2026 NBA MVP Race: Wembanyama Leads as SGA and Dončić Contend
The race for the 2026 NBA MVP is heating up, with Victor Wembanyama favored over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić as the season begins.
The anticipation for the 2026 NBA MVP race is palpable as the season approaches. With DraftKings Sportsbook releasing their early odds on October 17, the spotlight seems to shine brightest on Victor Wembanyama, closely followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić as strong contenders for the prestigious award.
Wembanyama: The Strong Frontrunner
Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie from last season, finds himself as the early favorite for the MVP title. After leading his team to the NBA Finals last year, despite falling to the Knicks, Wembanyama's potential is undeniable. If he maintains his health, he is also poised to claim the Defensive Player of the Year title for a second consecutive season. Notably, only three players have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both MVP and DPOY in the same year: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Gilgeous-Alexander Eyes Another Season of Dominance
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is back in the competition, having averaged impressive numbers of 32.7 points on 51.9% shooting the previous season while leading the Thunder to the best record in the league. In the 2023-24 season, he showcased his scoring prowess with an average of 31.1 points and a shooting percentage of 55.3%. His formula for success is straightforward: score heavily and win games. With a strong supporting cast, there's little to suggest he won't continue this trend in the upcoming season.
Dončić Seeks Redemption in Dallas
Despite his incredible performance, Luka Dončić has yet to finish higher than third in MVP voting, with his best showing happening during the 2022-2023 season. Last season, Dončić led the league in scoring with an average of 33.5 points per game, complemented by 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. With LeBron James out of Los Angeles, this could be the year for Dončić to elevate his game and take the Dallas Mavericks to new heights.
Jokić Continues His MVP Legacy
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić remains a strong candidate as well. Impressively, he has either won or been a runner-up for the award in the past six seasons. Last year, he made history by becoming the first player to lead the league in both rebounds (12.9) and assists (10.7), while also averaging a triple-double for the second straight year. However, his Nuggets faced an early playoff exit, which may have influenced perceptions about his candidacy.
Tatum's Time to Shine
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is another player to watch. After an injury-plagued previous season, during which he only played 16 regular-season and six playoff games, Tatum is looking to prove his worth. With Jaylen Brown's trade to the Sixers, Tatum now fully owns the Celtics franchise. A healthy season could see him returning to MVP discussions.
Giannis Aims for a Comeback
The Greek Freak, who claimed two MVP awards during his Milwaukee tenure and is one of the few to have won both MVP and DPOY in the same season, is now embarking on a new journey in South Beach. After a challenging season during which he played only 36 games and has struggled in the playoffs for three years running, this could be a pivotal moment for him as he seeks a career revival.
With the season just around the corner, the race for the 2026 NBA MVP is set to be thrilling. With giants like Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, and Jokić in the mix, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious as the season unfolds.
