The NBA announced finalists for end-of-season awards during the “NBA Showtime” pregame show ahead of Game 1 of the playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic on NBC on April 19.
Each in-studio analyst — Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Maria Taylor — read the names of the top three for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year and Most Improved Player.
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The finalists for MVP, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year will be revealed during the halftime show.
Here are the finalists announced for the NBA’s individual awards:
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Defensive Player of the Year
Sixth Man of the Year
Clutch Player of the Year
Most Improved Player
Who is ineligible for NBA awards this season?
Here are some notable players who were ineligible for end-of-season individual awards and All-NBA teams due to not meeting the league’s 65-game requirement:
Though Edwards only played in 59 games this season, Clutch Player of the Year does not have a 65-game requirement.
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham both fell just short of 65 games, but are eligible for awards after being granted an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge exception.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA individual awards finalists announced
