“Wembanyama will be MVP”: Spurs are the team to beat
Two NBA assistant coaches explained why they are backing Victor Wembanyama as the 2026-27 MVP and the San Antonio Spurs as NBA champions
During an interview with Fadeaway World, two NBA assistant coaches discussed the main topics heading into the new season, also naming the teams they consider the most dangerous. In the West, both backed the Spurs, especially because of the expected growth of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
The Spurs should have won the championship. The only reason they didn’t was a lack of experience. Now that failure will push them even further
NBA Assistant Coach #1
The growth of San Antonio’s young roster is one of the topics on which the two agree the most. Castle could take another step forward, Harper should get even more opportunities, while Fox is not necessarily viewed as the key piece needed for the Spurs to compete for the title.
There is also agreement on the potential MVP of the season: Victor Wembanyama. The experience he has gained, greater efficiency and an improved ability to read game situations could allow the Frenchman to take another step forward.
There’s no way Shai wins it again. He’s already won it two years in a row. I’d say Wemby. He’ll win the MVP. […] He’ll score more because he’ll have more depth around him
NBA Assistant Coach #2
In the West, the Thunder naturally remain a team to watch, while in the East both point to the Knicks as one of the main teams to beat. The continuity of the group, Mike Brown’s leadership and the mentality shown last season are considered important foundations for trying to repeat.
As for Rookie of the Year, however, opinions are split. The first assistant chooses Cameron Boozer, who could benefit from greater offensive freedom in Memphis, while the second backs Darryn Peterson, considering Utah’s roster and situation particularly well suited to giving him an immediate opportunity to stand out.