The Athletic Staff Picks Spurs, Wembanyama for 2026-27 NBA Honors as Knicks Repeat Fades
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 20
The Athletic Staff Picks Spurs, Wembanyama for 2026-27 NBA Honors as Knicks Repeat Fades
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 20
Summary
30 Athletic staffers largely ruled out a New York Knicks repeat and leaned toward a Western Conference champion, with San Antonio and Oklahoma City emerging as the most popular title picks.
Victor Wembanyama dominated the forecasted awards race, drawing near-consensus support for MVP and an even stronger lock status for Defensive Player of the Year if he stays healthy.
Philadelphia drew some Finals runner-up support but also some of the strongest disappointment warnings, with staff citing pressure around LeBron James, who turns 42 in December, and Joel Embiid's health history.
Trade speculation centered on stars rather than contenders' margins, with Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Michael Porter Jr. and Kyrie Irving among names staff expect could move before the Feb. 11 deadline.
The broader picture was one of parity: dark-horse mentions ranged from the Lakers and Pacers to the Rockets and Timberwolves, while several East and West playoff spots were viewed as highly unsettled.