Who Could Win the NBA MVP Honors This Year? Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic & More
The 2025-26 NBA season features a scorching MVP race as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the league with historic performances.
Nikola Jokic is off to arguably his best start yet, averaging 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists through 17 games with the Denver Nuggets.
He leads the league in rebounds and assists per game simultaneously, a feat never before achieved in the same season. His remarkable efficiency includes making 70% of his two-point attempts and 43% on threes, and he has recorded triple-doubles in more than half of his games.
Jokic’s game score average this season, a metric summarizing overall production, is 31.8 — the highest ever through 17 games, surpassing legends like Michael Jordan. He is a top contender for a fourth MVP award, building on a record-setting level of all-around dominance.
Other MVP contenders’ rise
Joining Jokic in the MVP conversation are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic, all of whom have historic season starts.
Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP, scores 32.2 points per game with career-high efficiency and leads the 17-1 Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a recent injury, Giannis continues to average an impressive 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, showcasing improved playmaking and efficiency near the basket.
Luka Doncic reigns as the league’s top scorer with 34.5 points per game while maintaining near triple-double averages. His shooting efficiency, free throw dominance, and playmaking make him a formidable MVP candidate.
What this means for the MVP race
While statistical regression may affect some numbers as the season progresses, the race promises intensity and historic significance. Four players currently dominate the league with statistically elite performances amid a high-scoring era.
Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Antetokounmpo, and Doncic each bring unique skills and injury risks into the battle for MVP honors. This rivalry could define the season, highlighting escalating player efficiency, scoring outbursts, and all-around excellence.
These four stars stand head and shoulders above the rest, setting the stage for one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory.
