episode

Howard Beck and Michael Pina have their way-too-early NBA player awards for the 2026-2027 season. Find out their jalapeño and reaper picks for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. The takes definitely get spicy!
Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina 
Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin 
Production Supervision: Ben Cruz 
Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers

Howard Beck got his basketball education covering the Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers for the L.A. Daily News starting in 1997, and has been writing and reporting about the NBA ever since. He’s also covered the league for The New York Times, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He’s a co-host of ‘The Real Ones.’

Howard Beck

Michael Pina is a senior staff writer at The Ringer who covers the NBA.

Michael Pina

Most Improved Player
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The Ringer NBA Show

Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Player Awards

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Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Player Awards

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Summary