As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is taking shape, but the debate surrounding the league’s Most Valuable Player award is reaching fever pitch. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having claimed the honor in 2025, the question now is: who will succeed him? The field is remarkably strong, and increasingly international, with several players making compelling cases for the prestigious award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Poised for Back-to-Back MVP Awards?
Averaging 31.5 points (on 55.7% shooting), 4.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is building a strong case for a repeat MVP performance. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has maintained an incredibly consistent scoring output, even surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with at least 20 points. [1] The Thunder currently hold the top spot in the Western Conference and are legitimate contenders for a second consecutive championship, a feat not achieved since 2018. Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent excellence and leadership are central to OKC’s success.
Luka Dončić: Carrying the Load for the Lakers
Luka Dončić is averaging 33.6 points (47.4% shooting), 7.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, and has been the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ rise to third place in the Western Conference. [1] He currently leads the league in scoring, carrying a significant offensive burden, supported by Austin Reaves and LeBron James. While Dončić’s offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive contributions are less prominent, a factor that may weigh against him in the MVP voting. At 27 years old, he has yet to win the MVP award, but the Lakers’ inconsistent performance throughout the season could hinder his chances this year.
Nikola Jokić: The Consistent Excellence of a Triple-Double Threat
Nikola Jokić is averaging 27.8 points (57% shooting), 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game, routinely flirting with triple-double territory. [1] The 2021, 2022, and 2024 MVP has almost normalized the extraordinary, consistently delivering exceptional all-around performances for the Denver Nuggets. Can he add a fourth MVP trophy to his collection, joining LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain in that exclusive club? Jokić himself appears largely unconcerned with individual accolades, his primary focus remaining on securing a second championship for the Nuggets and, reportedly, tending to his horses back in Serbia. Some analysts suggest that voters may be hesitant to award the MVP to the same player too frequently.
Victor Wembanyama: A Rookie Impact Like No Other
At just 22 years old, Victor Wembanyama is already making a significant impact on the NBA, on both ends of the court. [2] In his third season, the San Antonio Spurs center is a unique offensive and defensive threat, and has led the Spurs to a 21-game improvement over last season. Averaging 24.2 points (50.5% shooting), 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game, Wembanyama’s statistics are impressive, but his youth and relatively lower scoring average compared to other contenders may be a disadvantage in the MVP race. He is, however, a strong contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Eastern Conference Contenders
The majority of the MVP frontrunners currently reside in the Western Conference. While their chances of winning the award are slimmer, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons are expected to receive some votes. Cunningham, currently sidelined with an injury, must reach the 65-game threshold to be eligible for consideration, a requirement that also applies to Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, and Wembanyama should they face further absences.
The MVP race is tightening as the regular season concludes. While Gilgeous-Alexander enters the final stretch as the favorite, the performances of Dončić, Jokić, and Wembanyama are keeping the competition fierce. The ultimate decision will likely hinge on a combination of individual statistics, team success, and the subjective opinions of voters. As of March 27, 2026, Victor Wembanyama has recently surged past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the No. 1 spot in the Kia MVP Ladder. [3] However, the race remains incredibly close, and a strong finish to the season could easily shift the momentum.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Boston Celtics on March 25th, 2026, and then the Philadelphia 76ers on March 23rd, 2026. [1] These games will be crucial tests for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder as they push for the top seed in the Western Conference. Retain an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the NBA MVP race and the upcoming playoffs.
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