Victor Wembanyama Named Among NBA MVP Finalists Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić

Victor Wembanyama has been named one of the three finalists for the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player award, joining Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić as the league’s top contenders for the honor. The announcement came from the NBA on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, setting the stage for a historic showdown that could see the French rookie become the first player in league history to win MVP in his debut season.

Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 phenom selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, has averaged 24.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game this season while shooting 48.5% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. His defensive impact has been transformative for San Antonio, helping the Spurs improve their defensive rating from 118.2 last season to 112.7 this year – the fifth-best mark in the NBA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring at 32.7 points per game while adding 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds, guiding the Thunder to the NBA’s best record at 57-25. Nikola Jokić, the two-time defending MVP, averages a triple-double with 29.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, keeping the Nuggets among the Western Conference elite at 50-32.

Why Wembanyama’s MVP Candidacy Matters

The inclusion of Wembanyama in the MVP conversation represents a significant shift in how the league evaluates rookie impact. No player in NBA history has ever won the MVP award in their first season, with the closest attempts coming from Wilt Chamberlain (1959-60) and Oscar Robertson (1960-61), both of whom finished as runners-up. Wembanyama’s combination of elite scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking at his size and age has drawn comparisons to legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting adds a modern dimension rarely seen in traditional massive men.

His candidacy also highlights the Spurs’ remarkable turnaround under head coach Gregg Popovich. After finishing the 2023-24 season with a 22-60 record, San Antonio has improved to 41-41 this year, positioning themselves for a play-in tournament berth in the Western Conference. Wembanyama’s presence has been credited with revitalizing the franchise’s defensive identity while unlocking new offensive possibilities through his versatility.

Statistical Comparison of the Finalists

A detailed seem at the three finalists’ season averages reveals the unique strengths each brings to the MVP race:

• Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): 24.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.9 BPG, 2.1 APG, 48.5% FG, 36.8% 3PT
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): 32.7 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.0 RPG, 51.2% FG, 38.4% 3PT
• Nikola Jokić (Nuggets): 29.7 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 10.2 APG, 58.3% FG, 38.9% 3PT

While Gilgeous-Alexander leads in pure scoring and Jokić dominates in all-around playmaking and rebounding, Wembanyama’s defensive presence – particularly his league-leading 3.9 blocks per game – gives him a unique edge in impacting games on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim while also stepping out to hit three-pointers at a high rate represents a rare blend of skills that has forced opponents to adjust their entire offensive strategies.

Historical Context and Precedent

To understand the significance of Wembanyama’s MVP nomination, it’s important to examine the historical context of rookie performances in the NBA. Since the award’s inception in 1955-56, only four rookies have ever finished in the top five of MVP voting: Wilt Chamberlain (2nd, 1959-60), Oscar Robertson (2nd, 1960-61), Ralph Sampson (4th, 1983-84), and Tim Duncan (4th, 1997-98). Duncan’s fourth-place finish as a rookie with the Spurs remains the highest finish by a first-year player in the modern era, making Wembanyama’s potential to not only crack the top five but actually win the award a unprecedented development.

The last time a Spur won MVP was Tim Duncan in 2002-03, and no French player has ever won the award, with Tony Parker coming closest in 2007-08 when he finished fifth in the voting. A Wembanyama victory would not only break the rookie MVP curse but also represent the first MVP award for a French-born player in NBA history, adding another layer of historical significance to the race.

What’s Next for the MVP Race

The NBA will announce the official MVP winner during the 2025 NBA Awards presentation on June 24, 2025, in New York City. Until then, the three finalists will continue to compete for their respective teams in the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming playoffs. The Spurs currently hold the 9th seed in the Western Conference with a 41-41 record, needing to win their final two games to secure a play-in tournament berth. The Thunder (1st seed, 57-25) and Nuggets (4th seed, 50-32) are both locked into playoff positions and will begin their postseason campaigns on April 19, 2025.

For Wembanyama, the focus remains on helping San Antonio secure a play-in spot and gain valuable postseason experience. His performance in the final games of the regular season could influence the final MVP voting, as voters often consider late-season momentum when making their decisions. Regardless of the outcome, his selection as a finalist already cements his status as one of the most impactful rookie seasons in NBA history.

As the NBA community awaits the final decision, the conversation has already shifted to what In other words for the future of the league. With Wembanyama redefining what’s possible for a rookie, Gilgeous-Alexander establishing himself as an elite scorer and leader, and Jokić continuing to redefine the center position, the 2024-25 MVP race represents a fascinating intersection of tradition and innovation in professional basketball.

What do you think about this year’s MVP finalists? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us grasp who you believe deserves to take home the award.