SGA eyes repeat MVP while battling injury and elite competition. Discover the top five contenders vying for NBA's ultimate individual honor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the chance to join an exclusive list of NBA superstars and legends if he can become a back to back league Most Valuable Player.
The roll call of repeat NBA MVPs is only 13 names long and it's filled with icons of the game. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic.
The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is the current favorite to take home the 2026 MVP trophy. The biggest obstacle in his way is the current abdominal strain that caused Gilgeous-Alexander to miss the final five games before the All-Star Break. The reigning MVP needs to play 16 of the final 26 games to become eligible for end of season awards.
While health is the paramount priority for Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP odds, there are other hurdles to cross. Namely, the league's many other worthy candidates. As we head down the stretch of the NBA season, a top 5 group of MVP nominees has emerged.
Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Brown, Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Kawhi Leonard.
5. Victor Wembanyama. The generational prospect is realizing his potential in real time. The 7'5" alien has led the San Antonio Spurs to within 3 games of the West's #1 seed. Wembanyama can only miss 3 more games before he is ineligible. But if he qualifies for postseason accolades, the young Spurs superstar could take home Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA and a possible top 3 MVP finish.
4. Luka Doncic. One of the most popular and talented players in the league putting up big raw numbers on the most popular and glamorous team in the league is always a threat to win MVP. But Doncic's efficiency, turnovers, lack of defense and overall team disappointment likely keeps the trophy out of reach.
3. Cade Cunningham. After the Thunder started 24-1, who would have ever thought it would be the Detroit Pistons with the league's best record by winning percentage at the All-Star Break? The former #1 overall pick has stuffed the stat sheet and the win column. Cunningham just doesn't have the video game box score numbers and efficiency to compete with the two players at the top.
2. Nikola Jokic. The three time MVP is averaging a triple double once again. His advanced stats are off the charts once again. But Jokic has to play 26 of the Nuggets' final 27 games to qualify for postseason awards. Not to mention, his recent stretch of games has been below his usual standards and Denver has struggled since his return. But if he qualifies, he will have his loud and vocal supporters.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Last year, he had one of the greatest individual seasons of all-time. Somehow, he's even better this year. Gilgeous-Alexander is the leader in the clubhouse due to his unbelievably high efficient, high volume scoring combined with top tier defense mixed with strong box score numbers across the board, all spearheaded by leading the best team in the NBA. No other candidate has a resume that fuses winning, statistics and games played as much as the reigning MVP.