NBA MVP rankings: Cade Cunningham pulls into third ...
Cunningham, Brunson and Brown all have strong cases for the third spot in the rankings behind SGA and Luka
www.cbssports.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to mid-2026.
Direct answer
- The NBA MVP race remains highly contested, with multiple players posting standout seasons and leading candidates regularly shifting as teams finish the regular season and approach the playoffs.
Context and recent trends
- Sports outlets continue to feature a “MVP ladder” or straw poll style rankings that track voting sentiment among media members. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Nikola Jokić have repeatedly been at or near the top in late-season polls, with other stars like Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Jalen Brown receiving strong consideration depending on performance and team success.[3][5][9]
- The official MVP winner is determined by a panel of voters who rank their top five candidates, with a 10-7-5-3-1 point system. Historically, consistent performance, team success, and clutch moments near the end of the season influence final ballots.[2]
- Momentum often shifts in the final stretch of the regular season as players push for playoff positioning, and unforeseen injuries or team context can alter the perception of who is most valuable.
Key players often mentioned in current conversations
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)
- Nikola Jokić (DEN)
- Luka Dončić (DAL)
- Victor Wembanyama (SAS) has generated significant attention with a strong rookie year, though rookies rarely win MVP
- Other frequent names in late-season chatter include Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jalen Brown, depending on their teams' performance and personal stats
What to watch next
- Final week of the regular season: performance in the last few games, seeding implications, and any late-season surges
- Injury updates: any significant injuries or returns that could shift the MVP narrative
- Postseason positioning: teams’ championship ambitions can influence voters’ perception of “value”
Would you like me to pull the most recent top-5 MVP ladder or the latest odds and breakdowns from specific outlets (e.g., ESPN, CBS Sports, Rotowire) and present a concise table with current leaders and points? I can compile a current snapshot with citations.