Race for MVP | Our favorites for the 2025/26 season

Two received MVP votes last season. For our editorial office, there are four main candidates who can hope to run the best player trophy from 2025/6. Like a few months ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etc Nikola Jokic they are clearly among the big favorites. But two players who have never been awarded the “Michael Jordan Trophy” could join the fray.

A clear trend is emerging: the MVP race will be played in the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was first in action last night to continue the season. An opportunity for the Canadian to set the tone, while Oklahoma City will be special stripped of Jalen Williamsthe team’s second offensive option. After the NBA title, “SGA” remained rather discreet, faithful to its traditional summer work. The same ones that pushed him to reach milestones season after season, until he pulled off a great workout.

“SGA” against Jokić, 3rd round

For the first time in his career, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander established himself as the league’s best scorer (32.7 points), and he was efficient (51.9% shooting, 37.5% three-pointers, 89.8% free throws) and, above all, decisive. The 27-year-old contributed heavily to Oklahoma City’s 68-win regular season to move atop the MVP list for the first time.

However, Gromov’s leader/guard does not win the favor of our newsroom with one vote. His main opponent last season, Nikola Jokicis the winner of our consultation. The Serbian could thus win his fourth MVP trophy and thus join the ranks Wilt Chamberlain etc LeBron James on the list. The Nuggets pivot could benefit from the reinforcements that arrived in Denver during the offseason to provide a better collective assessment in their bid. The Rockies franchise finished 18 wins short of the Thunder last season, which helped tip the scales in “SGA’s” favor.

Nikola Jokić, however, had nothing to complain about, joining a very closed circle of players who finished the season with a triple-double average alongside Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. If he can maintain his level of production – an insane 30-13-10 average… – and his brilliant actions, Joker will inevitably be in the discussion. He could also use an extra offensive card or two (13 40+ point games for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander including four with 50+ units, 8 for Nikola Jokic).

Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards, big odds

From crazy evenings to goals, they can offer them the other two players mentioned in our editorial. Absent from the vote last season because he missed too many matches, Luka Dončić ended his streak of five seasons in the MVP Top 8. Slovenian is highly anticipated this seasonhis first complete under the colors of the Lakers. He will have to assert himself a little more as the boss of Los Angeles, while LeBron James starts the season in the infirmary. His frustrating summer collectively with Slovenia could give him extra motivation.

Seventh in voting these past two seasons, Anthony Edwards is the last player listed as a possible winner. The Wolves guard managed to lead his team to the Western Conference finals two seasons in a row, which is quite a performance despite the thick of the troubles. “Ant-Man,” however, will have to hope that Minnesota can be more consistent than last season, which felt like a rollercoaster at times.

At the age of 24, he confirmed his rank among the best two-way players in the NBA. But the Wolves’ exit against OKC during the last playoffs left a bitter taste. The preferential treatment reserved by the Thunder could motivate Anthony Edwards even more in his quest for recognition.

THE 2026 MVP RACE: OUR FAVORITES

• Shai Giljus-Alexander (Thunder)

2024/25 stats: 32.7 points (on 51.9% shooting), 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1 block

Stats for the 2024/25 season: 29.6 points (57.6%), 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals

2024/25 stats: 28.2 points (from 45%), 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.8 steals

Stats for 2024/25: 27.6 points (44.7%), 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals

NOSE OUTSIDERS

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jaylen Brunson (Knicks), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Cade Cunningham (Pistons)