From Cooper Flagg to DeMar DeRozan, the best NBA award bets heading into the new season

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This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) makes a three-point shot in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Dec.25, 2025.

(Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)The past two seasons have seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win the MVP award.The last person to win three straight seasons was Larry Bird.

That was from 1983-1986.So, consider this your advice to cross him off your list.

Victor Wembanyama is young, on a great team, and looked good until the Finals last year.It could very well be his year.

However, at +210, the number is far too low.I have a few other options worth considering.

Nikola Jokic is a finalist every season, and he has averaged a triple-double the past two years.Somehow he hasn't won the MVP in either of those seasons.

At +500, it might be worth it to take a shot on him getting the award that he has missed out on the past two years.Some of the longer shots that I like are Anthony Edwards at +1800 and Cade Cunningham at +2200.Perhaps I just like Edwards.

He is the best player on a good team and is consistently leading them to the playoffs.He also doesn't take games off and keeps improving each season.

If the Timberwolves can be in the top three in the West, Edwards and his personality might be enough to give him the award.Cunningham is the best player on the Pistons and does literally everything for them.

He led them to the top spot in the East last year.While I don't think that will happen again, I'm thinking that Cunningham taking another step forward might finally get the attention he deserves.THUNDER'S SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER SECURES BACK-TO-BACK NBA MVP AWARDS: REPORTDetroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

(Daniel K...