Breaking News:
Remember when I said that the Knicks were the favorites for winning the Larry O’Brien? Well we (yes, I do mean WE) can throw that dream out the window. Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but the Knicks are in serious trouble.
According to Sports Illustrated, New York’s star guard, Jalen Brunson, will most likely sit for their next few games, citing the Grade 1 ankle sprain he received in the 124-107 loss to the Orlando Magic. Additionally, according to CBS Sports, OG Anunoby, an elite defensive wing for New York, will miss two-weeks of action until he is reevaluated for his hamstring injury.
MVP Contenders:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexcander:
He’s the best player on the best team in the NBA. He’s a champion. He’s the current MVP. Why not go back-to-back?
Currently, according to his statistics on Statmuse, SGA is averaging 31.9 ppg (3rd in the NBA) and leads his team in both points (obviously) and assists (6.7 apg). Currently, his placement in the MVP race could go either way, as he is the current title holder. The main thing hurting his chances, however, is something NBA fans know all too well: voter fatigue.
A quick look at previous MVP selections show a clear pattern: voters get tired of seeing the same old faces winning the MVP year after year. It happened to Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘21 (when Nikola Jokic won) and then to Jokic in ‘23 (when Joel Embiid won). Who says that SGA will not be the next victim of this trend?
Nikola Jokic:
The NBA sure loves a comeback story, especially when that comeback story is averaging a triple-double. Jokic is a three-time MVP, winning back-to-back awards in ’21 and ’22, losing to Embiid in ’23 and regaining his crown back in ’24.
He is considered by many to be the best player in the world, despite coming in second last year to Gilgeous-Alexander. Just like with his win in ’24, when he regained the title he lost mainly due to a media narrative, Jokic has high chances of winning the ’26 NBA MVP, especially once voters’ excitement around SGA dies down.
Giannis Antetokounmpo:
The Greek Freak. Two time MVP, one time champion, and, according to his statistics on Statmuse, averaging 31.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, and 6.8 apg. What’s stopping him from winning the award? The Milwaukee Bucks.
As a rule of thumb for MVP voters in the NBA, in order for a player to win MVP, their team has to be considered one of the top teams in the league. The Bucks, however, are 19th in net rating and 11th in the Eastern Conference. If you’re new to the NBA, these rankings don’t look too good.
Despite playing at an MVP-caliber level for the past five years, Giannis is being held back by his mediocre team. The only way for the Bucks to be competitive in the East is through Giannis, who, according to Sports Illustrated, has suffered a groin strain and will be out for 1-2 weeks.
Victor Wembenyama:
He is the greatest prospect since 2003 LeBron James. He’s 7 ‘4, and one of the most mature and “locked-in” players in the modern NBA. What could possibly keep this giant from winning MVP? The same thing that kept him from winning DPOY last season: injuries.
According to CBS Sports, Wemby has suffered a left calf strain, which will sideline him for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. Missing three weeks’ worth of games will put Wembenyama in serious risk of violating the NBA’s 65-games requirement for awards. In fact, this scenario led to him losing the DPOY despite being the favorite for the award last year.
Does Wembenyama have what it takes to win MVP? Yes. But can his body stick together for 65 games? That’s another issue.
Luka Doncic:
Do you want to know another rule of thumb in every MVP race? Narrative. It is what helped Embiid win the award in ’23 and, at least to some degree, SGA in ’25.
Want to know another fun fact? Luka Doncic is overflowing with narrative. Picture this: a loyal franchise star gets brutally traded midway through the season to a team with an aging star ready to pass on the torch. Who wouldn’t want the kid to win MVP, prove his old team wrong, and create a dynasty in LA?
It also doesn’t hurt to lead the league in ppg (34.6) while averaging 8.5 rpg and 9 apg, as stated on Statsmuse.
Conclusion:
This year’s MVP race, just like the title contenders, has proven to be one of the most exciting ones yet. We have the reigning MVP bashing horns with a triple-double machine, a narrative-driven star ready to prove his worth, and two injury stricken underdogs ready to take the fight to OKC? Will narrative, history, or skill win? Again, only time will tell.
