing franchises to navigate a delicate balance between talent acquisition and cap flexibility, compelling some to shed salary (hello, Boston and Phoenix) and others to operate with ingenious precision. It’s a stark reminder that even in a sport driven by athletic prowess, advanced accounting is now a championship-level skill.
Simultaneously, the league is rediscovering fundamental truths. After a decade of “small ball” dogma, teams are prioritizing size once again. “Size matters now,” an Eastern Conference scout declared, reflecting a renewed emphasis on offensive rebounding and defensive versatility. This shift, coupled with a focus on youth and depth—a lesson perhaps learned from the successes of teams like the Thunder and Pacers—suggests a strategic evolution away from star-heavy, top-heavy rosters towards more balanced, resilient constructions.
The Western Juggernaut and the Eastern Enigma
If there`s one resounding message from the insider survey, it`s the stark divide between the conferences. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the overwhelming favorites, not just for the Western Conference but for the NBA championship itself, receiving an astounding 18 of 20 votes. Their blend of youth, talent, and recent success has positioned them as the team to beat, leaving Denver as their only distant challenger.
The Eastern Conference, however, is a far more muddled affair. While the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks garnered the most votes to emerge from the East, the lack of a clear favorite, and the complete absence of any East team being picked to win the NBA title, speaks volumes. Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Orlando also received votes, highlighting a conference in flux, without a definitive alpha. As one West assistant coach put it, “I`m just betting on Giannis, and against the rest of the East.” It’s a conference ripe for an unexpected challenger, yet collectively perceived as a step behind its Western counterparts.
The stage is set for an NBA season teeming with intriguing narratives. From the anointing of future superstars to the twilight of a legend, and from the intricate dance with financial regulations to the shifting paradigms of team construction, the 2025-26 season promises a compelling blend of basketball excellence, strategic ingenuity, and perhaps, a few more surprises that only the hardwood can deliver.
